It is all about friendships…

In October I buried my best friend, Ken Porter.
Ken fought a long battle with colon cancer, a disease to which he dedicated himself to bringing awareness.
Ken taught everyone so much along the way during his battle.
Ken was a fighter; Ken was role model, and Ken was a blessing to all that knew him.
I did not meet Ken in high school or college, but it was our love of photography that brought us together.
We rode motorcycles together, snowed skied together, raised our children together, and spent countless hours sharing photography and Photoshop tricks.
I was so touched at Ken’s funeral by the hundreds of photographers from around that state that came to remember this special man.
The church held 975 and there was standing room only in the lobby.
Ken’s competitors, Ken’s friends, and Ken’s co-workers, all sat together as a family of photographers.
Ken had worked in the Texas Professional Photographers Association and attended every Texas School and SWPPA convention for the last 15 years and made new friends at every one of them.
It was these friendship he made at conventions that kicked in and helped Ken with his studio anytime that he needed.
Who would have thought the photographers Ken competed against for businesses, would be the ones to help.
But countless fellow photographers volunteered to shoot Ken’s assignments when he was too sick and supported Ken through one of the most difficult times in life.
When I spoke at the funeral, I joked that Ken had brought many of the south plains photographers to know the Lord.
I described that when you rode with Ken, at 90MPH, in the rain, 3 inches from the car in front… you got down on your knees and prayed to God that this would not be your time to go.
He could have won any Indy race that he entered.

I will remember Ken for his love, friendship, his willingness to share with others, and his desire to help so many.
Ken had a strong love of God and would continually pray was Ken’s love of photography and conventions that made him go to Texas school, carrying a fanny pack that pumped his chemo into his body on a 24-hour basis.
Ken was always optimistic and looked at the bright side of things, always saying, “I am so blessed to be here!”
Even though I have now buried my best friend, I know I have many more because of the wonderful profession that we are in.for people that were so much better off than he was.
Ken leaves us with so many memories and examples of how to live, life to the fullest; I can only hope that I touch as many lives as he did.
I realize how wonderful this photography profession really is.
I had to opportunity to know Ken Porter, and have made friends for life because of the work I have done with associations.
I encourage each of you to get involved.
Go to your state association, SWPPA, Imaging USA or any the weeklong schools - Texas, Oklahoma, or Delta school.
The very survival of your studio depends on growing knowledge through education; your happiness depends on the friends that you make at these events.
Ken Porter’s life helps us remember the important things in life, God, family, and great friends.
I hope to see you this February for our spring SWPPA convention and next October for our very first fall SWPPA convention.
Remember, it is all about friendships…
Thanks for the opportunity to be your president.
 

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