Memorial for John Porter

Good afternoon, everyone. I’m honored to be the Secular Officiant for this remembrance of John Porter. I ask you to please check your cell phone to make sure its turned off, so that we will not be interrupted as we reflect on John’s life. On behalf of the Porter family members I welcome you.

Thank you all for extending your love and support to John’s family and to each other today.

In a few minutes we will ask family and friends to share some sentiments with us.

John was born on May 14, 1986.

John died this past Monday, August 4th at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, following injuries sustained in a car crash in Chadds Ford on July 25th. John died at the young age of 28.

When an old person dies we may grieve, but we can accept more readily that a life has been lived and has drawn to an inevitable close. But when a healthy young man dies, we mourn not only the life that was, but also the life that might have been.

It is right and natural that we should grieve, because sorrow is a reflection and measure of the love – the happiness – and the intimacy we shared with the one we love who is now gone.

In a way too, we grieve for ourselves, because we know that our own lives will never be the same without John.

John was the beloved son of Robert and Carol Jane Najarian Porter.

They are proud to say that John’s love of his fellow human beings prompted the donation of his organs. In death, John was able to give a gift of life. Just 3 days ago, his heart, and each of his kidneys were transplanted to three individuals in need. In that way, John was generous and considerate even after death – a legacy we should all try to emulate.

The great English writer George Eliot said: “What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for each other.”

John’s organ donations have certainly made life less difficult for others. John is survived by his brother, Daniel Porter, and by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins of the Porter and Najarian families – many of whom are here today. John graduated in 2006 from Hilltop Preparatory School in Rosemont. In 2010, John graduated from Harcum College earning an associate’s degree.

He had recently gone back to school at Delaware County Community College, where he was studying automotive technology.

John was a regular at the Penn Oaks gym. There he was respected for his strength and dedication.

John amazed many with his determination to stay fit and healthy. He worked out 6 days a week. John was very proud of his weight loss and how strong he had become. The natural world was of great interest to John, who loved photography.

He had a particularly good eye for capturing animals on film, and enjoyed taking photos of the many plants found in Chadds Ford and at Longwood Gardens. John’s naturalistic worldview is why I am here today. John was not religious, but loved the natural world and his fellow human beings. Every human tragedy is an act of nature.

Nature does not know good from bad.

Nature does not know right from wrong.

In nature there are no rewards or punishments – there are only consequences.

Death is as natural as life.

Everything that has life will have a beginning and an end.

Nature is what is permanent in this world and our world is now a much poorer place without John. He was inspired by art and music. Many of you can visualize John rocking out, listening to music, enjoying nature and just being John.

He lived life fully, though his time was short. I ask you now to remain silent for a moment or two, so

you can each remember John in your own way. Those of you with religious faith may want to use these

moments for your own private prayer. (Pause for the playing of the song)

Margaret: The song you just heard is called Nuvole Bianch.

John recommended the lovely song to a few people shortly before his automobile accident.

Now, John’s father Rob Porter will say a few words.

Margaret: Jane Porter, John’s mother will now honor her son’s memory.

Margaret: And now we will hear from John’s aunt, Laurie Doghramji.

Margaret: Justin Levitan was very close to John as a counselor and a friend. He would like to say a few words of remembrance.

Margaret: John’s cousin Tara Davis will now honor John.

Margaret: James Way, John’s uncle would like to express his condolences and remembrances of John.

Margaret: There is a saying that dates back to ancient times: “When you speak of me, I shall live again.”

I now invite anyone who desires to share a story about John to step forward. Please don’t be shy. You are among friends and the family who would love to hear how John touched your life.

Please step up to share and bring John to life with your words and memories.

Margaret: Thank you for sharing such wonderful memories of John.

To best-memorialized John, please remember the inspirational way he lived.

As the great 19th Century writer Robert Green Ingersoll said,

‘The record of a generous life runs like a vine around the memory of our dead, and every sweet, unselfish act is now

a perfumed flower.” John’s unselfish acts have touched every person in this room. Hold on to that memory as a celebration of his life. Adore the memory you have of him, for like a beautiful precious flower he bloomed only a short time to give the world a little bit of happiness in seeing him, touching him, and loving him.

The family thanks you for attending today and encourages you all to live your passions, surround yourself with love, laugh often and – like John, remain involved with the world in which you live.

As we end this ceremony, let us resolve to be, like John, kinder to those around us and to enjoy the sights and sounds of our natural world. Let us resolve to be more open to others, to make new friends and keep our longtime friends and family close to our hearts. This concludes our memorial, but the family invites you to join them for a casual reception at the home of Laurie and Karl Doghramji – John’s aunt and uncle. My sympathies to all.