Varley Ben Porter
July 25, 1930 — April 8, 2017
Varley Ben Porter
V. Ben Porter passed away on Saturday, April 8, 2017 after a short illness. He was born July 25, 1930 in Escalante, Utah, to Leland Porter and Mary Roe Porter.
He married his sweetheart Renée Robinson in the Salt Lake Temple on April 21, 1950.
He worked for the Union Pacific Railroad, Geneva Steel, and later retired from the Provo City Police Force where was known as the ‘Candy Man’ to other officers’ children because he would give them candy bars when he picked up their fathers for their shifts. He was a former member of the Utah County Sheriff’s Jeep Patrol, member of the Sons of the Utah Pioneers, and served two terms on the Provo City Council.
He loved to watch football, basketball, rodeos, and old western movies; listening to country music; and eating ice cream and homemade piña coladas with 8 cherries. He raised huge gardens in Escalante and enjoyed sharing its bounties. He collected hats, cowbells, license plates, and belt buckles. He truly loved his family and enjoyed handing out $2 bills to his grandchildren.
He was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many leadership positions including a Bishopric, High Council, and the Young Men’s program.
He is survived by his loving wife Renée; four children: Bryce E. (DiAnn) Porter, Shelley (Jim) Olsen, Coy D. (Tricia) Porter, and Charlotte (Norman) Johnson; 14 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren; and siblings: Edith Sharp and Budd Porter.
He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings: V. Jay Porter, Leah Griffin, Burr Porter, Bernice Losee, and Jackie Griggs; grandson: Ryan Johnson; and great-grandson: Drew Briggs.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 14, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. in the Hillcrest 2nd Ward Chapel, 1450 South 800 East, Orem. Viewings will be held Thursday, April 13, 2017 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and also prior to services on Friday from 9:00-10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in the Escalante Cemetery on Saturday, April 15, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. Funeral Directors: Magleby Motuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com