R.I.P. Ernie Porter

It is my sad duty to announce that legendary local jade hunter and California Wreck Divers' Hall of Famer Ernie Porter of Atascadero, CA, died overnight at his home at age 94. Ernie was born on December 18, 1918, in Atascadero, CA. He grew up in the same neighborhood he lived most his adult life and where he died. He beloved wife Alice preceded him in death a few years ago. I had the honor of personally meeting and knowing Ernie and his wife during their latter years. Ernie was not only a friend and gentleman and patriotic American to me, but also a fellow rockhound and to me as an aspiring historian Ernie was a walking, talking treasure trove of local lore and history.
Below is a photo I took of Ernie last October at the Cayucos Gem, Mineral, & Jewelry Show.

Photo by Kim Patrick Noyes (all rights reserved).