Vern G. Porter, age 80, passed away peacefully at The Willows - Whitney Place in Medway, Massachusetts on June 29, 2023, after a courageous battle with dementia with his eldest daughter by his side. Born in Andover, Maine on September 9, 1942, he was one of 8 children of the late Henry Clinton Porter and May Abbott (Goodwin) Porter. He was raised in Andover and graduated from Andover High School. After High School, Vern served in the Air Force for four years from 1962 to 1966.
He married the late Sarah Jane (Baker) on July 4, 1966 and settled in Medway. Vern leaves behind 3 children: James R Porter and his wife Kathy of Tampa, Florida, Janice R Porter of Medway, and JodiRene P Miller of Medway. Vern was the cherished Grampa of 7 and Great-Grampa of 4. He is also survived by his sister, Edna Touchette and her husband Robert of Holliston as well as his former wife and friend, Michele Jordan and many nieces and nephews.
Vern worked at General Motors in Framingham in his early years. Later, as a talented carpenter, he started a carpentry business with a partner framing houses and eventually went into building houses on his own but his passion resided in running, motorcycles and race cars. He was best known as a runner winning many road race medals as a member of the Tri-Valley Front Runners. Vern was the owner of an SK Light Modified which raced at Stafford Speedway, Connecticut. He loved all outdoor activities any time of the year and would happily take you along for his many adventures.
If you were lucky enough to know Vern, you knew he was a great friend and a devoted dad and were most likely a recipient of his kind, fun loving and generous nature. Vern retired to his beloved cabin in Roxbury, Maine, where he remained until October of 2019 when his courageous battle with dementia no longer allowed him to be alone.
His children wish to thank the staff from The Willows at Medway – Tapestry Unit, Salmon VNA and Salmon Hospice Services for their compassionate and quality care. A heartfelt thank you to Nanci from Senior Helpers who provided amazing companionship and care to Vern during his last months.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Friday, July 21 from 4 – 6 p.m. in the Ginley Crowley Funeral home, 3 Barber Street in Medway (ginleyfuneralhomes.com) followed by a funeral service at 6 p.m. in the funeral home. Following the service, a celebration of life reception will be held at the Medway VFW Post, 123 Holliston Street in Medway .
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Vern’s memory to the Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011 or the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) 10 City Square, Suite 2, Boston, MA 02129.