G. Robert Porter Jr.

1928 - 2013

G. Robert Porter Jr. obituary, 1928-2013, Dallas, TX

BORN

1928

DIED

2013

G. Porter Obituary

Porter, Jr., G. Robert (Bob) Bob Porter, devoted father, grandfather and husband, passed away November 14, 2013 at his home lovingly held by wife, sons and extended family. His extraordinary intelligence, honor, wit, and unwavering loyalty were treasured by all who knew him. Born, June 7, 1928, Bob was a 3rd generation Dallasite reflecting the strength and wholesome qualities of Mesquite where Gil and Elma Porter nurtured this beloved son. A distinguished journalist with the Dallas Times Herald for 29 years, he was a theater, film and art critic, columnist and celebrity profiler. He traveled the world to exotic film locations and met the Good, Bad and Ugly in glamorous watering holes. But he never lost that wry humor, his deep humility or his awareness of the quirks of mankind. His intelligence challenged us, his wit delighted us, and his unwavering commitment to excellence in all things gave us lofty goals. When the newspaper closed in 1991, he joined the staff of The Sixth Floor Museum as Director of Communications for nine years. Between print and TV media oversight, he conceived, organized and supervised the development of the Oral History Project, securing a historically invaluable library of video interviews of those present during the JFK assassination. In recognition of his life work, the Press Club of Dallas named him a 2013 Living Legend in North Texas Journalism. Following his retirement in 2001 he had film scripts and TV pilots commissioned, served as editor and writer of Citilites Magazine, wrote for Legacies Magazine, and wrote the 60th anniversary Dallas Summer Musicals history. He was a Co-Founder of the USA Film Festival and a longtime stringer for the Hollywood Reporter and Playbill. He served on the board of the Dallas Jazz Orchestra, celebrating his love of music instilled while playing with the fabled North Texas 1 o'clock Lab Band. He received both undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of North Texas. While known nationally for his understated wit and literate critiques, nothing thrilled Bob more than having one of his beloved grandchildren quote a Shakespearian sonnet, recognize an artist or belt out the latest Broadway tune. As Gaga or Beloved Bopo, he shepherded them to the same theaters, museums and concert halls their fathers attended with him, absorbing his love of music and film. His greatest passion was transmitting to them his love of art and artists of all genres. Bob is survived by the wife of 56 years, Pat Porter; three sons, Robert (Muriel), Paul (Amanda) and Craig (Heather) Porter; granddaughters, Christina, Haley, Jessica, and Alison Porter, and grandson, Jackson Porter; brother Bill (DKay) Porter of Mesquite and nephew Zac (Emily) and niece Shelley (Les) and a host of national and international friend. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gilderoy Robert Porter, Sr. and Elma Clinton Porter. In recognition and tribute to the extraordinary care he received from UTSouthwestern Medical, Bob willed his body for the study of the dementia that he fought for 10 years. The family will scatter his ashes in his beloved New Mexico followed by a gala celebration of his remarkable life at a later date. Tributes may be made to Faith Presbyterian Hospice, whose dedicated caregivers made his last days beautiful, or to the jazz program at the University of North Texas.

Published by Dallas Morning News on Nov. 16, 2013.
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Pat, Harold and I are so sorry to hear of Bob's recent passing. What a friendly, gently soul he was and what a great head of hair he had! Harold's so jealous. We send our heartfelt sympathies and hugs to you.

Marilee and Harold Gaar

November 21, 2013

Pat, I'm so sorry about your loss and Dallas'. What an amazing man and talent. We're all going to miss him. Know that I'm thinking about you.

Shari Goldstein Stern
(formerly Office of Culture Affairs, though which we met.)

November 20, 2013

Dear Pat:

I have thought of you often over the years since we worked together at SMU. I use to work on Playbill programs with you many moons ago when the SMU Print Shop was still in full force (oh, my...the 80s!).

So very sorry for your loss. I remember meeting Bob, a tall, very sweet man. Between the two of you, there was such a spark that lit up a room!

Love and thoughts of comfort for you and your family.

Becky Brown Horn

November 18, 2013

Dearest Pat and family, I am so sorry to learn of your loss. Bob and I send our love and prayers to you. Peggy Gould

November 17, 2013

Sorry for your loss. I worked with Bob at The Sixth Floor Museum and considered him a friend and colleague. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Tim Gette

November 17, 2013

Dear Pat,
I was saddened to learn of Bob's passing. He was a sweet man whose glib wit and gentle nature made my working with him a pleasure. I have many fond memories of time spent with both of you during my years in Dallas. My sympathies to you and your family.

Michael Gerety

November 16, 2013

Pat,
I was saddened to learn that the spark that was Bob´s life has been extinguished. He and you were an exceptional love story. What wonderful memories you have.
Rest in peace dear one.
Karen Cage - Ajijic, Mexico

November 16, 2013

May you all be comforted by the amazing legacy that this man has left on this earththrough his children and grandchildren. Xxx

Deirdre Murphy

November 16, 2013

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