Connor Porter

PORTER, CONNOR Our precious Connor, 15, passed away with his fun-loving dad and great friend, Connor Mantsch, in an airplane accident in Sedona, Arizona on July 26th. Connor was full of life, exceedingly energetic, and was bursting to share it with others. There was nothing he enjoyed better than spending time with family, friends, fencing, paintball and dog. Connor was an amazing son and brother. He was so proud of his sister and boldly exhibited his love for her. Connor was a sensitive and loving son. We were so blessed by his quirky sense of humor, quick smile, and loving hugs. Connor regularly attended the church Calvary of Albuquerque. We are comforted knowing that because of Connor's personal relationship with Jesus Christ, we will see him again one day in heaven. Connor would want each of you to come to know Jesus through this tragedy. Connor knew what he believed, had a profound sense of personal integrity, and had an unassuming confidence. He loved to memorize scripture with his dad and earned multiple awards for Awana (Approved Workmen are not Ashamed). He was working towards his Citation award. Connor was entering ninth grade at Albuquerque Academy. He loved school, not wanting it to end for summer break! He was first chair in the flute in the Academy Charger Band. His latest musical passion was playing guitar. In fifth grade, Connor earned the Academic Presidential Award at Sunset Mesa Schools. Connor loved to fence, paintball, and hunt. His enthusiasm for fencing motivated him to get his homework finished early so he could fence at the New Mexico Fencers Club daily. Connor tied for 3rd at the 2012 U.S. National Fencing Championship in the Men's Foil, Division III. Connor's passion for living life to the fullest, energetic enthusiasm, and contagious joy will be missed more than words can say. Also, we pray for the comfort to the Connor Mantsch family whose son was a kindred spirit with Connor, they were both old souls. Their last days were filled with tons of smiles, laughter and fun. He is survived by his mother Trish King Porter, 1988 U.S. Olympian; favorite sister Shannon; grandparents Chuck and Debe King; Carol King Garibaldi; Jack and Ruth Porter. He is preceded in death by his fun loving father Patrick (Pat) R. Porter, two-time U.S. Olympian (1984, 1988) in the 10,000 meters, and eight-time U.S. Cross Country Champion. A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, August 19th, 2:30pm at Calvary of Albuquerque. For friends who wish, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Albuquerque Academy @www.aa.edu/giving or Operation Heal Our Patriots (OHOP) with checks made out to Samaritan's Purse with OHOP in memory of Pat and Connor Porter in the memo line, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607-3000.

Connor Porter

June 27, 1997 - July 26, 2012