A Tribute to Jon Porter -
A Great Teacher and Friend
Compiled & edited by Debby Newslow - "Jon's forever student"
(Please call or email us to add your tribute or to find out how to make donations in Jon's memory.)
I first met Jon Porter in the late 80's. I was a corporate quality auditor and Jon was part of a sanitation training team representing Henkel coming to our facilities to teach all of the associates about sanitation. We had lots of classes and learned a lot. As the years passed our professions kept me in the quality world and Jon in the sanitation and food safety world. In 2001, Jon joined our team as the primary food safety instructor. Since then, we've had over 200 associates attend our workshops. Jon's knowledge and his incredible desire to communicate all he knows in the realm of food sanitation and safety touch all of our lives every day.
Jon G. Porter has spent the past forty years in the world of sanitation and food safety. He has even told stories of his knowing Dr. Henry Bowman, the pioneer of HACCP. Jon has worked within the food industry in all aspects of processing and sanitation. He developed all the in-house educational programs for Bonewitz Chemicals, Henkel Food Division, and Ecolab. His workshops not only included learning the basics about HACCP development, but also developing and maintaining the prerequisite or the precursory programs, as Jon likes to call them. While many programs were developed in conjunction with universities, other product safety education, sanitation, and OSHA compliance programs were developed for individual customers. Several workshops and seminars were developed and conducted on the campuses of many universities such as Purdue University, Lafayette, Indiana. Recently, Jon assisted and participated in the development of workshops in Argentina with the Food Science Department of Purdue University and the University of Arkansas. It was as part of this group that he became known as one of the "Four Wiseman." Workshop topics range from HACCP, prerequisite programs like Chemistry of Cleaning, Chemistry of Sanitizers, Methods to Cause/Effect Identification, to Problem Solving Methods. Jon is an Adjunct Professor in the Center of Excellence at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Jon's experience transcends all segments of the food industry including poultry, juice, bakeries, candy packaging, and dairies; the number of lives that he has touched is incredible. I always remember Jon talking about a 5000-gallon tanker of concentrated orange juice, asking the associates if they know how many lives they touch each and every day. Every one that has had the unique experience to learn from Jon, wonder of his vast knowledge and ability to communicate it.
Jon has had many challenges with his health during recent years, but he kept teaching and sharing his wealth of knowledge and people perception. This past summer, Jon finally had to give up his love of travel and teaching because the state of his health is taking its toll. His incredible career has touched so many, that I decided to ask those who have known him over the years to share a comment or a memory. The response has been incredible. Here are just some of the many comments and tributes:
Consummate teacher, wonderful spinner of yarn and brilliant visionary, Jon moved an entire industry.
A toast to our father Jon…The Richest Man in Town.
- Brian L. Popelsky
I have known Jon Porter since my first days on the job, over 13 years ago. I was lucky enough to have worked with him numerous times as we taught food safety and sanitation classes together. We have traveled throughout the world enjoying each other most notably our times in Argentina and New Zealand. He fondly called me "the babe" only because of my youth. In reality, Jon taught me through his experiences about food safety and sanitation, but also about the pleasures of life itself. He is a great teacher, far better than this young professor.
My favorite professional memory of Jon is being a part of the "Four Wiseman" teaching team in New Zealand when I was on sabbatical leave. Along with three other colleagues, we traveled that great country working with the poultry industry. My favorite personal memory of Jon occurs at the end of nearly every day that we work together. Jon finds a comfortable spot and pours himself a glass of brandy… with a little ice. He shakes it as he relaxes and tells great stories. I love those stories. Jon Porter is a mentor, a colleague, and grand friend. So grab a glass of brandy and toast a great man!"
- Rich Linton
From the small time I had with Jon, he is a wonderful individual and I regret that I didn't have more opportunities to work and spend time with him.
- Greg Beeber
The HACCP workshop that I attended with all of you was successful for me, and Jon was an integral part of the process.
- Doug Nicol
I can say that Jon is a smart, humorous, and hard-working, talented, engaging gentleman who loves teaching and sharing his knowledge of life -- both personal experiences and from his impressive professional career. He is respected by all those who have had the pleasure of knowing him.
- Mara Beck-Rinnemaki
I am privileged to have met Jon through one of your HACCP training courses a couple of years ago. I have known Jon for only a few years but I feel like I have known him for a lifetime. That is the kind of guy that he is. He is a very warm, caring, thoughtful person and always willing to help his students in any way that he could. He is a world of knowledge and just being around him, I felt that I could learn so many things. He is such a good mentor.
Jon certainly knows his business when it came to HACCP and Sanitation, but he also has such a positive outlook on life that just amazes me. I think that is what kept him going for so long. He told me once that he had beaten the odds a long time ago. He said he was going to continue to fight his illness as long as the Lord allowed him to do so. He is certainly a tough guy when it comes to fighting for his health. I think that he amazed his doctors many times. My fondest memory of Jon is when you all came to Atlanta to participate in the HACCP training program. I actually looked forward to picking you both up at the hotel knowing that we were going to be together for the day. In addition to learning a lot from him, Jon is just fun to be around because he always has something positive to say.
- Joe DeLeon
Besides his vast knowledge of the food industry, I will always remember Jon's sense of humor and his approach to teaching. Who could ever forget his singing the "Jell-O Pudding" song at one of your workshops? He definitely leaves a strong and happy memory for all of those that have listened to him teach. I feel lucky to have known him even for a short time.
- Charlie Stecher
Jon Porter — the true Father of HACCP. His genuine, caring nature always shows through. I have known him for a short while, and he is a person that enters your life that can make all the difference. Jon Porter you are and will always be an inspiration and a living manifestation of God's love. Love and God Bless.
- Holly Petty
I met Jon at one of your courses and found him to be a dynamic individual with a down-home approach that all could understand and appreciate.
- Keith Wilbanks
While I only met Jon twice, he's a very nice guy. It was clear to me that he has tons of experience. The part I remember most about our brief meeting though was his singing voice. Right in front of the HACCP class, he began singing (Opera style) the Royal pudding jingle when he found out that Jel Sert now made Royal pudding. I also remember his love of steam engines. He always shared and we learned.
- Dana Crowley
I first met Jon in the early 1990's. At the time, I was the Quality Assurance Supervisor of a citrus processing facility in Florida. As most QA supervisors, I was struggling to motivate the plant associates to improve cleaning, sanitation, and overall G.M.P. Luckily for me, Jon came to the plant to provide training for us. And what a training marathon it was! We covered all shifts and all departments. Some days we started at 6:00 am with a session and would conclude with a session beginning at 10:00 pm. that evening. I have never seen people enjoy and understand cleaning, sanitation, and G.M.P so much. Jon had an uncanny way of reaching everyone regardless of his or her background or education. He made the training so interesting and relevant by intertwining the materials with actual real life examples. It was delightful to work with him and get to know him. The associates talked for months about the sessions and the evil spoilage yeast –'Ziggy. When the training was over, I knew that I had met and had the chance to work with someone really special. Knowing Jon and being able to call him my friend has truly been a blessing to my life.
- Dorothy Gittings
I still recall my sanitation and safety training at our chilled juice plant. Jon was brought in to teach all of the plant associates about food sanitation and safety; I'll never forget those sessions where he used 'Ziggy' to demonstrate the 'bad guy bacteria.' I still think about "germs and bacteria" every time I step out of the shower and use a towel that is not newly laundered!! All because of Jon. I also know that there are thousands of people out there doing their best to provide the safest and highest quality of food for consumers because of Jon's teaching. He isn't just a great teacher... he "gifts" us with the knowledge he imparts and with his humor and his profound love of humanity. If I ever have a question about food safety, whether it is about viruses, bacteria, time, temperature, or any processes, Jon can almost always answer it. If he doesn't know the answer, he'll tell you where to go to find the answer. Most impressive is his vast experience in the food industry; he doesn't just know the answers, he is familiar with so many processes in the manufacture of foods, etc., that he is like having a personal HACCP guru. His knowledge of the entire industry is formidable... when Jon is around, you want to become a "sponge" so you can soak up everything he has to teach you. Jon doesn't just "know" something from a book; he "knows" it intimately because of his hands-on experiences over many, many years. How fortunate I am to have been a recipient of his "gifts of knowledge and friendship."
- Jade Piearson
Although I have only attended one of your classes, I was fortunate enough to be able to attend one where Jon did most of the teaching. Aside from the outstanding lessons in HACCP that he taught, the thing I remember most was when we (my wife, 2 year old son and I) were checking in and getting settled, Jon showed up to check in also. He didn't know me yet, but I remember how friendly he was to us and how he took to my son. He seemed to enjoy watching my son's fascination with the hotel then and later that night when we were walking around outside by the pool, Jon went out of his way to catch up to us and to check on how my son was enjoying his stay. Jon is a good man with a good heart.
- Greg Babb
I only got to attend one workshop in which Jon taught, but in that one workshop I learned an extreme amount of information from him. He is a great man, with more knowledge than I ever dreamed one person could have. He shared so much information with us, not to mention his stories and jokes. I wish that I could have attended more workshops with him, because when you are in his presence the information and knowledge you could learn is never ending.
- Quincy Miracle
Although I regrettably only spent one week under Jon's teachings it only took one day to realize he is one of a kind. He is one of the most intellectual people I have ever met yet he could still connect with everyone in the classroom. He listens to the students just as much as teach them and that is priceless. I feel bad for the future students that will not be able to experience Jon's exceptional knowledge and caring for each and every student.
- Jason Ray
When I first met Jon, I was impressed by his warm personality. He is a marvel at citing specific paragraphs of the FDA laws, while putting a realistic spin on the meanings of these complicated articles. Jon brings wisdom and friendship to all he teaches, and I for one, am lucky to have met him. My life is richer and more informed because of Jon. Thank you!
- Peter Hopps
Jon was a tremendous help to us when it came to implementing our HACCP programme. He brought to the workshop a vast amount of knowledge on the subject. He applied his experience to every company that was represented at your workshop. He went far above his duties even though one could see that he was hurting. There are very few persons who are able to teach what they know. His personality kept the course interesting. We could not wait to see what else he would present. He also kept our attention by showing his beautiful shots of areas that he vacationed. I will miss the opportunities to learn from him more.
- Clare Adderley- Sands
Jon Porter is clear and fluent in lecturing and a master in explaining fundamentals of food safety and HACCP in a manner that is practical and applicable to food manufacturing plants. He is a delightful person and I enjoy my professional association with him.
- Reza Ghaedian
Jon was a very special man in my life and helped turn me around from a wild child to a responsible, caring adult. That was a chore and he handled it so well I could hardly believe it was happening right in front of me, yet so subtle was he that I hardly noticed his guiding hand. He touched so many lives. In many ways, we were so lucky to have been graced by his time and attention.
- Bill Stanwood
I was blessed to have been given the opportunity to get to know Jon several times over the past year or so. Jon is a marvelous teacher in the area of food safety and sanitation. When the problem with fresh spinach occurred, I thought of Jon and how he and I had several conversations on the regulations or the non-regulations on fresh fruits and vegetables and how that would be changing. He was able to give me an abundance of his knowledge and for that I will be eternally grateful. I am a better person for having known Jon, and have been blessed to be lucky enough not only to have been able to meet Jon and attend his class but also to be able to call him "friend." Jon's hand washing has made a big difference in my life, for not too long ago I sneezed and washed my hands. When I was asked by a mutual friend what I was doing, I told her and she blessed me by saying "Okay, Mr. Porter." Jon is a wonderful man who has touched so many lives. Jon you are a great and dear friend may you know how very loved you are, we shall all rejoice knowing you will be there to see us when we get to heaven. God bless you and your family and may we all rest a little easier by having known such a wonderful man. God bless you! I love you; Jon Porter and thank you for all that you have given to us your humble students.
- Laura Roberts
It must have been hard for Jon to sit through those long grueling sessions. But, when you are passionate about what you do and believe in it, it seems that the strength comes to you when you need it. I certainly learned a lot from Jon and will always appreciate having had him to share his knowledge and foresight.
- Ken Salman
I was never in any of Jon's classes, but he touched me deeply. I enjoyed hearing how he taught. He made what could be boring, interesting. And I think everyone who went into the conference room for training learned a lot. But what impressed me most was his ability to see the best of every situation. Like his attitude about his cancer. He was ok with it and said he was in God's care and he will take whatever came his way. God would help him through. He is a fighter. It was evident that he enjoys his work, his wife, children and grandchildren.
- Laura Wise
Learning from Jon was a fascinating experience. Jon's stories were so interesting and insightful — it made the learning experience a pleasure. Jon went above and beyond in helping us with our programs.
- Kim Hogan
Jon has always been a most pleasant person to be in company with. He exudes a quiet confidence that pervades all that he says and does. He epitomizes the title of 'gentle giant' in such a way that none can match. Jon's teaching is filled not only with a deep knowledge of the food industry in the widest possible latitude, but is also anecdotal for the sake of not only entertaining, but to drive the point he wishes to make. He has always sought to give to each person listening, not only information, but experiential guidance which will not easily be forgotten. The quintessential teacher and 'purveyor of knowledge.' Jon is an easy going person; an attentive listener; a deep thinker; an expert in his field; an icon to the industry; a warm, beautiful person; a fighter; an overcomer; an achiever; a champion; a pioneer; a giant. I will think of him in the fondest terms and with the deepest respect" He will be sorely missed by many, me included.
- Yvette Sands
Jon was a wonderful friend and mentor to me. Jon taught me so much about the value of food safety. He helped me implement my HACCP Plan for my company. I met him through my best friend, Debby Newslow. Jon and Debby are the experts in food safety, and I feel so honored to have learned from them. They taught me the skills and shared the knowledge of HACCP so that I too could teach HACCP to others. Jon is and always will be my inspiration. Jon made learning fun and interesting. He brought so much practical experience to the field. His knowledge of plant operations and the importance of the roles of food safety in this operation were undeniable. As I said, Jon had a way of making learning fun. I remember one class we were teaching, where he sang an operatic aria, in bass of course, and he asked the class which opera and/or language he was singing in. Everyone attending the class had a different opinion. Of course, that was the point that Jon was demonstrating. At the end, he told us that he had just demonstrated an opera that did not exist, and a language that did not exist, but in Jon's booming, deep bass, he had us all convinced that it was really something that we should know. The fact was we should never make assumptions; we should all research the facts in front of us, and then make intelligent decisions when it comes to food safety and life. I will miss Jon ever day. My first and lasting remembrance of Jon will be that he was an expert in his field, but most of all he loved his family and his friends. As his bio reads, he is most proud of his daughters, Charlie (Mary) and Lesley and his grandchildren, Squeaker, Itty Bit and Jake, his grandson who was great in basketball. He always spoke lovingly of his beautiful wife Ann. These are the true reasons why Jon was loved by so many and we all will miss him terribly.
- Nancy McDonald
Those of us who have had the opportunity to work with Jon and get to know him as the exceptional teacher and person he is, learned very quickly that his family was the most important part of his life. He said many times that he was a grandpa. He is proud of it and a good one, too. He made sure that every one he met knew that. Jon's family told me recently that the movie "Big Fish" reminds them of Jon. He was definitely the main character, and the movie truly reflects his influence on so many. My favorite movie of all time is "It's a Wonderful Life." Jon's influence on so many lives that he touched far surpasses that of Harry Bailey (Jimmy Stewart). Thank you, Jon, for your hard work, perseverance, and patience with all of us. Your knowledge and teachings will go forward. Your influence in our lives will never cease to make a difference. Thank you and God bless you and your family.
- Debby Newslow
On November 19, 2006, our industry and more specifically the world of food safety lost a great teacher and scholar, but gained a very influential guardian angel.