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Mervyn Porter Obituary
12/18/2009
Mervyn Harry (Porteguese) Porter – passed away on December 18, 2009 at the age of 92.
Merv was born in Spokane, WA, but he grew up in San Francisco. His family was a member of Congregation Sherith Israel. He loved the City – the restaurants, architecture, train service on the Bay Bridge, his Richmond district paper route, politics and Herb Caen. He was a proud graduate of Commerce High School and then the University of San Francisco in 1938. During World War II he served as a medic at Letterman Hospital in the Presidio.
Merv's career was centered on the San Francisco furniture business. He worked for many firms as a salesperson, bookkeeper and buyer. He was successful in several of his own business ventures as well. He married his Spokane childhood friend, Vivian Dornberg, in 1946. They settled in Orinda, which became their home for the next 45 years. They were married for 50 years until her death in 1996.
Merv was an avid tennis player, golfer and internet/email enthusiast. He was a member of the SF Masonic Lodge #102. Merv retired and moved to Rocklin in 1990. It was there that he began a 3-day a week volunteer commitment with the City of Rocklin working in finance, planning and human resources. He also volunteered at Sierra Community College processing books in the library and enjoying coffee with college students and staff.& nbsp; In June 2008, he was named the City of Rocklin's outstanding volunteer and received recognition from Senator Diane Feinstein. Merv believed that staying active "keeps you young". He considered himself pre-elderly at 90! He was a mensch. Always engaging, kind and optimistic, he loved life and the people around him.
Merv is survived by his son Bryan Porter (Ernie Cute); daughter Elaine Porter (Ann Ritzma) and grandsons Ben Porter and Noah Porter as well as his long-time friend and business partner Norman Polse and sister-in-law Helen Porter and family. He was predeceased by his wife Vivian Dornberg (1996), his brother Warren (Porteguese) Porter (2007), his father Harry Porteguese (1956) and mother Rose Lippet (1964).
There will be no public service. Donations in his memory may be made to: The California Academy of Science or the San Francisco SPCA.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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