Daniel Porter

Daniel William Porter, age 55, passed away on April 7, 2023 at Memorial Hospital in Yakima, WA. It is with the heaviest of hearts that we share this news as Dan had so much ability and willingness to share, and this will be missed. He was born January 3, 1968, in Yakima, Washington to Delila and David Porter. Dan was the youngest of two boys. He spent his childhood playing with his brother David riding bikes, playing with their gerbils, flexing his muscles, visiting his group of friends on Pleasant Avenue, and an occasional computer game with David. Many of those friendships would last Dan's entire life. One of Dan's first and lifelong friends was Jeff Kurpgeweit. Dan would often share stories of their many adventures. One of his favorites was a boys’ trip to California. They were best men in each other's wedding, and celebrated together when they became fathers. Dan attended Davis High School where he made many friends. His sense of humor could get anyone talking! Dan enjoyed auto mechanics, weightlifting and Drama. In drama class Dan was chosen for the part of Abner in the production of South Pacific. He played this role alongside his high school sweetheart Melody Mafori. Dan worked many jobs throughout his life. He loved working with his hands and virtually every job kept him challenged and engaged. One of his favorite jobs was Walker's Furniture. He worked at Walker's for many years alongside his best friend Jeff and Roy Perez. Dan and Roy became fast friends, as close as two brothers could be. They went on company trips together with families, attended concerts and even started a low-rider truck club with his prized tricked out Mazda. Dan loved many things including music, writing poetry, and going to concerts. A natural outdoorsman had Dan fishing, camping, riding motorcycles, and going to his favorite coastal town of Westport. His love for fishing was tattooed on his arm for all the world to see. A beautiful rainbow trout. Dan was a lover of animals. Especially Labs... and his dog Dozer is feeling the pain of this loss. Dan loved his friends with all his heart; Jeff, Wendy, David, Mike, Roy, Kim, and many more. So many hearts are hurting, so much love is there. After many years, Dan reconnected with one of the loves of his life, Melody Mafori. They would spend many years together caring for Dan's parents until their passing. Dan's greatest love in the world would come to him in January of 1995, his daughter Paige. Dan liked to call her bright eyes. Her crystal-clear blue eyes were the mirror image of her daddy’s. Dan would take Paige fishing and to the beach. He absolutely adored his daughter and would often post on Facebook how much he loved her. Dan was an active father and he taught Paige how to ride a bike, and then stepped it up a notch and taught her how to drive a car. She was his pride and joy. Dan is survived by daughter Paige Porter and brother David Porter as well as significant life partners Dina Berry and Melody Mafori. He will be remembered as a man that would walk through fire for a friend and family. Lord keep Fisherman Dan safe. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Daniel Porter, please visit our flower store.