Larry Lee Porter
May 13, 1944 – August 29, 2025
Larry Lee Porter was born on May 13, 1944, in Toppenish, Washington. Larry was a man of many admirable qualities. His humor, generosity, loyalty, and thoughtfulness left indelible imprints on the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. Larry wholeheartedly embraced life’s simple pleasures. He loved nothing more than spending time in the great outdoors, whether it was hunting, fishing, riding his ATV, chopping wood, or simply tootling around Carbonado visiting friends and neighbors. His infectious laughter and the jokes he always had up his sleeve made him the life of every gathering.
Larry was not only a loyal friend but also a devoted family man. His love for his wife of 61 years, Janet, and his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was immeasurable. Larry was employed by the Weyerhaeuser Company as a skilled heavy equipment operator for 39 years before the Enumclaw mill doors closed in 2002. Larry’s dedication extended beyond his work and family to his community. He served as a volunteer firefighter and fire chief, a Carbonado Historical School board member, and was a respected member of the Carbonado Community Church. His dedication and contributions to the community were recognized in 2019 when the Buckley Log Show named him the “Bull of the Woods” – an honor he cherished immensely.
An anonymous quote states, “A great man is not remembered for his wealth, but by his acts of kindness and his ability to touch people’s heart.” That sentiment could not be more true for Larry. His generous spirit, warm heart, and loyalty to those he loved will forever be remembered. He was a pillar of his community and a steadfast beacon of kindness and generosity to all who knew him.
Larry is survived by his beloved wife, Janet, his children Lorraine (Scott Waggoner) Porter, Mandy (Donn) Hickle, Raymond (Trisha) Porter, and Reese Porter, his 6 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Elsie Porter, his daughter, Vicki Ostergard, and son-in-law, Doug Ostergard, and his sisters, Shirley Jahr and Joann Murphy.
A Celebration of Larry’s Life will be held Saturday, September 27, 2025 at 11:00 am at the Carbonado Historical School gymnasium. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Carbonado Community Church in Larry’s name. Donations can be sent to the Carbonado Community Church, P.O. Box 49, Carbonado, WA 98323.
We encourage you to visit Larry’s memorial page at www.weeksfuneralhomes.com to share your favorite memories and photographs of him, as well as to celebrate his remarkable life. His spirit lives on through his family, his friends, and the community he loved so deeply.
