Richard "Rich" M. Portwood

Richard "Rich" M. Portwood​
Age 59, of Hoffman Estates, formerly of Frankfort went home to be with Jesus, on Sunday, October 2nd, 2016 at his home after living nearly 30 years with brain cancer.
Rich was passionately in love and loved by his soul mate and wife, partner in Christ and partner in life Chris Portwood (nee Hammarstrom); he is also survived by his devoted, loving children; Michael (Janelle) Portwood, Allison (Patrick) O'Connor, Brian (Fernanda) Wesley, Brandon Wesley (Matt Johnson), and Brittany Wesley (Frankie Mears); brother Dave (Lori) Portwood; Grandchildren James, Jack, Judd and Judah Portwood, Corabella, Brian, and Jaxtin Wesley, and Joey Wesley Miller along with many loving nieces & nephews. Rich was preceded in death by his parents Donald and Charlotte (nee Begnoche) Portwood and Grandmother Dorothy (Shorty) Begnoche.
Rich Portwood was a man of strong faith; always eager to share his love for the Lord. He was a founding member of Revolution Church and previously a Deacon and Worship Leader at Peace Community Church in Frankfort. He found great joy using the gifts God gave him to sing; he touched so many lives. He loved playing the guitar and harmonica and was talented at woodcarving along with anything he put his mind to. Rich was a founding member of the Mokena/Homewood Brain Tumor Support Group. So many found hope, faith, courage, strength, and laughter where they thought there was none. Rich was an outdoorsman; he loved fishing and boating and enjoyed working outside as an Electrical Linemen for Local 9 IBEW until he had to retire early due to the disease. Rich along with his team by far outlived the life expectancy for someone with a brain tumor; he has been and will continue to be an inspiration to many. He knew and loved Jesus and remained upbeat and positive despite his deficits. He was left on the earth to be a blessing to those who knew and loved him. He was truly an example of how to live your life knowing full well he would have everlasting life. Rich loved his wife deeply, his children abundantly and his grandchildren richly. Rich asked that we don't cry for him but laugh along with the jokester he was and celebrate his life both here on earth and eternally in Heaven. Rich fought this for so long we thought he would live forever; he asked to put on my tombstone "I told you I was sick". We celebrate his new life with the angels his new life in heaven. Rich Portwood will truly be missed.
The family will receive friends at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, 65 Old Frankfort Way, Frankfort, IL 60423 on Friday, October 7, 2016 from 3-8 PM. Funeral service, Saturday, October 8, 2016 in the funeral home memorial chapel at 11:00AM. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial donations to the Mokena/Homewood Cancer Support Center would be appreciated.