Steve's Eulogy

“Dear friends, we are gathered here today to remember someone few knew very well:

A low-key, humble person who was never famous or did anything particularly noteworthy -– but who deeply loved his family, his friends and his life.

Someone pretty much like you -- and most of the people in this crazy, wonderful world.

His name was Steve Porter.

He grew up in a small Midwestern town and loved the freedom and friendship he found there. And while he eventually left to go experience a bigger view of the world, a piece of that place always remained in his heart.

In his teenage years, he was inspired to be a musician, first playing drums and then guitar. His musical journey was made more magical by the musicians he met along the way. Two people, especially, made that journey unforgettable.

They know who they are. And they remained his close friends all his life.

And while he loved music, he knew he wasn’t cut out to be a professional musician with all the uncertainty that goes with that life. That’s when he decided to be a journalist –- a career with a little more certainty and a regular paycheck.

And as he buckled down to achieve his journalism degree, he met someone who would forever change his life: His future wife and spiritual companion, Lee.

Lee blessed him with two sons, Charlie and Michael, and they were two of the greatest joys of his life. Together, the family soon began traveling around the country – to Colorado, to California and back to Colorado again – first to live in a beautiful town called Fort Collins, and then up into the gorgeous Rocky Mountains where -- for 27 years -- they enjoyed a modest home on seven acres of towering evergreens and amazing rock formations – a slice of Heaven on Earth.

It was the best time of his life.

He remained a reporter and editor throughout his career, gathering many awards along the way. But what was most important to him was what good journalism is meant to do: Tell the story of the place where you live -- and to be part of the bedrock foundation of democracy.

In the last chapter of his life, he moved with his wife back into town where she could more easily access the medical care she needed. Even though it was not as beautiful and private as their mountain home had been, it was still very much a lovely place in which to live.

Lee and Steve lost their son, Charlie, when he was still a young man, and it was the deepest cut they endured. But Charlie left them with two wonderful grandkids, and they eventually also became great-grandparents to a beautiful little boy.

Thank you, Charlie.

Truly, God gives and takes. It’s all just part of life. But it should make us remember to love and appreciate the time we have with these sweet souls.

Steve would like to be recalled as someone who loved playing and writing music. And storytelling. And exploring the world. And for the love he had for the people he met along the way who made his life an amazing journey.

And now, he leaves this world on a new adventure. What that adventure will be, no one can say.

But it’s one we all must embark upon someday. And Steve – with God's grace – may be there to greet you.

(P.S.: Steve's not really dead. He just wanted to provide a template for his real eulogy when that time rolls around.)