Britbike forum Forums General discussion The Rod and Tappet Help Tarvin Porter's daughters see what he was

Many of you knew Tarvin Porter, better known here as "GOLD S-TARvin R.I.P", but you may not have known that he had four young daughters. You also don't likely know that their mother passed away in September of 2019. Well I received a PM from his youngest daughter Samantha (now 22 so she was 8 when he passed) and his other daughter Jaclyn (25) has posted on his remembrance thread.

Below is the PM...

Hi Ron,

My name is Samantha Porter. From my understanding you were good friends with my dad, Tarvin. I googled his name the other day and came across this website. I made an account on here and read a thread of beautiful things said about my dad and it really touched my heart. I wanted to thank you for that. I was very young when he passed away so I didn't know much about him and I really enjoyed reading the thread as it showed me how much of a loving person he was. I would love to see more photos of him or maybe hear some stories.. anything would be appreciated. My mom never brought him up, I think it was too hard for her to talk about.

I have no idea what I am doin

I put this here though it isn't likely the most appropriate place, but because it has the best chance of being seen by the folks that knew him and will actually respond. You can however move this once it has been seen or post on his remembrance thread here.

https://www.britbike.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/831182/1

Most of the pictures we all had were lost when Photobucket decided to charge for storage and several other sites folded or we deleted photos to make room on these sites... We all likely have some, but digging up pics from 2002 to 2007 might be a challenge. But imagine your kid wanting to see what you were like because they lost you before they really can remember much...

I have a few pics, but they seem to have disappeared. but I'm still looking.

The first time I met Tarvin was in (I think) '04. He was at Mid Ohio and I was riding my Norton from Nebraska to Pa and Jersey. We were to meet somewhere on my return trip so could pick up the Guiness bottle.

But on the way east, thru a moment of lost focus, I bent a valve in Upper Sandusty. Yes, it was as strange as it sounds. Anyway, I had to complete my trip on a rented Hardly. I was able to get my bike returned to omaha but there was still the problem of getting me home.

I had to return the HD to upper sandustie, but the only one way car rental I could find was out of the Cleveland airport.

Tarvin met me at the hd dealer and drove me to Cleveland.

The last time I saw Tarvin, was the infamous "BEAVER FLY INCIDENT"

https://www.britbike.com/forums/ubbt...-beaver-richrd-eats-the-flies#Post194304

Don't have photos of Tarvin, just some fond memories of a great guy. At the time we met (2006 BSA MA Rally) there was an ad on the TV with an English guy saying "What's in your wallet" and me fresh from the UK and with the correct accent, Tarvin was all over me getting me to say that....

Naturally I picked on him, I though he looked like Neil Sedaka, what a good lad he truly was. And a great moment in time I'll never forget, don't think I've had a P'Arn since then either....

Ah the Good Ole Shawn, how are ya mate?

So maybe I should clear up what a P'Arn is. It's an old camping treat made with a special pie iron. A clam shell deal that is hinged to close like a waffle iron. You take two slices of bread, spread butter on the irons or bread, then add filling between the bread slices. Anything from PB&J to pizza Sause, peperoni & cheese, ham and cheese, pie filling...you name it. Literally anything! Close it up, trim off the protruding crust. Back when I was a kid camping with parents it was called a Pie Iron, shortened to P'Arn. Then you stick it in the coals of the camp fire and toast it like a grilled cheese sandwich. It will even cook a raw egg. I had one from when I was a kid and bought another, mine were round and made these cool circle pies. Tarvin couldn't resist and picked one up from Cabela's. so sitting around the campfire we experimented with all forms of fillings and had quite the production line going at larger gatherings. Just don't be too fast to bite one after coming out of the iron, the filling is really hot.... Don't ask about PB&J burns...

Alex had some sort of p'arn concoction involving white bread and chocolate pudding. I never indulged but it looked dodgy to me....

I spent many an hour around a campfire with Tarvin, sometimes just him and me when everyone else had gone to bed. Being two happily married guys with families, we always had a lot to talk about.

Lannis

Ron.......one of my fondest memories was the last time you, Craig, Rich and I sat around the fire at Cables eating P’ams. A first for me....the P’ams thing. Funny how after all the other times we were together that one sticks out to me

I have a couple of photos ( real, had to get them developed photos) that were actually taken by Craig. Those and one of the bike show award plates for 2007. I posted them on the “other” thread. IF the family would like to have them I’ll gladly send them to you.

He was the first one we lost out of our little circle.......no warning at all, just a slap in the face. We’ve lost several since then.........some very special people.

Take care, stay healthy.........Gordon.

Tarvin was a great guy and a good friend. I still miss him. He was also an inspiration to finish projects, he would hound me until I was done with a project. I have a hard time prioritizing projects without his assistance.

We met at the Ohio Valley BSA Owners Club at Toronto OH. We were “aware” of each other thru Brit Bike.com. We met at I believe a summer event and immediately became friends. We had many memorable camps at various rallies, rides together, road trips together, lunches, dinners, phone calls, etc. Did I say I still miss him?

I found a some pictures, mostly from 2096, I know I have more, just can’t find them.

A lot of there are from the International BSA Rally in Brimfield MA in 2006.

Tarvin looking at one of his Gold Stars:



At the Porter homestead on Detroit Road getting ready to load up for Brimfield:



Ron T, Shaun, and Tarvin at the dinner dance:



At the OVBSAOC Rally the week after the International. Tarvin talking to Craig (Bonzo) and John Muska’s daughters and the Gold Star Ron now has:

Tarvin’s 650 Triumph that is now in NC owned by Chad B:



Tarvin’s other Gold Star (the mud bike as he called it) when I first bought it in 2007:



As it appears today in probably my favorite pic of this bike. My wife still calls it “The Tarvin Bike”:



A few other random pics:

Tarvin, Ron, Shaun, Morgan, and myself. Take Tarvin out, it is more like a police line up :



Tarvin standing beside one of the Gold Stars:

Wow Rich......thank you for sharing those.

Gordon Gray