Ian Alexander Porter

Ian Alexander Porter died July 7, 2012. He was 56 years old, and a current resident of Birmingham, MI. He previously resided in Marquette, MI and Port Angeles, WA. Ian was born July 13, 1955 in Detroit, MI to Dr. Kenneth and Pauline Porter. Ian graduated from Birmingham Seaholm High School, and attended Northern Michigan University in Marquette. Ian loved his time at NMU, and developed lifelong relationships. Ian, and his wife, Sharon, would continue to visit the U.P., specifically Marquette and Grand Island. Ian was a carpenter by trade, but his passion was spending time in the outdoors. He was a climber, and counted Mt. Rainier as one of his summits. He also enjoyed camping, canoeing, shooting skeet, and bike riding. Ian was also an avid skier since his childhood. At 13 years old, he was the youngest person to earn the silver badge in the Blizzard Ski Club and maintains that record to this day. Always wanting to be outside, Ian took great pride in the care of his home in Birmingham, and the landscaping of his gardens. Ian also liked to travel, and had been to every state in the continental U.S. When he was not enjoying himself doing something outside, one could most likely find Ian enjoying music and working on his photography. He had a wide, eclectic taste in music that included jazz, country/folk, and rock 'n roll. Ian had an appreciation and love of all kinds of art, and visited the Detroit Institute of Arts as often as possible. Ian was the husband of Sharon Steelman Porter; father of Andrew; son of Pauline and the late Kenneth, M.D.; brother of Jonathan (Kathleen), Frances Starnes (Jim Long), and Mary Baldiga (Joe); son-in-law of Fay and the late J.T. Steelman; brother-in-law of Tom Steelman (Kathy) and K.C. Steelman (Matie). He was also survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends. Family will receive friends at A.J. Desmond & Sons (Vasu, Rodgers & Connell Chapel), 32515 Woodward (btwn 13-14 Mile), Wednesday 3-7p.m. Memorial Service Thursday 11:30a.m. at First United Methodist Church, 1589 W. Maple Rd., Birmingham. In lieu of flowers, family suggests memorial tributes to the Ian A. Porter Memorial Bench Fund, c/o 32515 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak, MI 48073.