Porter A. C. Knight, 28, of Ashland, VA, died on Tuesday, March 25, 2014. Since September, 2012, Porter was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Paraguay. He worked as an environmental conservation project volunteer collaborating with Paraguayans to address local environmental issues. Porter was a graduate of Patrick Henry H. S. in Ashland, VA, received his undergraduate degree in environmental science from Ferrum College in Ferrum, VA and his master’s degree in environmental science and engineering from Virginia Tech. Porter was a volunteer fireman, a natural resources specialist at the Virginia Department of Forestry and, as a trained wildfire firefighter, volunteered to help fight wildfires in Virginia. He also designed and coordinated the installation of a sanitation system to provide clean drinking water in Puerto Rico. Porter was an outdoorsman who loved fishing, hunting, hiking, and wood working. He was also a chainsaw operator, welder and avid motorcyclist. He is survived by his parents, Mary and Jonathan Knight, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Donations may be made online to the Porter Knight Memorial Fund. Donations may also be made by mailing a check to Peace Corps, Office of Gifts and Grants Management, 1111 20th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20526. Checks should be made out to Peace Corps, and reference Porter’s Memorial Fund in the memo line or by calling 202-692-2170.
I met Porter at Ferrum and we stuck together through grad school at Virginia Tech. Porter was such a treat to be around. As a reserved kid, he was always worth listening to when he spoke, because he could always impart wisdom when it was most needed. I remember traveling to South America with him, and he always felt like a reassuring piece of “home” when we were continents away from home. I find myself thinking of Porter on several occasions, wondering what he would be up to today. He did a lot of good in this world. I miss you buddy.
My heart goes out to Porter’s family on the passing of their son. He reminds me of my son Erik Weiss, who became fatally ill while working as a Peace Corp volunteer in the Philippines. Both were strong, intellingent young men who hoped to change the world for the better. Know that you are in my prayers. God Bless, Emma Schleiss (Weiss) Proud to be Rik’s Mom