Porter Jacob Jeppson

2013 ~ 2021

Obituary Photo for Porter Jacob Jeppson < >

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Dec. 3, 2021
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Larkin Mortuary Riverton 3688 West 12600 South, Riverton, Utah 84065
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  • Porter. Also known as: P-man, Porter Pie, Porter the Snorter, Porta-Potty, Dee, Pubba. You don’t come into this family without inheriting some nicknames, and Porter had many. What a light in our life this boy was! He fought a good fight until the end. We are so proud of everything he was.

    Porter Jacob Jeppson was born July 4, 2013. Brittany was very upset that Jake convinced her to get in a swimsuit at thirty-eight weeks pregnant. In a public swimming pool, her water broke. Jake and Britt rushed to the hospital with nothing but their swimsuits on. Porter came fast into this world, eager to get here. Brittany almost missed her window for an epidural. Our 7.13-pound boy came into this world while fireworks went off out the window, almost as if heaven was celebrating the arrival of this boy.

    As the months went by, Porter was not meeting milestones. After a few doctor visits, it was confirmed he was fine and there was nothing to worry about. By six months, Brittany and Jake were getting more concerned. Porter had an MRI and that started his long medical journey. By his first birthday, Porter had undergone many tests, but all came back normal. Brittany and Jake fought hard to find a diagnosis for Porter. Twenty-four specialists later and after traveling the country for answers, still there were no answers. Soon Porter’s team was formed, as we called it, P’s Dream Team. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, feeding therapy, vision therapy, even play therapy were all part of Porter’s routine. Brittany and Jake felt like they needed therapy for all the therapy they were going to!

    Porter’s physical limitations became more apparent as he got older. He could not lift his head, could not roll, had no fine or gross motor skills, was cortically blind, and could not talk. Eventually, he received a feeding tube, and later a wheelchair.

    When Porter was around two years old, Brittany and Jake decided something needed to change. They were heartbroken and in tears constantly. The world kept telling them everything their son was not. That was going to change. They sent off some balloons into the sky to symbolize letting go. Letting go of what they thought Porter’s life was going to be, and accepting him for what he was. That balloon launch has since symbolized so much as a family. Just as the balloons flew, our family started fly. We found so much happiness in what Porter already was.

    Porter was our cuddle buddy. There was nothing he loved more than cuddling and having someone talk to him. He loved to have his hand held and his legs massaged. We always stated Porter lived in a musical. His love of music ran deep and he was constantly listening to some type of music. Bubble Guppies was the first tv show Porter reacted to and loved. It was his favorite. He later really loved any movie with a lot of music: Trolls, Coco Melon, Moana. Porter loved the song “Jingle Bells.” Jake would beat box and Brittany would rap “Jingle Bells.” That was his favorite rendition. Most nights you would find Brittany playing the ukulele or Jake playing the guitar in Porter’s room at night singing to him. Reese and Jordan loved to sing to Porter too.

    Porter loved water, but it had to be warm. Make a Wish Foundation gifted Porter a hot tub a few years ago. It has been one of Porter’s favorite activities to do as a family. Porter also loved to listen to Jazz games. One of Jake’s favorite times was to sit with Porter and watch the Jazz game together. Porter would listen to the whole game.

    Porter was a gentle, calm boy. He did not like loud noises, and you would often have to redirect him from crying by singing “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.” Porter’s smile and laugh were contagious. We will miss it so much.

    At six years old, Porter finally received a diagnosis. It was something that Brittany and Jake had searched for so long. Porter had an extremely rare genetic deletion that doctors knew very little about. There are no known cases with his exact genetic deletion. Porter was truly one of a kind. Jake and Britt laughed as they walked out of the doctor appointment. Something that they had fought for, for so long, didn’t matter anymore. They had learned to love and accept Porter as he was. A diagnosis didn’t change any of that.

    Brittany and Jake feel their house has been quiet the last few days without Porter, yet he never spoke a word. It shows how much of a presence he made in their lives.

    The last several weeks, Porter’s health made a rapid decline. His body had fought hard and held on for so long, but it was finally time for him to go. We are proud of all that he was. He touched many lives, and especially ours as a family. He taught us that the simple things in life are what matter. He taught us that love is a very pure and simple thing. In his room has always hung a sign that says BE BRAVE. Porter, we will try and be brave as we carry on. We love and miss you. We know heaven celebrated as you were wrapped in the arms of the Savior as you came home. Say hi to Cool Paps (Porter’s Grandpa) and play on every playground heaven has to offer. We love you. Until we meet again.


    Guestbook/Condolences

    Thank you so much for sharing your journey and such a large part of your life.


    - Alex Dayton

    So sorry to hear of the passing of your sweet boy !! Such a sweet spirit and a great loss. Q Sorry circumstances at home here will not permit my attending the viewing but know my love and prayers are with you and your family. May pieace be with you and your family during the passing days of feeling the loss of your sweet son. Love to all from the Deanna Rasmussen Family .


    - Deanna O Rasmussen

    We love you guys!! Sending all our love to you at this time.


    - Lindsey Cracroft Stephens

    Jake and Brittany,

    I loved reading about your sweet baby boy Porter. His sweet soul shines through both of you. I only wish I met him. The experiences you shared and the love you gave will always be in your hearts. You both are so strong and loving and I know he will always be watching your families adventures ahead. Love you guys!


    - Ashley Bodell West

    That’s the most beautiful obituary I’ve ever read. You guys are awesome!!!


    - Christie Kimball

    We were so heartbroken to hear of Porter’s passing! So glad we got to meet him and spend some time at the pool together! He was such an amazing boy and will be missed so much! Sending lots of love and prayers to your family.


    - Alex & Shaylise Harris

    I don’t know this Family. My name is Porter. I just got off the phone with Jake the father to confirm a gift that was delivered. I can’t stop thinking about Porter and his family. I just want them to know of my love for them even though I don’t know them. Special connection with others with the same name! P-man.. you will be missed, I’m sure of it!


    - Porter Probst

    Hope your family feels the love of the Lord during this time of sadness! DONNA BRADSHAW


    - Donna Bradshaw

    I feel very blessed to know this beautiful family. Porter truly was a light, he had the most special amazing spirit. His joy when he was watching one of his shows was unmistakable, pure joy. I loved his reaction to his grandma or one of his parents attention, again…pure joy. He was truly and deeply loved, always will be. As we celebrate your short but beautiful life I’ll never stop being grateful you were born in to such a special loving family. Lucky 🍀 you 🥰❤️❤️❤️


    - Jacquie Warnick

    Vi ber för er familj. Vilken vacker familj ni har, det berör våra hjärtan djupt. Många kramar


    - Gabriella Rosén

    May his memory be a blessing.


    - Dianne and Bob Kline

    What a beautifully written, heartfelt obituary for your little boy! You are an incredible couple that was blessed with such a precious boy. We express or deepest love and sympathy to each of you . Please know how much we love and care about you and your family. You are in our prayers as you navigate this uncharted course in your life. May the Lord lead you, guide you, and walk beside you …,,always . Sending lots of love ♥️


    - Mike& Sherilyn Shelley

    This is beautiful, we love that Porter and wish we had known him better. Brittany and Jake what a gift you were to Porter. Heavenly Father could not have picked better parents for this wonderful little guy. Love to you and that sweet Porter.


    - Austin and Laura Cope

    Love to all


    - Marilynn Gardner

    Dear Jeppson family.
    Porter and all of you were giving me inspiration through your fighting spirit and warm bond as a family. I am praying for his eternal happiness. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to interact with him in our preschool classroom.
    Satomi Juergens


    - Satomi Juergens

    Oh how we would have been there Jake to wrap our arms around you and give you and Brit a hug❣️❣️ I’m so sorry we just saw this! We loved meeting Porter at your dad’s viewing and funeral. We could feel of his braveness and purity! You have a celestial boy as part of your family, what a privilege! Jake because we have known and loved you for years we saw and felt recently how Porter has shaped you into a remarkable man. We love and honor you


    - Denise and Robert Doxey

    I feel so much love for your family and Porter’s perfect spirit just by reading this beautiful tribute and seeing his precious smile. His impact on this earth reaches far beyond those who new him personally. I believe souls like his - though his body was limited - are truly perfect on this earth… now he is fully perfected in heaven. Your journey as his parents is truly inspiring. I hope during this season, when angels seem to dwell a little closer, that you’re able to feel his angelic power near. Much love and sympathy for your beautiful family.


    - Kimberly Clegg Martin

    Dear Jake, Brittany and family, thank you for the beautiful and tender story of Porter's short sojourn on earth. He has transformed so many lives and touched so many hearts. Thank you for being the parents and family you are, for your determination and love and devotion to your children and to each other. You have been a light to us all. We will miss Porter. We are certain he is having fun with his Grandpa. Love, Aunt Christine and Uncle Ron


    - Christine and Ron Snyder

    querido jake se que no debe ser fácil pero solo el Señor sabe porque debe ser asi, llego a sus vidas para aprender de el, y uds dieron todo por el, el señor lo sabe y tendrán el consuelo y muchas bendiciones por ser como son que el Señor este con uds reciban mi cariño
    maya


    - maya arzola

    Britt, I feel like I know you. I think I only formally met you once at your parents home in Holladay when we had a sister missionary reunion of sorts. Morgan was my greenie and she taught me so much. I have occasionally seen your posts that Morgan has shared and my heart has always smiled. He just lit up every photo! My youngest son is named Parker after a buddy of mine named Parker that had something called Palister Kilian which is a chromosomal defect, not genetic. But Porter reminds me of Parker and the light he is in my life, especially when I needed someone to love and care for.
    Your heart truly swells with love. All of Gods children are so special and so lovable. But they believe we grow our capacity to love when someone needs us (they don’t back talk😘) and they bring such a light. I know I always felt the veil thinner and it often seemed as if he was talking and laughing with the angels.
    I don’t know if these are the words that will help, especially from a stranger, but I feel so close to your heart because of Porter. He is now a very special Angel in Heaven, I believe, and I know the world is definitely better having had Porter in it! I can’t imagine the pain and emptiness you are currently feeling, my only words of condolences are, be grateful we live in the 21st century and we can look at pictures and videos. I am a big fan of the ability to love and re live memories, as it were. My heart goes out to you and your family and I know you will get through it, not ever missing him or the whole in your heart, but that you will continue to live a special and happy life, in spite of missing him for a while.


    - Erika Weight