WSRCA Mourns the Loss of Bob Porter

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Robert L. Porter, WSRCA’s 19th President.

Bob battled MDS (Myelodysplastic Syndrome) for the past 20 months and sadly succumbed to the illness last Friday night, May 29, at his residence in Broomfield, Colorado. Bob was a legend and an icon to the western roofing community. He had a sense of humor and love of life that made him a joy to be with.
 
Bob was born on January 24, 1949 in Greeley, Colorado. He graduated from Greeley Central High School, class of 1967. Following graduation, he attended the University of Northern Colorado earning a bachelor’s degree in industrial arts. While attending college, Bob married his high school sweetheart Sharon in 1968. They celebrated over 51 years of marriage.
 
After college, Bob worked at Douglass Roofing in Greeley. In 1987, he and Mark Gustafson successfully opened Front Range Roofing Systems Inc. Upon his retirement in 2001, Bob and Sharon moved to The Villages in Florida. It is there where he pursued his passion for golf and enjoyed the benefits of retirement. They returned to Colorado in 2012 to be closer to family.
 
Bob was a member of the Western States Roofing Contractors Association, serving on the Board of Directors beginning in 1979. He served as the association President in 1990-1991. He was inducted into the WSRCA Hall of Fame, the association’s highest honor, in 2007. He continued his love for the roofing community after his retirement by becoming Chairman of the Trustees for the Davis Memorial Foundation from 2010 to 2014. In 2014, he was awarded the WSRCA Outstanding Service Award for his dedication and service to the Davis Memorial Foundation. Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded over $525,000 in scholarships to students from the roofing and waterproofing industry.
 
Bob was a dedicated Christian man and supportive member of the Trinity Lutheran Church. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, unconditional loving father, and supportive friend. His loving personality and contagious smile will be missed dearly by all those he touched. He is survived by his wife, Sharon; two daughters, Julie and Kimberly; two grandchildren, Hunter and Marly; two brothers, Richard and Gary; two nephews and one niece.
 
Bob will be lovingly remembered by so many people who had been honored to know him. Let us keep Bob’s family and friends in our thoughts and prayers as they go through most difficult times. Bob will be terribly missed by his friends at the Western States Roofing Contractors Association and the roofing community. May Bob Rest in Peace.
 
In lieu of flowers, funeral donations may be sent to Saint Jude’s Hospital for Children in Robert L. Porter’s name.

“I had the great pleasure of working with and getting to know Bob while he was the Chairman of Davis Foundation. He was kind enough to ask me to follow him as the Chairman after he retired. I learned a lot from Bob during that time and I am proud to carry on his legacy. Without Bob’s years at the helm of the Foundation it would not have become what it is today. For those of you that were lucky enough to have known Bob you know that he was a really great guy. He was funny, kind, smart and compassionate. He loved to play golf and I had the privilege of playing numerous rounds with Bob. He always had a smile on his face and was never bashful about kicking my butt but oddly enough I felt good about it afterwards!! Bob did capture the Holy Grail of golf a few years back when he scored a Hole In One. Bob has moved on to a better place and is whole once again. He will be missed but his legacy will live on. Thank you, Bob, for sharing your life with us!!”
-Chuck Chapman
Tecta America Arizona, Phoenix, AZ
WSRCA President 2008-2010
 
“We purchased Front Range Roofing Systems, from Bob and Gus (Mark Gustafson) July 24, 2001.  We only worked together for just over a year, once the purchase was complete, Bob moved on to other interests, he did however change my life forever, in two huge ways: Selling the company to us, he and Gus carried the majority of the note and it allowed us to build what we have today, Thank you Bob!! WSRCA – when I first got on the Board and he was Chair of Davis (the only time we were really face-to-face after the sale), he made sure I got to meet everyone on the Board and positioned me to be a participant from day one – those introductions and relationships I have at WSRCA, is what makes it great – Thanks Bob!!  Most importantly his willingness to give back to industry, struck me in a way that I still carry today – Thank you Bob!!!”
-Michael Trotter
Front Range Roofing, Greeley, CO
WSRCA Board Member
 
“Bob gave a lot to the industry, to WSRCA, and the Davis Memorial Foundation. He served on the Board for many years and then served as President of WSRCA in 1990-1991. After he sold his business and retired, he continued to serve by being on the Davis Memorial Foundation for many years and serving as Chairman of the Foundation. Not many would give of their time when they have retired but Bob did since he believed in what the Foundation stood for and wanted to see it succeed. Bob was a good man who always had a smile and enjoyed being around people. WSRCA and the Davis Memorial Foundation have benefitted from his contributions.”
-Frank Lawson, Jr.
The Lawson Roofing Company, San Francisco, CA
WSRCA President 1985-1986
 
“I was fortunate to associate with and get to know Bob Porter who was truly one of the nicest men and possibly the nicest man I have ever known. He had a great sense of humor, he seemed always be sharing a smile, he was the true definition of a gentleman and a great leader who was easy to follow. I simply cannot imagine Bob in sickness and in a diminished capacity, he always seemed bigger than life with unbounded energy and zest for whatever he was involved in. He will be greatly missed and although I grieve his passing from this life, I am relieved that he is no longer suffering.”
-Dan Cornwell
CC&L Roofing, Portland, OR
WSRCA President 2004-2005
 
“I will miss Bob's smile and laugh which seemed to be with him at all times. He travelled far to give back so freely to the industry. Great person and role model for many, including myself.  I pray for comfort for his family and friends.”
-Travis Nelson
Brown Roofing Co., The Dalles, OR
WSRCA President 2011-2012
 
“Bob Porter and his family ushered me into my initial service on the Board of Directors for the Western States Roofing Contractors Association 20+ years ago. Like a true fellow roofing industry family member, he provided me with his wisdom and guidance. I will never forget this, and Bob will always be a part of my life. I will miss him dearly. Rest in Peace, Bob.”
-Kyle King
James King Roofing, Lynnwood, WA
WSRCA President 2002-2003
 
“My deepest condolences to Sharon and their family. Bob and Sharon’s love of family, our industry, and the Davis Memorial Foundation are a testament to many. When Bob left the hospital for hospice at home a few weeks ago, I could only think of all the laughter and fun spirited energy when selling Davis Auction tickets at Expo relentlessly! A true gentleman and contributor to WSRCA and Davis! I am better for having known Bob the past 25 years. He was a very straight forward and professional customer, an industry friend, a fellow Davis Trustee and most importantly a valued personal friend with whom I have many joyous memories.”
-Keith Sanders
GAF, Parsippany, NJ
Davis Memorial Foundation Former Trustee
 
“Bob was a wonderful, helpful, and always friendly person.  He was on the board when I purchased Western Roofing in 1984 and championed to help continue the association between the magazine and WSRCA.  He was a real mentor to me, keeping me up to date on the industry… he did not have to, that is just the way he was, always helpful, with a positive attitude and a smile.  I will never forget Bob’s warm smile, his laughter, and his dedication to the industry.  I feel I’m a better person for having known him.”
-Marc Dodson
Western Roofing Magazine, Reno, NV
Davis Memorial Foundation Former Trustee

Sincerely,
Western States Roofing Contractors Association
356 Digital Drive  Morgan Hill, CA 95037

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