Zachary Thompson Porter

Zachary Thompson Porter of Lake Bluff, Illinois passed away all too soon at the age of 20, on May 21, 2023 in Alaska. Zach was born on April 25, 2003, to his overjoyed parents, Susan and Todd, and giddy-with-excitement sisters, Sarah and Elizabeth. Zach attended Lake Bluff Elementary and Middle School and Lake Forest High School, graduating in 2021. Zach spent his summers in Lake Bluff teaching sailing camp and coaching youth baseball, and most of the rest of the time playing baseball. Zach was a rising junior at Washington University in St. Louis where he was studying economics and data science, and was looking forward to spending this summer studying at the London School of Economics. At Wash U, Zach was the Risk Chair of his fraternity, Sigma Nu, played club baseball and several intramural sports, participated in the Sports Analytics and Web3 clubs, volunteered at an animal shelter, taught himself to play guitar, and was a founding member of Save The Fish United. Zach’s parents Susan and Todd, sisters Sarah and Elizabeth, grandparents Robert Porter and Barbara (Rider) Madison, cousins who loved him like a brother, aunts and uncles, and countless beloved friends in Lake Bluff, Wash U, and beyond are completely devastated by his loss. Zach embodied the best aspects of all who knew him. He loved fiercely, worked hard, stood up for what was right, found humor in any situation, craved adventure, and was always trying to become a better person. Though he was still exploring all of his varied interests, Zach recently shared that he hoped to work at the Federal Reserve to make the American economy more fair. Everyone who knew Zach knew he would do great things. Zach’s family is starting a foundation in his honor, to bring some meaning to this unimaginable loss. The Zachary Porter Foundation will provide opportunities for outdoor education and experiences for people who may not otherwise have them. Zach was so grateful for the life he had and wanted others to have the types of opportunities he did. In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to the Zachary Porter Foundation - https://cct.secure.force.com/pmtx/dn8n__SiteDonation?id=a3E8a000007pyNk. A Memorial Service will be held at 1 PM on Sunday, May 28, 2023 on the Sunrise Beach in Lake Bluff. We encourage you to dress casually and comfortably – as Zach would have wanted. Parking is limited so please consider walking or biking if you are able. For information – Reuland & Turnbough Funeral Directors of Lake Forest, 847-234-9649 or www.RTfunerals.com. Please click the following link to view the Memorial Service from Sunrise Beach - Lake Bluff: https://youtu.be/1uDaPehcYxA Parking information - Street parking is permitted on E. Scranton Ave., E. Center Ave., E. Prospect Ave., Simpson St. and Maple Ave. Please follow all posted parking signs. There is no parking on Sunrise Avenue. There will be an accessible drop off point for elderly and people with disabilities at the top of the hill located at the intersection of E. Scranton Avenue and Sunrise Avenue.

Zachary Thompson Porter

April 25, 2003 - May 21, 2023