He walked into our Shabbat Service, one night, looking for a seat. He found one, opened a prayer book and joined our service reading and singing along with the rest of us. Following the service, he walked up to wish me a "Shabbat Shalom." I asked his name. He told me it was Nolan Porter and added that he enjoyed our service. He also told me he was a singer and would love to participate in our services. That was over 35 years ago.

 

Ever since then he and his wife Patrice (Zappa), participated in every subsequent Shabbat and High Holiday Service. Nolan endeared himself to everyone and, with Patrice, were valued members of CAT and a dear friend to me and my family. When we were told of his illness, we prayed every chance we had for his full recovery.

 

However, God had other plans and took this gentle, talented, and incredibly decent man from us. And, everyone at Creative Arts,

without exception, loved him and needless to say, our Friday Night services will never be the same without him.

Rest In peace, dear friend Nolan and thank you for sharing your God-given talent, humanity and love.

 

Rabbi Jerry Cutler