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Edward Von der Porten
1933 - 2018
Edward Von der Porten Obituary
October 29, 1933 - April 9, 2018
Edward Von der Porten, 84, Bay Area educator, maritime historian, and archaeologist.Ed was raised in New York, then attended San Francisco State University (BA & MA).
He married Saryl Corrick in 1954. They had two sons: Michael and Eric.
His teaching career in Santa Rosa led to developing text books on report and term paper writing and historical source materials.
When bulldozers were destroying Native American sites in the future Point Reyes National Seashore, he developed the archaeology program at SRJC.
Joining the Drake Navigators Guild (DNG) and working with Chinese porcelain fragments found at Point Reyes, Ed and Clarence Shangraw (Asian Art Museum) determined that both Drake (1579) and Cermeño (1595) cargoes were present. Ed became an expert on early trade porcelains and DNG president.
Starting in 1996, Ed and the DNG led the work to have the Drakes Bay National Historic and Archeological District National Historic Landmark established in 2012.
For many summers, Ed and Saryl traveled Europe in a VW camper working on projects including the Mary Rose. This led to an article in National Geographic: The Hanseatic League.
Ed and Saryl served as shopkeepers when the S. S. Jeremiah O'Brien returned to Europe in 1994.
Twenty years ago, Ed and Saryl learned of porcelain fragments found on a remote beach in Baja California, Mexico. That led to the lost wreck site of a sixteenth-century Manila galleon. Working with Mexican authorities, experts and volunteers, Ed built fieldwork teams each year.
His legacy includes 90+ publications & museum exhibits & ship models.
Survived by his brother, Ronald (Marsha), son Michael (Elaine), daughter-in-law Cathy, grandchildren Steven (Stephanie), Kevin, Peter and Laura and great-granddaughter Sophia.
Information is at www.winepi.com/EdVdP.html.
Friends and colleagues are invited to a celebration on Saturday, July 28, 2018: please visit the website.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Edward Von der Porten
4 Entries
July 16, 2018
My sincere condolences to Michael for the loss of his father, Ed Von der Porten. He was the faculty advisor to the student newspaper, The Santa Rosan, when I was its editor at SRHS back in 1964 or 1965. ALter, I went of a dig or two out at Drakes Bay with him. And, Michael, you may not remember, but I baby sat for you and your brother when you lived on Grahn Drive. I lived just around the corner on Montecito Ave. I have many fond memories of your parents. Candace (Bell ) Roney, San Jose, CA
Michael Lindsay
July 16, 2018
I extend my sincere condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Von Der Porten. During my sophomore year at Santa Rosa High School (Montgomery Campus) I was one of the many students Mr. Von Der Porten labored to teach English and instill an appreciation for Shakespeare et. al. I wish I had appreciated his efforts and patience as much then as I do today. Thank you Mr. Von Der Porten, may you rest in peace.
Judith Mead
July 15, 2018
I had Mr. Von der Porten as a teacher at both Cook Jr. Hi. and SRHS. He was a great teacher, but unfortunately I didn't take his instruction as seriously as I should have. I wish I had been more interested in History back then. Sorry to read of his recent passing, but he sure packed a lot into his 84 yrs., along with his wife. Condolences to his family, especially Michael who I got to know at LBH&G. Judith Mead, Santa Rosa, CA
Charles CHRISTIAN
July 15, 2018
While I only knew his son and his wife I find his passing a great loss to so many locally. My condolences to his family.
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