As Zachary Novak’s family, friends and loved ones proceeded down the center aisle, a large choir stood and filled Reardon Auditorium with song.

“We shall walk through the valley of peace,” the choir sang in harmony, bringing many tearful but quiet sobs.

Although it was a time filled with sadness and a time to grieve, Zachary’s memorial service held Thursday afternoon, was designed as a celebration and allowed family and friends to fondly remember his time on earth, which was tragically cut short April 20 in a plane crash.

To begin the ceremony, the Rev. Edward Dhondt, from St. Ambrose Catholic Church, called for a white cloth to be placed over the casket. “May he now be clothed in Christ’s glory,” said Dhondt. Following the cloth, a cross and a Bible were also laid atop Zachary’s casket.

“In the spirit of bitterness and parting, we cannot discount the sweetness, the satisfaction of recognizing a life well-lived, a Christian who’s gone home to God,” said Dhondt. “We are thankful of the gift Zachary was to so many. He used his gifts to honor the glory of God. He used his gifts for the good of those around him and the happiness of the world. He had an energy that could light up a room. He has now come for all he has longed for and hoped for.”

Among the song selections, family remembrances, instrumental music and Scripture readings, Dohndt’s sentiment echoed on everyone’s lips and one message was clear. Zachary was an exceptional man with a faithful and loving heart who never hesitated to share his love of God with others.

“Has this been a celebration of life or what?” asked Dan Novak, Zachary’s father. Family and friends responded by filling the auditorium with applause.

“Zachary truly loved Anderson University,” said Dan. “We are humbled it’s working out the way it is that he could come back to AU. This is very fitting.”

Zachary Joseph Daniel Novak, 25, was born and raised in Anderson. He graduated from Highland High School in 1999 and from Anderson University with a bachelor’s degree in music education in 2003. On April 20, Zachary was one of five Indiana University School of Music students killed in the crash just outside of Bloomington.

With almost every seat in Reardon filled, Zachary’s impact on the Anderson community was apparent.

“He was almost overly kind,” said Brytni Novak, Zachary’s sister. “He never turned anyone away and he never turned anyone down. He didn’t know how to tell anyone, ‘No.’”

Misty Novak, Zachary’s mother, said he was one of the nicest people she has ever known. “I was proud to be his mom.”

Zachary’s devotion to the Lord and helping others shined through in an album in Reardon lobby. Pages were filled with letters, drawings and stories from the children and youth of First United Methodist Church in Bloomington where he was the worship coordinator, choir director and beloved friend.

“Zack was my choir teacher,” read one line from a six-year-old girl. “But he was more than a teacher. He was my friend. He taught me more than church songs. He taught me about GOD!” The young girl’s letter was filled with doting words and was surrounded by music notes drawn in bright crayon.

In the same area, a large photo collage showcased Zachary’s love for music. The pictures boasted him singing, dancing or acting on stage, but none without a smile.

According to Dan, faith, family, music and art were Zachary’s life and his memorial service filled with lots of music and song deeply reflected those characteristics.

“(Zachary) is such a rare talent,” said Joel Novak, his brother. “He opened up a whole new world to me. I’ve never met anyone close to his qualities.”

In closing, Dan thanked everyone from friends to members of the Anderson and Bloomington communities for loving his son and showing great support. “The community has always supported my family,” he said, adding that Zachary also supported the community and participated in community events such as singing for the Anderson Symphony Orchestra.

“The thing about Zachary was his spirit, his true and genuine spirit. You never knew what to expect, but whatever it was turned out phenomenal.”

To continue Zachary’s good work and outpouring of love, two memorial scholarships have been established, one for college music students and another for aspiring high school music students wanting to attend college.

To contribute to college students, send contributions to Zachary J. Novak Memorial Scholarship fund C/O Anderson University School of Music, 1100 E. Fifth St., Anderson IN 46012. To support aspiring high school musicians, send donations to 1229 Lincoln St., Anderson IN 46016.