Craig Allan Porter

Craig Allan Porter, age 79 of Grand Haven, passed away on Sunday, March 12, 2023 at Trinity Health Muskegon Hospital. He was born on November 20, 1943 in Perry, MI.  His parents were the late Dr. Harry G. and Gladys M. (Hayes) Porter.

Craig  graduated from Lansing Eastern High School and went on to earn his BA from Parsons College.  He married Coreen (Cramer) on July 19, 1975, in Muskegon.  Craig was employed with Grand Haven Public Schools for 30 years, teaching fourth grade at Central School.  After his first retirement he had the opportunity to be the owner/operator of Seaway Party Store.  After his second retirement, he volunteered working as valet at N.O.C.H. and drove transport for Four Pointes clients’ medical appointments.

Craig was a lifelong sailor and received his captain license in 1983.  He was a founding member of Grand River Sail Club in 1980, serving as commodore from 1981 to 1982,  and board member of the Grand Haven Yacht Club for several years.  He sailed the Chicago to Mackinac race numerous times and participated in 35 Queen’s Cup races. Even in the wintertime, Craig found ways to still sail on his Arrow class ice boat (Swift).  In the winters, he and Coreen enjoyed spending time in Florida on Singer Island in January and Marco Island in February.

Craig is remembered and missed by his wife of 47 plus years, Coreen; son, Craig ”Gus” (Dawn) Porter of Colorado; daughter, Cassandra Breen (Jacobus) Damwijk of Grand Haven; son, Curt Arend (Rachel) Porter of Rhode Island; grandson, Arron (Heather) Porter of Nebraska; one great-granddaughter, Scarlett Porter; God daughter, Morgan Burnett (Barbara) Banno of Florida; sister, Susan K. Porter; sister-in-law, Jean (Paul) Becker; and eight nieces and nephews; ten grandnephews and several cousins; he is also missed by dear friends Jim and Annabelle Wujkowski.  He was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Arend and Della Cramer; and sister-in-law, Adele (James) Bozemen.

A Memorial Service for Craig will take place on Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Klaassen Family Funeral Home with Pastor Doug Bytwerk officiating.  Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 pm at the funeral home.

The Celebration of Life reception will be on Thursday, March 16, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Central Park Place (formerly known as Grand Haven Community Center), 421 Columbus Ave., Grand Haven.

Memorial  Contributions may be made to the Craig and Coreen Porter Family Fund c/o Grand Haven Area Community Foundation. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Craig Allan Porter, please visit our floral store.