Robert Mayes Porter, 89, and his loving wife of 66 years, Kathryn Celeste Porter, 87, have both passed away. Kay passed the morning of December 31, 2022. Bob joined her three weeks later on January 22, 2023.
Kathryn was born on January 31, 1935 in Lidgerwood, North Dakota. Her family relocated to Southern California in the late 1930’s and settled in Chino, where she graduated from Chino High School in 1952, and in 1954, enrolled at the newly opened campus at the University of California, Riverside. She would later graduate from UCR and earn a teaching credential. Kay taught kindergarten at Fremont and Woodcrest Elementary Schools in the Riverside Unified School District for 22 years. She was dedicated to her family and friends, and enjoyed camping, crafting, exercising, gardening and traveling.
Robert was born on June 22, 1933 in Riverside, California. The product of Riverside Unified School District schools, Bob attended Palm Elementary, Central Junior High and Riverside Poly High School. Following graduation in 1951, he attended Riverside City College, where he played football and baseball. In 1954, he enrolled at the University of California, Riverside, where he was a member of UCR’s first basketball team under Coach Frank Lindeburg. It was at UCR where he met his future wife, Kay. Bob went on to teach and coach in the Riverside Unified School District for 36 years at Sierra Junior High School and Ramona High School. He served as the Varsity Baseball Coach at Ramona and later the Athletic Director. He also spent many years working for the Y.M.C.A., coaching Summer Recreation League baseball, and serving as the City of Riverside Parks and Recreation Department Swimming Pools Supervisor.
Bob and Kay were married on August 30, 1956 and raised two children. They enjoyed family vacations at the beach and mountains, traveling throughout the desert southwest and Mexico, and boating on the Colorado River and Lake Powell. Bob was recognized by the Riverside Sport Hall of Fame with the Chuck Kane Leadership Award in 2016 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2019 as a contributor for his mentorship and involvement with the Riverside youth sports community.
Bob and Kay are survived by their children, Rebecca and Gregory, Kay’s brother, Thomas Gaukler, and many loving nieces, nephews, extended family, friends and caregivers. Their legacy is one of lifelong friendships, compassion and commitment to loved ones.
A Celebration of Life for Bob and Kay will be held on Wednesday, April 5 at 1:00 p.m. at the California Citrus State Historic Park Sunkist Center, 9400 Dufferin Avenue in Riverside. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ramona High School Athletic Hall of Fame at 7675 Magnolia Avenue, Riverside, 92504 or the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center at https://www.petsadoption.com/.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.AchesonandGraham.com for the Porter family.
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