Page 65 - Old Ratcliffian Magazine 2019

On the musical front, Paul was an active choir member throughout side for both Lufthansa and Air Canada. He moved from there to
his time at Ratcliffe, and this passion for music crossed into his become Managing Director for Aviareps, a marketing company
academics, as he was one of only two students to study Music at A setting up flight paths, and latterly, he was General Manager for
Level in his year. Another of his passions that crossed over heavily Brussels Airlines, serving the UK, Ireland and Eurowings.
into academia was his love of war films, planes, and generally Paul always had a relaxed outlook on life and possessed a very well-
anything historical. He not only studied History, but also had a developed sense of humour, but he should also be remembered as OBITUARIES
genuine passion for the subject, and he was intrigued to be able to a talented musician, a highly skilled professional who was excelling
learn more about it from the many Battlefield trips that featured as in his chosen field of work, and a loving and committed father.
part of the course. He continued this passion throughout his life, Despite his lifelong physical fitness, a previously undiagnosed
only recently visiting the Battle of Britain bunker in Uxbridge and heart condition struck Paul on 2nd August 2019, just a month
Churchill’s bunker in London.
before his 40th birthday. His faith was always something that he
After leaving Ratcliffe, Paul went on to read History at Kingston felt strongly about, and I know that he would appreciate all of our
University in London. He very much enjoyed life there and made thoughts and prayers for his two children, Isabella and Edward, as
several close friends, with whom he was still in regular touch until they go through this most testing time.
his death. On graduating, he was able to combine employment Ed Thompson (98)
with another of his great passions: the aviation industry. He Friend
started his working life at British Airways, running customer
service teams, before moving into sales roles on the commercial

ARTHUR MICHAEL PORTER

FEBRUARY 1938 - SEPTEMBER 2019
OLD RATCLIFFIAN 1953 - 1956
Arthur “Mike” Porter was born in Dayton, Ohio, in February 1938
to parents Arthur and Norma Porter, and raised in Miamisburg. He
spent his teen years overseas, living in France and England while his
father was an executive at General Motors. After graduating from
Ratcliffe College, Mike returned to the US, earning a bachelor’s
degree in Business from the University of Southern California.
After leaving university, Mike became an officer in the US Navy
and was stationed in San Diego. One fateful night, he attended a
dance at the University of San Diego, where he ended up meeting
the love of his life, Ginny. What followed was over 50 years of
love and marriage. Mike and Ginny raised their family in Fullerton,
California, bringing up two daughters, Julie and Susan, and their
nephew, David Thompson. A close-knit family was most important
to Mike, as was being a devoted Catholic. man of the side. A shade slow in defence at the beginning, he
Mike was a superior athlete and an avid sports fan. He excelled in soon remedied that, and fulfilled the rash prophesies made of him
all sports, especially rugby and golf. As a scratch golfer, you could last year. His handling was incredible. It is so easy to make such
always find him near a golf course. Mike’s greatest joy, however, statements, but almost everywhere we played, it was commented
was his family. He loved coaching and watching his daughters and on with enthusiasm. And the point is, not only did he make the
grandchildren play sports and perform, and he never missed one incredible pass, above, below, behind, but he took it at speed, so
of their events. In his later years, “Papa” was a devoted grandpa to that when our scrum half was frankly bad, what little did come his
his grandchildren, Caroline, Jackson and Avery. way was turned to the fullest advantage. Mike was very unselfish
and fed his threes unstintingly, backed up on the outside, covered
Mike passed away peacefully in late September 2019, aged 81, in defence, learnt some of the arts of fly half kicking, and found
surrounded by his family. Predeceased by his wife, Ginny, Mike is his way in to score five tries. None of the three quarters ever quite
survived by his daughters, Julie and Susan, his nephew, David, his understood what he owed to Porter’s hands and pace.” Mike also
brothers-in-law, George and Doug, his sister-in-law, Karen, and received his colours in swimming, and he was a member of the 1st
his son-in-law, Charlie, as well as numerous nieces and nephews XI Hockey and Athletics Teams.
who will dearly miss their “favorite uncle”.
After leaving Ratcliffe, Mike attended university in America, and
Susan Fargo from there, he entered the US Navy, serving his time on aircraft
Daughter carriers. He returned to Fullerton in California, where he went
Mike was the first American student at Ratcliffe, entering the into business in the golf arena. He loved golf and played it with
College in 1953. He was a member of the 1st XV Rugby Team, a passion. Mike was married to Ginny, his wife of many years, who
which accomplished a record of being unbeaten in all 10 of its also passed away this year. He leaves behind two daughters, Susan
school matches, scoring 147 points with only 40 points against and Julie, together with their children. He will be sadly missed.
it. Playing in the position of fly half, Mike won his sports colours May he rest in peace.
under the coaching of Fr Philip (Pip) Catcheside (37). Pip said
in his summary of the team: “Mike Porter at fly half was the key John Hobday (56)
Friend
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