Students hold vigil for Louisa Street fire victim

A crowd filled Heinz Chapel and spilled into the lobby Monday evening to remember student… A crowd filled Heinz Chapel and spilled into the lobby Monday evening to remember student Rich Noble.

Noble, 20, a brother of Pi Kappa Alpha and third year computer science major, died Nov. 17 from smoke inhalation sustained when his Louisa Street apartment caught fire two weeks earlier.

“I never knew he had so many friends,” his grandfather said to the full house. “He loved his friends, and he loved this University. He brought much joy into the lives of his Gram and I.”

Candles were placed lining the walkways leading up to the Chapel’s steps and doors. Several members of Noble’s family and others close to him spoke at the service.

The service, a candlelight vigil, was coordinated with the help of Vice Provost and Dean of Students Kathy Humphrey. Chancellor Nordenberg also spoke at the event.

Members of the greek community also showed their support. The lobby filled with many brothers and sisters wearing their letters and other chapter insignia, peeking over one another’s shoulders to see the speakers.

Another brother of Pi Kappa Alpha, Derrick Stalker, recounted an event when Noble, in accord with his generous nature, allowed another Pi Kappa Alpha brother to borrow his car for a date.

The car ended up being “parked in front of a dumpster with a huge ‘No Parking’ sign” and towed. Even though an unpleasant fate had befallen Noble’s car, Stalker allowed him to borrow his own car, because he knew how conscientious Noble was with other people’s things.

In fact, once at a party, Stalker had given his keys to Noble to hold on to. When Noble realized he had lost them, he offered to drop everything and stop the party to find them.

Stalker replied that such measures wouldn’t be necessary – they’d find them after the party. But, he held the event up as a measure of Noble’s character.

All in all, each speaker emphasized Noble’s motto: “Remember this – that very little is needed to make a happy life.”