Age 65, passed away peacefully after a long illness on May 4th with his family and caregiver by his side at his home in Kailua. Steve was born in Salisbury, Maryland, the son of Donald C. and Patti-Sue Hearne Porter. Steve graduated from Kailua High School and started a career as a medical equipment technician for his family medical business. Steve was an active sailor, long distance runner and received his black belt in Karate. At the age of 40, Steve was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. What defined him for the next 22 years of his life was not the MS, but rather his determination to preserve as much independence as possible. Conceding that he needed more help, he moved in with his parents in 2008. His father, Donald C. Porter, was his champion to the end, helping Steve access the care he needed to lead as full a life as possible. Many knew Steve as the unofficial Mayor of Kailua. With his scooter as his "legs", and the public bus system as his "taxi," Steve could be seen all around Kailua visiting friends, going shopping, seeing the latest movies and just watching the transformation of Kailua. Steve was also a compassionate friend to others in need. Steve's mother, Patti-Sue Hearne Porter, passed away on May 5th, one day after his death. Steve is survived by his father, Donald C. Porter of Kailua; his 3 sisters, Lisa Kleissner of Big Sur, Margaret Peebles of Kaneohe, and Julia Tadich of Fresno, California; his son David Porter of Kailua; his daughter Dana Harris of Rockland, California; and his 3 beloved grandchildren. Steve leaves many cherished friends and family members behind. There was a celebration of life for Steve and his mother, Patti, on May 15th, at the Kaneohe Bay Yacht Club, Kaneohe, Hawaii.
Age 65, passed away peacefully after a long illness on May 4th with his family and caregiver by his side at his home in Kailua. Steve was born in Salisbury, Maryland, the son of Donald C. and Patti-Sue Hearne Porter. Steve graduated from Kailua High School and started a career as a medical equipment technician for his family medical business. Steve was an active sailor, long distance runner and received his black belt in Karate. At the age of 40, Steve was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. What defined him for the next 22 years of his life was not the MS, but rather his determination to preserve as much independence as possible. Conceding that he needed more help, he moved in with his parents in 2008. His father, Donald C. Porter, was his champion to the end, helping Steve access the care he needed to lead as full a life as possible. Many knew Steve as the unofficial Mayor of Kailua. With his scooter as his "legs", and the public bus system as his "taxi," Steve could be seen all around Kailua visiting friends, going shopping, seeing the latest movies and just watching the transformation of Kailua. Steve was also a compassionate friend to others in need. Steve's mother, Patti-Sue Hearne Porter, passed away on May 5th, one day after his death. Steve is survived by his father, Donald C. Porter of Kailua; his 3 sisters, Lisa Kleissner of Big Sur, Margaret Peebles of Kaneohe, and Julia Tadich of Fresno, California; his son David Porter of Kailua; his daughter Dana Harris of Rockland, California; and his 3 beloved grandchildren. Steve leaves many cherished friends and family members behind. There was a celebration of life for Steve and his mother, Patti, on May 15th, at the Kaneohe Bay Yacht Club, Kaneohe, Hawaii.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
