Irene Porter

IRENE PORTER A leader. Trailblazer. Glass-ceiling breaker. Industry legend. Mentor. Mother to many. Consensus builder. Policy maven. Trusted advisor. And, truly one-of-a-kind. Irene E. Porter, 69, born Oct. 13, 1943, to Melvin John and Mildred Viola Williams, of Fargo, N.D., passed away peacefully Thursday, June 28, 2012. If Irene would want to be remembered for anything, it would be that she never gave up working to help fulfill the dream of home ownership for all who desired to attain it. She will also be remembered for having made Nevada a better place, for making a difference in her community and for being the loving matriarch to her many colleagues, friends and most importantly, her family. Her wish has been granted; she will be forever remembered, loved and missed by all. A pioneer of many firsts, Irene Porter served as the executive director of the Southern Nevada Home Builders Association for 35 years, in an industry dominated mostly by men. From leading the way for other women as the first female planning director in North Las Vegas, to serving with the American Nevada Corporation during the early days of what we now know as Green Valley, to becoming the first female lobbyist in the Nevada State Legislature, Irene wrote the book on "firsts." To recount the life and times of Irene is to tell the story of a small Las Vegas town developing into today's broad and diversified community, identifying the unique political landscape of the state of Nevada, and most of all, the accomplishments of a committed and caring leader of the home building industry through some of its best and most challenging times. Irene was known throughout Nevada as a tireless leader, a champion of first time homebuyers; as an advocate of equal rights for all; as a mentor to women in her industry, and for having a far-reaching sphere of influence for good. Honored and recognized for her attention to detail and sense of fair play, she had a sweeping impact on legislative policy in the state. She broke both gender and cultural barriers because she didn't see them. She only saw what needed to be done and just did it. Awaiting Irene on the other side is her beloved husband and soul mate, of 50 years, Dick, who preceded her in death and in whom she missed dearly each day. Irene is survived by her brother, Charles Gulland, of Roseville, Calif.; and her loving daughter, Sherry Porter Rosch and husband, Tom, of Las Vegas. Godspeed Irene - Heaven is a happier place now that you and Dick are together, smiling down on all of us. There will be a special remembrance viewing 4-7 p.m. Monday, July 9. A celebration of Irene's life and legacy will take place at 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 10, both at Palm Mortuary, 7600 S. Eastern Ave., Las Vegas.