Submit a PhotoPorter Tait Larson, 21, passed away unexpectedly, as a result of a tragic accident, on Wednesday, April 24, 2024 in Rochester, Minnesota. He was born to Erik and Merilee Larson in Mesa, Arizona on August 18, 2002. If you met Porter you were instantly his friend and hugs were his signature greeting.
Porter graduated High School at American Leadership Academy in 2020. While the circumstances of that year were not ideal, he always had a smile on his face – even if it was covered by a mask. He was a hard worker that was eager to learn and please, finding great purpose in serving others. He loved reading, music, the Spanish language and had a desire to travel and explore new places.
Porter recently went on a new adventure to Minnesota where he quickly discovered what cold really is. In the short time he was there he was able to strengthen family relationships and grew to love the Midwest. He really matured over the last few months as he realized what he could accomplish as a young man.
Porter is survived by his parents, Erik and Merilee Larson, and siblings, Brooklynn, Savannah, Sydney, Ryker and Oakley. He also leaves behind his great grandfather, Bernard Larson of Decorah, Iowa; grandparents, Brent & Joyce Larson of Rochester, Minnesota, Max & Carol Short of San Tan Valley, AZ; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins throughout the world.
A service to celebrate Porter’s life will be held on May 3, 2024:
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
2559 E. Combs Rd., San Tan Valley, AZ 85140
9:00 a.m. Visitation
10:00 a.m. Service
**Please help us honor Porter by wearing cheerful colors. No black please.
**If you would like to send flowers, please send to Gilbert Memorial Park 2100 E. Queen Creek Rd., Gilbert AZ 85297 by Thursday, May 2, 2024, 5:00pm.
Burial Service will follow at:
San Tan Memorial Gardens at Schnepf Farms
22425 E. Cloud Rd.
Queen Creek, AZ 85142
Print Obituary
Service Location
Words cannot express my heartfelt sympathy in your loss of Porter. Losing my own son was incredibly hard so I understand your heartache. We always liked Porter and have great memories of spending time with him. Time heals but right now it’s so painful. I am truly sorry.
I loved Porter! I had the honor to work with him.
He is the funniest most kindness person I Know. My son is 11 and I would take him to work with me sometimes. He loved Porter. Porter would always remind him to be good to his Mom.
We became good friends having lunch at Rita’s and talking about life. I was sad when he decided to move to Minnesota but being a viking fan we had it planned to go to a game this year.
There are no words that can describe what a great person he is and always will be in me and my sons heart.
Such a great loss. I will think of him forever.
We are very saddened to find out about one of my co-workers son. If he was anything like his father, he was great. May God place his loving hands over Porter’s family. May God hold Porter close in his arms until they are reunited once again.
Heart breaking news , RIP
So sorry for loss Merilee and family! Sending you lots of prayers, love and strength!
My condolences to the Larson family.
Porter was an amazing person. I’m blessed to have met him and have him be a part of my life. He was my best friend. My heart breaks…my soul is shaken by this tragedy…I will miss him. I will always remember him.
In the time we spent together in a few shared classes, Porter always made it a point to ask how I was and to bring a smile on even the worst of days. My best memories with him were in dance class as his partner. It’s easy to be shy when it comes to dancing in pairs and working together to make the grade, but he made that class one of laughter and fun. He was a great friend even if we weren’t close. I give my best wishes to his family and everyone whose life he brightened.
My heart is broken to learn about this tragedy. Porter was a cheerful friend, especially toward my anxious little son. Emrys (who is 11 now) suffered from extreme separation anxiety, but Porter was like a toddler whisperer and made Emrys feel safe. For a long time, Porter was the only other person that Emrys would let hold him. He will always have a special place in our hearts.
I was privileged to be Porter’s math teacher for 2 years. What an amazing young man with a heart of gold! He came for math tutoring often, and always had a smile and a story to share about his siblings. You could see he truly loved his family and being a big brother. I am lucky to have experienced his light first hand. No words can truly express my condolences, but I know his light will continue to bless lives as we remember his good nature and the example he was of kindness.