NICHOLAS SEAN PORTER obituary

Nicholas Sean Porter, 23, of Missoula, a student at the University of Montana, died Monday, Jan. 17, 2005, from injuries suffered in a fall on the university campus.

A memorial service is planned for 2 p.m. Saturday at First Lutheran Church in Havre with the Revs. Brad Ulgenes and Catherine Card officiating.

Nick was born in Missoula on Nov. 8, 1981. He attended school in Missoula and Kremlin before coming to Havre in the third grade. He graduated from Havre High School in 2000. Nick went on to study music at the University of Montana in Missoula. He was due to complete his bachelor's degree in percussion performance in May of this year.

Nick was a talented musician in percussion and piano. At Havre High he participated in virtually every ensemble possible. He was given the John Phillip Sousa Award and the Music Departmental Award his senior year. At UM he continued to study percussion and piano. He participated in Symphonic Winds, Marching Band, Pep Band, Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Band, and the Missoula Symphony Orchestra. This fall he won the University of Montana concerto competition. He also performed frequently and assisted with music at First Lutheran Church in Havre. His music will be missed.

Nick worked at the Havre Community Pool as a lifeguard and taught swim lessons during his summers in Havre. He was an avid skier and swimmer. He pursued his interests with vigor and determination while always holding himself to a very high standard. His honesty and vivaciousness made him fun to be with. He always led, supported and taught those around him. His energy and spirit were infectious and inspiring. Nick loved life and worked hard at it.

Nick was preceded in death by his maternal grandmother, Constance Matthew.

He is survived by his parents, Gary and Sally Porter of Havre; brother Chris and sister Gwen, both of New York City, and sister Maureen, who is serving as part of the 15th MEU of the Marine Corps aboard the Bonhomme Richard deployed in the Northern Arabian Sea. Also surviving are grandparents Ed and Maisie Porter of Whitefish, as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Memorials in Nick's honor may be made to the Havre Lions Swim Team, Havre High School Band, or the University of Montana Music Department, Missoula, MT 59812-7992. Services and arrangements are under the direction of Holland & Bonine Funeral Home of Havre.