Porter, John R.

John R. Porter, 55, of Northville, Mich., passed away Nov. 30, 2009. A memorial service was Dec. 5 at First United Methodist Church of Northville, with the Rev. Dr. Steven J. Buck officiating.

He was born May 4, 1954, in Iowa City, Iowa, to John Roger and Marjorie A. (Perkins) Porter. John received a Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology and a master's degree in environmental engineering from the University of Iowa. He met his wife, Anne, at the university and they were united in marriage on Feb. 28, 1981.

A professional engineer, he was most recently employed by Fishbeck, Thompson, Carr, & Huber as a senior process engineer. John was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Northville. He was widely regarded as the consummate University of Iowa Hawkeye fan, with remarkable knowledge about the university's history as well as its current events.

John was diagnosed with brain cancer in May 2007. Bravely accepting his diagnosis, and with the enormous support of family and friends, he successfully fought the cancer for 28 months before it recurred.

John is survived by loving wife, Anne; his sons, Tim and Evan; and his sisters, Robin (Walt) Barbee, Carol Porter and Kitty (Bill) Blessing.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family would appreciate memorial contributions to Angela Hospice, 14100 Newburgh Rd., Livonia, MI 48154 or American Cancer Society, 20450 Civic Center Dr., Southfield, MI 48076. In addition, the John R. Porter Memorial Scholarship Fund at the University of Iowa College of Engineering has been set up by his co-workers and professional colleagues, with donations to: