Edson Rell Porter, better known as "Rell", 77, a long-time resident of Great Falls, Montana passed away from a stroke on New Year's Day 2015 in St. George, Utah. Visitation will be held Wednesday, January 7th, in the Rose Room Chapel at Croxford Funeral Home from 7:00-8:00pm. A Funeral Service will be held Thursday, January 8th at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints located at 1401 9th Street Northwest in Great Falls, Montana at 11:00am with graveside service to follow at the Sun River Cemetery. Rell was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He attended Sun River Elementary and graduated from Simms High School. As a track star in high school, he excelled in the areas of pole vaulting and the 100 yard dash. After high school, he served a two-year LDS Mission in British Columbia, Canada. At the conclusion of his mission, he attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology. He met his wife Diana Sanford at church in Sun River. After a courtship, they were married in the Idaho Falls Temple. Their first child Dana was born in Great Falls. Rell's first professional career began in Lincoln City, Oregon where he taught high school Biology and where their second child Darren Rell Porter was born. Upon the acceptance of a pharmaceutical sales position for Wyeth Laboratories, he enjoyed raising his family in Great Falls and traveling throughout the state of Montana. As an outdoor enthusiast, he had an affinity; for boating, camping, hiking, fishing, waterskiing, and motorcycle riding. Rell spent many of his free hours shooting pool and "tinkering" in his garage. He enjoyed his many recreational vehicles, among his favorites were; a gold Cadillac, Husqvarna Dirt Bike, Harley Davidson Motorcycle and Glastron Ski Boat. He purchased an old school bus that had been converted into a motorhome, which he named "Rells Royce". He kept the family vehicles in good repair. He relished the opportunity to drive his family throughout different parts of the Western United States. At the age of 63, he retired from the pharmaceutical industry. He and his wife welcomed the diverse change of the warm desert climate of St. George, Utah to the cold winter season of Montana. He looked forward to walking along the river paths and hiking in the red mountains. The pleasant weather allowed him the chance to drive, walk and hike on a daily basis. Where ever Rell traveled to; lived in, or visited, he was well-loved and admired. He had many good friends in Great Falls and in St. George. He filled his social calendar every day. He loved discussing many topics. He read many books, but his book of choice each year was, "A Tough Trip Through Paradise". He loved life and people. He was frequently heard saying, "I live in the best of times!" Survivors include his wife, Diana of Great Falls; his two children, Darren Porter of Great Falls daughter, Dana (KC) Arnold of Magnolia, Texas; five grandchildren, Rachel Porter, JD Arnold, Chalet Arnold, Cheyenne Arnold, Charity Arnold; two brothers, Barclay Porter of Great Falls and Sherron Porter of Smithfield, Utah; two sisters, Della Tilby of Morgan, Utah and Randa Bench of Centerfield, Utah.

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