WASHBURN – Ralph E. Porter, 76, husband of Clara Porter, died Thursday, June 18, 2009, at VA Nursing Home, Caribou, after a long illness. He was born Oct. 21, 1932, in Caribou, the son of James “Archie” and Mamie (Good) Porter. Mr. Porter served in the U.S. Air Force and retired as a civil servant from Loring Air Force Base after 36 years of faithful service. He enjoyed spending time at his camp at Gardner Creek, fishing, hunting and riding his four-wheeler. Ralph was an avid reader, who enjoyed the poetry of Robert Service. Ralph had a quick wit and dry sense of humor, which he maintained during his illness. He loved to play the guitar and listen to country music; Johnny Cash, Hank Williams Sr. and Allison Krauss were among his favorites. Ralph is survived by his wife of 53 years, Clara (Maynard) Porter; and four daughters and their families, Lola and Donald Heath of Bangor, Lona and Robert Griffeth of Caribou, Lorri and Perry Jackson of Presque Isle, and Leslie and Erik Weeks of New Gloucester; 10 grandchildren, Jessica McMahon, Jason Griffeth, Joel Griffeth, Joshua Heath, Jordan Heath, Emily Heath, Daniel Jackson, Kyle Jackson, Jacob Weeks and Thomas Weeks; and one great-grandchild, Kapri Griffeth. Ralph is also survived by two sisters, Pauline Bausemer of Boston and Arlene McNeal of Brewer. Ralph was predeceased by his brother, James Jr.; and one sister, Mary Nadeau. Visiting hours will be held 3-5 p.m. Sunday, June 21, at Lancaster-Morgan Funeral Home, 11 Clover St., Caribou, where funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Monday, June 22, with Pastor Clark Jalbert officiating. Friends who wish to contribute in memory of Ralph may do so through Maine Alzheimer’s Association or Washburn Memorial Library. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.lancastermorgan.com.
RALPH PORTER
