George Arnold Porter

George Arnold Porter, 83, of Edmonds, WA passed away on March 31, 2014.
     He was born on February 17, 1931 in Chicago, IL, to George William and Laura Agnes Wilhelm Porter. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1951-55 during the Korean War.
    Taking advantage of the G.I. Bill, he studied at Bradley University and then began a 39 year career at The Boeing Company as an industrial engineer in the aerospace program.
    He was especially proud to be part of the Inertial Upper Stage (IUS) Booster Rocket team which received one of the world's most prestigious aerospace awards.
    A lifelong Episcopalian, he served on the vestry, ushered, and faithfully assisted with various ministries over the years at St. Alban's parish in Edmonds. He was a long-time member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks #2171 where he served two terms as Inner Guard officer.
    He enjoyed camping, woodworking, attending P2 Navy reunions, all things associated to flying and aerospace, grilling burgers and salmon, listening to old-time radio programs, swing and big-band music, and spending time with his friends and family.
    He will be remembered for his devotion and kind, quiet, steadfast nature.
    He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Carole Diane Mattson whom he married on February 5, 1955; and brother-in-law, Thomas; and nephew, David Karich.  He is survived by his sister, Carolyn Karich; daughters, Laura (Pete) Thompson, Karen Porter, and Katie (Jim) Stark; grandchildren, Alana and Spencer Stark, Mandi Fellers; and great-grandson, Blake Fellers; sister and brother-in-law, Alana and Jack Rochon; as well as nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces, and cousins.
    A memorial service and reception will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2014 at 1 p.m. at St. Alban's Episcopal Church, 21405-82nd Pl. W., Edmonds. (425) 778-0371.  All family and friends are invited to attend.
    Military honors at Floral Hills in Lynnwood will be conducted at a later date.
    Remembrances may be given to the Episcopal Relief and Development Fund, the Tall Elks of B.P.O.E. Lodge 2171, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Boeing Museum of Flight, or a charity of your choice.


    From April 1952 to Feb 1955 he served in Patrol Squadron Two as an electronics technician.  The squadron was home ported at the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station near Oak Harbor, and deployed to Alaska and the Far East.  In 1990, George Porter was the 136th veteran of Patrol Squadron Two to join the Patrol Squadron Two Association.