Edward Arthur Porterfield  April 3, 1926 - Aug. 6, 2006

Graveside rites for Edward Arthur Porterfield, 80, Trapper Creek, AK, were held Friday, Oct. 20, 2006, at the Reliance Cemetery, followed by a celebration of his life and a carry-in dinner at the Reliance American Legion Hall. The graveside rites were offered by Pastor Lori Hope. Art died at his home in Trapper Creek Aug. 6.

Edward Arthur Porterfield was born April 3, 1926, in Lyman, SD to Steve and Lily Porterfield.

He graduated from Reliance High School in 1944. He served two years in the US Navy and moved to Trapper Creek in 1962. He also lived in Nelchina in 1972-1973.

In 1963, Art went to work for the Alaska Dept. of Transportation, retiring in 1981.

He was a member of the Methodist church and the American Legion. His hobbies included woodworking, music and dancing. He also played the harmonica.

His family wrote: Art homesteaded with his family in 1963, in Trapper Creek where he owned and operated a two-bit, two-cow cattle ranch where he lived until his death. He was involved in the development of Trapper Creek as a community and was a presence in everything that went on. He was a staunch supporter of the Trapper Creek softball teams and was always there with encouragement from the sidelines. He was active in the "Trapper
Creek's Cabin Fever Reliever celebration".

He enjoyed, and was always ready, for a nickel, dime and quarter poker game. He taught all of his grandkids to play and enjoy the card game.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife JoAnn (Byre) of Trapper Creek and children and spouses: Kay and Ray Yauchler, Madeira Beach, FL., Ben Porterfield, Anchorage, AK., Janel Porterfield, Trapper Creek, Ardis Porterfield, Palmer, AK., and Danielle and Tim Heiner, Seattle, WA; grandsons: Aaron Losch, Tallahassee, FL., Tyler Porterfield Miller, Fairbanks, AK., Levi Porterfield Miller, Trapper Creek, Michael and Benjamin Porterfield of Palmer, and Trevor Heiner, Seattle; granddaughters: Emily Porterfield of Palmer, and Caley Heiner, Seattle; sisters and brothers-in-law: Bonnie Porterfield, Eddie Byre, Jean and Lean Anderson, Elton and Jody Byre and Gail Byre.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Franny and Lollie, and brother Jack.