Michael Porter

Michael Porter

June 11, 1955 - September 14, 2024

The life and times of Michael A. Porter. He was born on June 11, 1955, to Jerry and Betty Porter, the fourth of six children. He grew up in North Toledo and attended Woodward High School. While there, he was in the Woodward Marching Band, where he learned to play the trombone. He would meet his first wife there, Debbie Saygers. Together they would have two beautiful girls, Molly and Amy.

Mike was always active even at a young age where he started out as a Toledo Blade carrier, and worked in sales for the former Tiedtke's Department Store. Mike's education continued at Owens Community College and Bowling Green State University in Computer Science. He worked for Schlageter Homes in their payroll department. Mike moved on to Dayton Ohio and worked for NCR in their programming department. While in Dayton, he was a frequent visitor to the Wright Patterson Air Museum and enjoyed going to Cincinnati ballgames.

Mike's job eventually took him out west to Arvada, Colorado, where he lived with his second wife, Catherine Albert. Together they enjoyed the outdoor life, owning property in the mountains. His passions included travel, photography, riding his tractor, raising chickens, goats and anything to do with railroading. He was proud to be on the Advisory Board for the Colorado Railroad Museum.

Mike retired at 62 and enjoyed his retirement years.

On September 14, 2024, Mike passed away peacefully at home with his wife by his side, after a courageous battle with colon cancer.

Mike is survived by his loving wife Catherine Albert; children, Molly Rose Porter and Amy Kathleen Porter; grandson, William Anthony Porter; siblings, Nancy (Jerry) Hawkins, Randy (Cathie) Porter, Allen (Kim) Porter and Connie Porter; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jerry and Betty; and his brother, David Porter.

A private Celebration of Life was held with the family on October 6th, 2024.

Mike lived everyday feeling like the happiest person on earth. He will always be remembered for his laughter and kind spirit and will be greatly missed by family, friends and all who knew him.