Resident brought music to LW

REMEMBERING KEN

by Jan Friedland

LW contributor

While walking through the Mutuals on a weekend, you might have been one of those lucky Leisure World residents who heard the sounds from the musical group The Greenbelt Singers. This group was created, organized and led by Ken Notorleva. Unfortunately, Ken died June 1, but not before he left us wonderful memories of himself and his Greenbelt Singers.

Ken’s goal, being true to his generous, caring and creative nature, loved to visit the different Mutuals to entertain residents. He especially enjoyed bringing happy moments to those with mobility issues. The group sang classic, familiar songs that brought back memories, generating both smiles and sometimes a tear as people enjoyed their performances. Now the Leisure World community will honor Ken’s legacy at a Celebration of Life on Saturday, Oct. 5. Ken’s wife, Nadine, said that he gave her a life of love, dedication, friendship, fun and adventure and continued by saying that Ken made friends everywhere he went by touching hearts.

One heart that was touched was Dean Jacobus, president of the Jewelry and Lapidary Club in Leisure World. Dean and Ken were friends for the past 53 years. Even though they both traveled around the country for years, they always managed to stay in touch with each other.

They both lived in the Tampa area for a while but then they moved to Southern California. After the COVID pandemic, Ken and his wife moved to Leisure World and told his friend Dean “he just loved living here,” Dean recalled. “I never saw Ken happier than while he was living in LW!”

There will be a Celebration of Life for Ken with pictures, videos, singers plus sharing memories of his time in Leisure World. The celebration is Saturday, Oct. 5, from 1-3 p.m. in Clubhouse 4.

All are welcome to participate in honoring Ken’s memory. RSVP to Nadine.exquisite@gmail.com no later than Sept. 18.