We received word last week of Rick's passing from his brother Paul. We are always saddened when we hear of a part missing in the Stovebolt Collective.
Rick hailed from Porterville, Newfoundland. He didn't have the following like many of the Bolters did, since he wasn't a registered forum poster. Many may recall his truck: a
1965 GMC 920 4 x 4.
When his truck first appeared in the Legacy Gallery back in 2006, it brought in a few cheers from our increasing number of Canadian Bolters, and the some. He exclaimed:
"I have had a great response to the truck. People, big and little, from 8 to 80 -- they love it!"
In that first round, Rick commented,
"Perhaps this isn't a *true* Gallery submission. It's a little early for me as I'm at least a winter away from being done." We were happy to get the entry and see where he was starting the restoration of this unique GMC Stovebolt.
A year later, Rick did update his Gallery story telling us it was done. He sent a few images along with it. The one here became part of the Stovebolt LARGE calendar for following year. And nothing says "4x4" like this comment he made:
"I plan to take it on my yearly caribou hunt this year because of a deep, fast river I have to cross to access my hunting area. Well, this big old 4 X 4 can go anywhere it wants!"We can wrap up
our remembrance of Rick with this quote that sums up a lot of the Stovebolt mindset:
"I appreciate the enthusiasm and I'm more than happy to be a part of the restoration world. At some point I'd like to put together a small web site so I can help others who feel the need to take on the love / hate relationship that comes with such projects. I've always believed that encouragement is key."Perhaps he didn't have enough time to do the website. We imagine he spent more time behind the wheel and off the road than behind a computer screen.
See you crawling thru the river or down the road, Rick.
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The following is taken from
Rick's obit:
Richard (Rick) Porter passed quietly at James Paton Memorial Regional Health Centre in Gander on July 21st, 2023, at the age of 60. Predeceased by this parents, Harrison and Louisa Porter.
Born and raised in Porterville, Rick enjoyed the freedom of a rural upbringing. He was a happy, carefree kid, more than occasionally getting into mischief. His working life took him to various places across the country. The last number of years were spent providing boat repair, and other, services to towns in Nunavik, Northern Quebec. Rick’s community visits were much appreciated, and he made many friends up North. Rick was often invited to participate in activities normally reserved for the locals
