Patrick Porter

1990 - 2022

PATRICK PORTER

August 29, 1990 - October 7, 2022

Jon Patrick Porter was born on August 29, 1990, in Bakersfield, California. After battling health issues over the past year, Pat passed peacefully at his home in Sparks, Nevada, on October 7, 2022. While Pat was unable to have as many years as he deserved, the years he shared with us were filled with adventure and unique experiences. Bakersfield's hot summers and mild winters provided ample time for Patrick to run and play outdoors, often barefoot and shirtless. It was not uncommon to see four-year old Patrick wandering the Centennial High School campus, where his mother worked in administration and his father coached football, striking up conversation with students, staff, and the occasional stray cat. Even in later years as a student, it was common for Patrick to slip out of class seeking out students or faculty for a visit. Pat's imagination and curiosity made sitting still a chore. As a child, Patrick had the unique opportunity of working with his "Pops," which consisted of tractor and golf cart rides around his grandfather's shop. When the family lived on a vineyard in Paso Robles, riding quads and shooting BB guns with his brother Kevin led to countless memories and endless adventure.

After the Porter family returned to Bakersfield, Patrick made everlasting friendships with kids from the neighborhood and the schools he attended. Special thanks are owed to the staffs of Discovery Elementary, Fruitvale Junior High, and Centennial High for nurturing Patrick with love. While attending Centennial High School, Patrick enjoyed participating in freshman football and the swim team alongside many of his friends. Pat's active and curious mind often led to swift changes in focus and priorities. Despite the challenges he sometimes presented to teachers and coaches, he was a well-loved student and athlete. After graduating, Patrick made the sole decision to enlist in the United States Air Force. He embarked on the adventure of basic training bootcamp and graduated in front of his family on the parade grounds of Lackland Air Force Base, Texas in 2010. Patrick would go on to serve as a technician for the Remotely Piloted Aircraft program at Creech Air Force Base, NV. After his time in the Air Force, Patrick moved to northern Nevada to be close to his family.

Like many, Patrick struggled finding his footing when leaving the military. He eventually found passion working in the electrical construction trade. He then embarked on what he described as his dream job, becoming a Licensed Private Investigator. Pat loved his two fur babies, Snowball the cat and Serqet the ferret. He was passionate about SCUBA diving Lake Tahoe, viewing stars and planets through his telescope, attending music festivals, playing paintball and video games, and pursuing anything technology related. When he found passion for a topic, he would learn as much as possible and would beam with excitement in sharing what he learned with his family and friends. Throughout Pat's adventures, it became clear that he truly enjoyed helping people and sharing knowledge. Patrick continuously demonstrated patience and kindness with children. Whether it was a small grin, or ear to ear smile, it was rare to see Patrick without a happy expression. Pat was the type of person who wouldn't hesitate to offer whatever he had to help those in need.

Patrick was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents James and Beverly Baker, paternal grandparents John and Lenora Porter, and his aunt Linda Dieter. He is survived by his parents Becky and Gary, brother and sister-in-law Kevin and Lindsey, aunts Leslie Baker and Jamie Contois, uncles Dave Contois and Larry Dieter, cousins Madeline, Hannah, Mark, Stephanie, and Jennifer, nieces Ellie and Emme, and countless extended family members and friends.

A private service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Patrick's name to the following organizations: Developing Dogs CA, run by Centennial grad Julie Meyer (19247 Water Canyon Rd, Tehachapi, CA 93561 - developingdogsca.com) or Reno, NV based Eddy House (eddyhouse.org).

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