Lester Gilbert Porter Jr.

January 29, 1930 - October 15, 2016

Lester Gilbert Porter Jr., 86, died Oct. 15, 2016. Lester was born in Eugene. In 1948, Les graduated from Union High School in Cottage Grove. During his high school years, Les attained the rank of Eagle Scout, and was known for his abilities in the high jump, taking second place in a state high jump competition. Les served active duty in the United States Army from 1950 to l952, with posting in Ft. Lewis, Washington, Atlanta, Georgia, and France. He served in the Army Reserves until 1956. Les attended the University of Oregon and graduated from Oregon State University in 1959 with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering - Production Technology. In l961, Les started a home repair and remodeling company, Les Porter Remodeling. In 1989 that business was incorporated as Porter Remodeling Inc. to include his son Grant Porter. Les continued until recently to be involved in the business on a part time basis. Les was a charter member of the Corvallis Home Builders Association, serving two terms as president (1970, 1974), chairman of the Education and Seminars Committee in 1979 and eight years on the Board of Directors. He received the honor of Life Spike, presented by the Home Builders Association. Les was a part of the State Apprentice Boards, supporting the Carpenters Apprentice Program. He served as Secretary of the Oregon State Home Builders Association and as chairman of the Corvallis Remodelers Council in 1981. Les was named Remodeler of the Month by the National Association of Home Builders' National Remodelers Council in January 1982. Les will be remembered for his projects related to building and remodeling, and because he sought to do his best work every time. Les is survived by his wife Lois Porter; four children, Pamela (and Jerry) Wilhelmsen of Hillsboro, Angelique (and Jack) Baker of Wake Forest, North Carolina, Jeffrey (and Cheryl) Porter of Phoenix area, Arizona, and Grant (and Leta) Porter of Albany; four grandchildren, Alesha Jess of Corvallis, Heather Keaton of Harrisburg, Matthew Baker of Wake Forest, North Carolina, and Felicia Barker of Greensboro, North Carolina; sister Laura McLeod of Gilbert, Arizona; and two nephews, Neal McLeod of Arizona and Scott McLeod of California. Les was preceded in death by his younger brother, Paul Alexander Porter.