Eugene “Gene” Porter (lovingly known by many as “FONZ”) passed away at his home on November 20, 2024, at the age of 79. He began his life’s journey on February 2, 1945, in Klamath Falls, Oregon, and spent his formative and educational years in Oak Harbor, Washington. After earning an associate degree in 1965, Gene enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a Naval Aviation Cadet. He completed flight training and earned his pilot’s Wings of Gold in March 1968.
Before leaving for flight school, Gene met the love of his life, Carole Olsen. After his return to Oak Harbor, they dated seriously and married on January 4, 1969. Gene received orders to train in the A-6 Intruder at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington. Upon completion, he deployed aboard the USS Ranger on his first carrier combat mission to Vietnam in 1969. His daughter, Tara, was born in August 1972 in Monterey, California, while Gene completed a Bachelor of Science degree at the Navy Postgraduate School. In 1973, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Foreign Affairs. He subsequently made two more carrier-based deployments aboard the USS America and Coral Sea. Just days after his final cruise, Gene and Carole welcomed twins, Tad and Tracy, on July 3, 1975.
When not deployed, Gene spent his 20-year Navy career on Whidbey Island, flying, instructing, and training in the A-6 Intruder. Gene was devoted to his family and shared his love of motorsports with his children and Navy buddies through summer vacation trips to Pearrygin Lake. Gene, Carole, and the children enjoyed snowmobiling on Mount Baker through the winter. Frequent family cookouts throughout the year kept cousins, aunts, and uncles close.
Gene retired from the Navy in December 1988 with the rank of Commander, having logged over 4,000 hours, 300 carrier landings, and 70 combat missions. Immediately following his Navy retirement, Gene joined Delta Airlines as a Boeing 737 pilot. He flew all three seats in the 737 accumulating over 10,000 hours in 15 years. Gene retired from Delta on September 1, 2003, as a Captain on the Boeing 737-800NG. His logbooks show a total of more than 18,000 flight hours.
After retiring from Delta, Gene loved entertaining the Grassy Meadows Sky Ranch (UT-47) community with aerobatics in his homebuilt, experimental Vans RV-7A. Gene also flew as the commercial pilot for Sky Dive Zion where he became famous for his iconic radio calls announcing his landings at the “HURRICAYNE” airport. He most cherished spending time with his family, camping, riding his RAZR, and taking quick flights to breakfast with friends. The annual Old Fart Navy Camp held a special place in his heart as he treasured his Navy brothers. Gene was known for his quick wit and infectious laughter. He had a knack for telling stories that would leave his listeners in stitches. Whether he was sharing tales of his Navy days or reminiscing about his time at Delta, Gene always had a way of captivating his audience. His love for flying was evident in everything he did, and he passed that passion on to his children and grandchildren. Granddaughter Taylor Porter is now a commercial pilot and flight instructor.
Gene is survived by his loving wife, Carole, and their children, Tara Weddel (David “Dave”), Tad Porter (Kristin), and Tracy Malay (Ryan). He is also survived by nine grandchildren Gage Weddel, Caleb Weddel, Treven Weddel, Josh Weddel, Jake Weddel; Taylor Porter and Jordan Porter; Avery Malay and Addison Malay. Gene is survived by siblings Roberta “Bobbie” Johnson (Ray), Randall “Randy” Porter (Sherrie), and David “Dave” Porter (Rhonda). Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Effie Loretta Porter. Memorial services will be held on December 4, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the McArthur Funeral Home; 160 West 700 South; St George, Utah. The family will also celebrate Gene’s life with friends and family in Oak Harbor, Washington on May 17, 2025.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation.
