Kenneth James Porter, 69, passed away on Tuesday April 02, 2024 at home surrounded by family and friends. Born on July 30, 1954, to Jack and Marie (Monaco) Porter. Growing up Ken attended Catholic schools graduating from Butte Central in 1972. Following graduation Ken met and married Linda Conroy. Together they had four children. Later divorcing they remained lifelong friends. Later in life Ken married Anna Hayes sharing many good times until her passing in 2015.

Ken worked as an equipment operator for the BA&P Railroad, Rarus Railway and Patriot railway for over 30 years, collecting his Railroad retirement in 2017. Among Kens passions were the outdoors; hunting, fishing, and camping with friends and family. He never met a mountain he wouldn't climb to chase deer elk and bear. Ken preferred to always walk from the bottom of the hill even if you could drive closer to the top.  He said when he got to the top it was all downhill from there. His other great passion was his cars and jeeps; he'd tear them down and build them back his way. But above all he loved his family and friends deeply and was never one to back down from helping anyone he could. Even total strangers on two separate occasions Ken was recognized for selflessly helping to save others. Once racing across the east yards in Anaconda to throw a switch on the track to divert runaway cars coming off the hill from barreling through Anaconda possibly creating deadly consequences. Another time Ken raced into a burning apartment building to rescue two toddlers who'd been left alone by their parents without any thought to his own safety. That's just the man he was. His greatest love of all was his grandkids and great grandkids. He loved each and every one of them equally and was proud to be called their "Papa".

Ken was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, wife Anna grand daughter Smantha Muster. Lifelong friends Phil Park, Skeeter Heinze and his faithful companion Turbo.

Ken is survived his son and daughter-in-law Shawn and Bobbi Porter of Butte, daughter and son-in-law Teri Porter and Justin Pierce of Three Forks, son Eron Porter of Butte, daughter and son-in-law Amena and Aaron Hartford of Whitehall, son and daughter-in-law Jeremy and Natasha Hayes of Butte, and daughter Nicole Hayes of Marion Indiana. Grandkids: Kaleb Porter and Crystal VanKirk of Anaconda, Jordin and Sergiy Konev of Billings, Kaytlin Porter of Missoula, Geoffrey Porter, Stevi Porter, Brian Hartford, Shawni Porter, Anthony Porter, Cooper Hartford, Richard Anzik and Melissa Haavisto of Butte, Tyler and Montana Anzik of Butte, Alexandria and Connor Derifield of Bozeman, Olivia and Adel Bigart of Butte, Destiny Hayes, Addysan Hayes, Hunter Hayes, and Bryson Hayes.  Great Grand kids: Roman Konev, Olivia Konev, Kameron Porter, Akaya Anzik, Sophia Anzik, Tyeson Anzik, Mason Anzik, Ashlyn Anzik, Kade Derifield, Haley Haavisto, and Abby Dahl. Sisters and Brothers-in-law: Jackie and Dan Doyle of Butte, and Nancy and Gerald Soke of St. Louis, MO.   He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews, as well as an untold number of great friends all too numerous to mention. Always remember he loved each and every one of us.

Fly on Proud Bird, you are free at last.

Cremation has taken place, and a celebration of Ken's life will be May 11, 2024 from 12:00 PM -3:00 PM at The Depot, 818 S. Arizona in Butte.