In Remembrance: Robert “Bob” Porter, Jr.

Robert “Bob” Porter, Jr.Bob Porter ’56 was born in Beloit on Oct. 25, 1934, a Beloiter from a long line of Beloiters, one of over 50 family members who graduated from the college. His granddaughter Grace, a member of the class of 2012, is the latest in that line. His mother, Marjorie Brown ’33, was a concert pianist and a member of the music department at the college. Porter went on to become an accomplished surgeon and a generous supporter of the college, and he received the Distinguished Service Citation in 1996. He passed away on Sept. 10, 2024 at the age of 89.

At Beloit, Porter earned a bachelor of arts in biology, was a track & field and swimming & diving athlete, and served as class president. After graduating, he earned an M.D. from the University of Chicago in 1960, and went on to a long and successful career in the medical field. He taught orthopedic surgery at Dartmouth Medical School, where he applied his interest in sports training and medicine. He also worked as a U.S. Air Force flight surgeon for two years.

He was active in many organizations, including the New Hampshire Medical Society, the New Hampshire Orthopedic Society, the Northeast Medical Association (NEMA), and the New Hampshire Board of Registration and Medicine. He served as the president of the Federation of State Medical Boards, where he established a committee on preventing healthcare fraud. He was also on the National Board of Medical Examiners.

Porter had an adventurous and curious spirit. He traveled to every continent with his wife Betty, and enjoyed researching the history, culture, and geography of their destinations before each trip. He remained active throughout his life, even leading a family kayak trip in Florida for his 80th birthday.

He was predeceased by his father, Robert Porter, Sr. ’32, and mother, Marjorie Brown ’33. He is survived by his wife, two sisters and a brother, six children, thirteen grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and many other family members, friends, and colleagues.