Richard J. Portner

Richard J. Portner passed peacefully from this world on October 26, 2025, at The Summit by Morrison in Whitefield, New Hampshire.

Richard John Portner was born July 7, 1941, in Ramsey, Minnesota to Phyllis and John Portner. He graduated from Washington High School in Saint Paul in 1959 and went on to earn a degree in Theatre from St. Cloud State College. There he met Therese (“Terry”) Louise Erickson. The two shared an early adventure performing with a USO troupe in Germany, returning and marrying on July 23, 1966. They moved to Boston and he began graduate studies at Emerson College, where he also taught.

Summers were spent working in theatre, first at Deer Trees Theatre in ME; then in 1968, he and Terry joined Tom Haas and Gibbs Murray at the Weathervane Theatre in Whitefield, New Hampshire. The North Country became their lifelong home, first in Bath, later in Lyman.

From 1968 to 2006, Richard was deeply involved with the Weathervane Theatre. He was found both on stage and behind the scenes. Many will remember some of his iconic roles, notably performing with Terry in Love Letters. He served as Managing Director from 1991 until retirement, overseeing operations that contributed to the theatre’s enduring success, and creating lifelong friendships with front-of-house staff and board members.

Richard continued to teach, first at Littleton (where he joined his friend Keith Booth), then joining the faculty at Lyndon State College (now VTSU Lyndon) in 1977. During a 29-year tenure he taught Television and Theatre and directed numerous productions revitalizing their theatre program. Each fall, he guided students through twelve one-act plays while also directing two mainstage productions per year - a gentle and caring mentor to generations of aspiring artists. Richard received the honor of being named Professor of Humanities Emeritus following retirement.

Richard was also instrumental in securing a grant to establish The LINC Project at Lyndon, which evolved into the college’s award-winning News7 broadcasts. In 2004, News7 received a coveted College Emmy for Best Newscast in the Nation - a proud moment for the department and for Richard’s legacy in media education.

Both Richard and Terry taught at Lyndon and upon their retirement created the Richard and Terry Portner Fine & Performing Arts Prize, an annual scholarship recognizing students who demonstrate excellence in the arts at Lyndon.

Richard was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Terry, of nearly 55 years, and by his brother, Lawrence Reinhardt. He is survived by two cherished great-grandchildren, John and Ellen Starr, his sister, Mary Jo Taylor of Minneapolis, Minnesota and brother Duane Reinhardt of Blaine, MN. He also leaves behind many dear friends, neighbors, colleagues and former students whose lives were enriched by his talent, humor and generosity.

In keeping with his wishes, there will be no services. Memorial contributions in Richard’s honor may be made to:

The Portner Fine and Performing Arts Prize at VT State University Lyndon. Checks may be made payable to VTSU Lyndon with “Portner Prize in Memory of Richard J. Portner” noted in the memo line. Mailing address: VTSU Advancement Attn: Sara Lussier, 1001 College Rd, Lyndonville, VT 05851

The Portner Fund, Weathervane Theatre Alumni Association, Inc., WVAA, P.O. Box 333, New Castle, NH 03854

The Weathervane Theatre, P.O. Box 127, Whitefield, NH 03598