The 35-Yearbook

Noam loved spending time with friends.

We’ve collected some anecdotes from those who were lucky enough to know him. Please enjoy their memories.

If you would also like to share a story, memory, photo, or a message for Noam - please use the contact button below.

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Dear Noam,

Even as my little brother, I always admired and looked up to you.

Even when I’d succeed, it only mattered if I made you proud.

Even as I try to move forward, I will never leave you behind.

I am now an only child. I carry an impossible weight of emptiness from your departure - the paradox of grief. I don’t recognize this stranger in the mirror. I hope I discover he’s even half the person you were.

— Eytan (Brother)

Dear Rina, Ben and Eytan,

I was watching Noam's memorial ceremony from afar, and was very touched.

I teared more than once together with you.

Your speaches were heartfelt, and I could really feel from your words who Noam had been for each one of you...

I felt the great friendship of a father and son from Ben's words, the stability and trust Noam brought into your life.

I could feel the beating heart of a mother from Rina's words, a mother that raised a beautiful baby, who became a wonderful son, and now faces the most heartbreaking thing that a mother can experience - burying the life that came through her into this world.

I could feel the great pain in Eytan's words, the missing out sensation, the regret, the loneliness feeling you're left with.

I felt your hearts, and teared from afar, for your loss, for our loss, for dear Noam.

I want to follow your wish to share memories I have from Noam, and I'll write some that comes to my mind now...

  • One of my first memories of Noam is from a really young age,  I was  maybe 8-9 years old, and Noam was probably 4-5.

    I remember coming to Seattle to visit you guys with saba and savta...

    I met Noam - this blond beautiful boy. 

    I really remember thinking how beautiful he was (as we don't get a lot of blond boys here in Israel;)

    I remember he invited me into an attic, and wanted to give me a kiss;)

    He was such a young boy and was playing around and I remember the laugh in his eyes at that age, the amused expression... 

    A curious beautiful boy... 

    I think he never lost this curiosity - and was always keen to try things and experience life.

  • The next memories are from your home, in bed with Eytan, Noam, and a big big pile of stuffed animals.

    I remember the feeling of joy I had from spending quality time with my American cousins at the states. I felt lucky and privileged to experience this trip at such a young age.

  • My next memory is from the trip we did to Mount Rainier. I remember the wooden cabin we stayed in, the green lawns outside, the springs and rivers all around us, the ducks marches lined up one after another...

    But I specially remember 2 things from this trip:

    The trees and the bathtub.

    I remember me and the boys playing with the tree mold - some green long leafy thing that was hanging from the trees. I remember us throwing it on each other, playing and laughing hard...

    I remember Noam's playfulness and laugh

    The bathtub: the cabin had a big jacuzzi bath tub which the three of us entered together wearing our bathing suits. It was full of foam and we were laughing and playing in it for a long time.

    This trip was unforgettable for me, I remember the effort you did to amuse us while we were there, and I thank you for allowing me the opportunity to keep this good memories with Noam and Eytan.

  • My next memory is from the time when Noam came to Tamir's wedding together with Jenna.

    I remember how relaxed he had looked.

    It looked like he had found his place, a home, a corner in the world that was his own happy place. The couple were telling me about their cat, their apartment, their jobs... It looked like Jenna loved and embraced Noam for the beautiful soul he was, and saw through him into his kind heart.

    I remember giving them a ride on my car, and gently hitting a parked car with the back of my car while reversing... I remember feeling embarrassed, but Noam was so gentle and reassuring, not making a big deal out of it, making me feel a bit less awkward about it... 

    I think this was who he was, a sensitive, gentle soul, that always noticed people around him and tried to make them feel okay...

    Sadly, it maybe also one of the reasons for his last decision... He saw the sadness and helplessness of you, and - as Rina mentioned - didn't want to be a burden on his surroundings

  • My next memory - is of a video call we had.

     It was when Matan was staying with him for a visit, and I remember he told me about the beagle puppy he fostered... He was full of compassion and love for this little one. He told me about the dogs shelter and how much he wished he could adopt a dog in different circumstances...

    I remember thinking that he has a big compassionate heart, as I always say - from the way a man treats animals - you can learn a lot about him.

    Noam had a good, sensitive, compassionate heart.

  • The last memory I have for now - when Noam graduated his medicine studies.

    I remember thinking how hard it probably was, and how amazing it is that he did it!

    I recorded a very long voice message on Whatsapp for him, congratulating him for the accomplishment.

    He never answered.

    I remember thinking that he must be very busy, and I didn't take it personally, but I also thought it takes two for tango and maybe he doesn't really want to connect...

    Ever since his loss, I thought about it a lot...

    I felt like I wish I'd tried more times to reach out, to talk, to invite him to visit... To maintain a better connection...

    I felt like we should have bridge the distance gap better, and maybe he would have find another comforting place and people on earth - to call his own...

As the rabbi said in the ceremony - there are no words of comfort for this loss...

Still, I really think that thanks to the three of you - Noam had a really good one! Not long enough, but good, full life, with a loving supportive family who always did the best they could...

You did everything you could for him, and I'm sure he loved and appreciated you so much.

I will definitely check in randomly for more people I know, in the memory of wonderful Noam

One last thing - the ceremony was very honorable and touching... Much more than most of the funerals I've been in personally.

You did beautifully to honor and remember Noam, thank you so much for sharing this with us - the people who love you but couldn't physically take a part in the ceremony...

Hugs, Shani 

Noam,
I fondly remember the times we shared—playing golf and pool together, exploring different markets and restaurants, and enjoying BBQs. I recall sitting in the back seat while you learned to drive and sharing meals at Safta Nurit and Saba Shmuel's place, where you always finished every last grain of rice. I even remember your thoughtful gesture of wanting to share a piece of chicken with Ginger, our dog, even though I reassured you that Saba was already feeding her under the table.
I cherish the memory of us walking through the old city of Jerusalem, searching for special gifts to bring back home, and dancing together with Jenna at my wedding. These moments are etched in my heart, and they mean so much to me.
I may never fully understand what happened, but I find some solace knowing that you are free from the suffering you endured here. While your departure has left a void in many hearts, your memory will continue to bring warmth and love to those who knew you.
Rest in peace, dear cousin - Tamir

I just want to say that it was a real pleasure to have known Noam. We have only fond memories of him on our team. He always lightened the mood in the office with his witty comments and our patients ABSOLUTELY loved him!

He was known to have cared deeply about his patients and the feedback we got from one of them was that it was the BEST exam they had ever had. I am so sorry for your loss, Noam was a wonderful person and he will always be remembered as a key member of our team. 

All our love from the Beyond Vision Center Team.

— Sloan (Owner @ Beyond Vision Carlsbad, CA)

Noam’s Coworkers @ Beyond Vision Center - Carlsbad, CA

  • "Dr. Nicholson was an amazing doctor who really cared for all his patients. He really had love for helping people and making sure he answered all of their questions. We bonded over beef jerky and gator jerky. He will be missed and he really left an impact on all of us here at Beyond Vision Center. From my family here at BVC and at home, we sincerely send all our condolences. We will meet again one day, Dr. Nicholson!!!"

  • "Not a day passes that I don't feel the void of your absence. I still chuckle when I think of your quick-witted sense of humor. Your presence was a blessing to me and I am richer for having known you. Your memory will live on in my heart. Rest peacefully my friend."

  • "I was lucky enough to meet you and be able to experience and witness your care for other people. I hope you got a glimpse of how much you meant to me in our short time together and carry that with you. I will always appreciate how eager you were to teach us and help explain all our struggles. You are very missed and will always be in my heart."

  • "Dr. Nicholson - you were a great person for the time that I got to know you. You will be very missed and I wish there could have been more time because we were just finding our groove with each other...but, I hope that you are resting and at peace."

  • "Dr. Nicholson had this incredible talent of committing to the bit. His humor and delivery of jokes were so deadpan and intelligent that you had to think about what he just said before understanding and laughing. His energy and silliness offered a sense of relaxation and brightness in a busy office. Beyond his humor, Dr. Nicholson was generous. He was generous with his knowledge and time and always took time to teach me about certain aspects of optometry. He offered his experience of applying to optometry schools and frequently checked in with me to see where I was at in the process, as I hope to become an OD. Noam Nicholson was a wonderful doctor and an incredibly intelligent and caring person."

  • "To the Nicholson Family, While I only had the opportunity to work with Noam for a short period of time, I appreciated the experience that I had with him. We often chatted about Optometry school and his tips to help me be a successful Optometrist one day. His kind demeanor is definitely missed and I wish I had more time to get to know him. I hope your family's future is full of healing, and that you find comfort knowing he is living on in the memory of others as well as your own."

  • “I saw a patient today who asked about Noam. The reason he was asking was because he was so grateful for his help. Noam helped him resolve years and years of headaches after his last eye exam. This patient was so greatful to him for his expertise during the eye exam and designing an amazing prescription. I wanted to pass along the compliment and let you know we are always remembering him!”

Noam and I were close through the end of high school, and we would hang out together fairly often. We met through our mutual friend, Nate, and I was instantly struck by how funny he was. To this day any time I think of Seinfeld, Noam and his Festivus parties also come to mind.

He was such a sweet and caring person, and I always felt welcome at his parent's house where we would spend hours hanging out with groups of friends. For whatever reason this was also a time period where we were all obsessed with smoking hookah, and I have random memories which are forever enshrouded in thick clouds of strawberry and apple-scented smoke, as Noam and I learned how to blow smoke rings together.

Unfortunately we lost touch shortly after high school, and I am so saddened to hear of his passing. The memories I have of him are ones of fun, silly, and often ridiculous times spent together that I'll always cherish.

— Sarah Baker (GHS)

I loved being Noam’s teacher. He possessed a brilliant mind and beautiful spirit. My heart aches when I see these photos of him. A generous, kind soul.

Rest in peace, friend.

  • Steve Miranda - Teacher @ GHS

I still have no words.

I have a nonprofit Beagle rescue, and Noam fostered Archie Beagle for me while he was going through heartworm treatment. Originally, he was looking to adopt a friend, but soon realized his school schedule was not ideal for a dog of his own yet.

Noam was one of the most kind young men, not much younger than my younger son who literally just turned 40. He also fostered Gracie Beagle for a week when he had a break before she went to her forever family. I saw how kind he was to my Beagles—wonderful young man.

I am shakened to my very core over this news. My deepest sympathies to you and your family.

— Diana Moore

Noam playing with Archie

When we first started speaking on a friends app, Noam asked to make plans one weekend. Another person I was speaking with already asked to go hiking, so I told Noam that I couldn't meet him that weekend but asked if he wanted to make plans later in the week. He wrote back saying no problem, he was asked to go hiking with some other people so will meet me the next week.  I mentioned to my wife "wouldn't it be funny if Noam was going hiking with the same group of people."  Showed up for the hike, and of course there he was.  We became friends at that time. I immediately enjoyed his sense of humor and perfectly timed comments.

There was a group of us that would meet up since that hike.  We had many great memories... hiking, miniature golfing, axe throwing, dave and busters, playing pool, horse race track, comedy show, ate some good food, and he was actually at my house to celebrate new years.

A few of us couldn't reach Noam for the past months and started to get a bit worried... we were always speaking about him and missing him the past months...  Was thinking of him tonight... and looked online and found the website... 

Definitely a terrible loss and we all miss him. He was a great person and really cared about people.

Sending my condolences to you and your family - Steven Osher (San Diego)

Noam was 35 years old, and it's nearly a year since he left us.
I came to Seattle to get to know Noam. The first stop was the cemetery — blue stones engraved with the letter “N,” stunning cherry blossom trees, and a peaceful, quiet atmosphere that filled me with hope that Noam had found his rest.

The second stop was the home of Rina, Noam’s mother. Noam’s presence was everywhere — countless photos of him, the wooden floor he had crafted so skillfully, and a remarkable family of three: Rina, Ben, and Eytan. Together, they manage to beautifully balance deep grief and absence with respect for Noam’s choice, meaningful acts of remembrance, and a strong commitment to living life fully.


  • So, it was only after Noam’s passing that I began to truly get to know him.
    On the occasion of his birthday, I found myself reflecting on his name. The dictionary definition of “Noam” refers to pleasantness, calmness, and kindness. In Kabbalistic tradition, parents who choose this name express a desire for their child to be beloved, gentle, and pleasing to others. The name embodies values such as positivity, integrity, and strong self-discipline.


    I remember Noam, both as a child and as an adult, as polite, warm, and soft-spoken. He had a gentle presence, a kind and respectful demeanor, and a shy, sweet smile. He wasn’t one for many words and was deeply protective of his privacy.

    The last time we met was in 2016, at my son Tamir’s wedding. Noam came with his girlfriend, Jenna. They stayed at my home, and since then, I hadn’t seen him, though I stayed connected through his family.

    During this visit, I asked to be introduced to Noam in a new way. Through meaningful time spent with Rina, Eytan, and Ben, we began a touching culinary journey: we visited his favorite restaurants, the place where he had worked, and beaches where he spent time with friends — and I learned that Noam especially loved to cook and eat meat. He often cooked for his friends.
    To honor his memory, a cookbook featuring his favorite recipes has been published.

    I also discovered that Noam had a unique sense of humor from an early age. His mother shared a story: when he was three years old, during Passover, he couldn’t find matzah to hide for the afikoman. Instead, he took a hard-boiled egg from the Seder table and like in Easter he hid it in his parents’ bedroom... Day by day, the smell worsened until the rotten egg was finally discovered.
    Throughout his life, Noam was known for his dry, witty, and often cynical sense of humor.

    Our third stop was Hawaii — a trip Rina and I had long dreamed of taking, delayed only by Noam’s declining health in his final two years. The journey was incredible — it felt like closure, or as the saying goes: “In his death, he commanded us to live.”
    Rina spoke about Noam. We felt his presence everywhere — in the ocean, at restaurants, on walks, and in every conversation.

    Noam was a Doctor of Optometry — successful and admired by patients and colleagues. He was also a perfectionist, a trait that brought him both achievement and a great deal of stress.
    He was talented with his hands, and everything he committed to, he did with excellence — like the flooring in Rina’s house.
    I also learned that the gifts he gave were always thoughtful, practical, and precise.
    And he loved Seinfeld — to this day, Eytan visits Noam’s grave and watches episodes of Seinfeld there.

    The final stop was back in Seattle. The day before I flew home, Eytan invited us to an Italian restaurant because he knew I love vegetarian lasagna. It turned out to be a place where Noam had once worked as a sous-chef. It was a beautiful, emotional ending to my journey.

    The last two years of Noam’s life were incredibly difficult. The beautiful life that could have been ,slowly began to close in and overwhelm him, until he chose to step away from it entirely.

On a personal note, I want to say how deeply moved I was by the family Noam left behind: Rina, Ben, and Eytan — true heroes who, in the face of unimaginable loss, chose to honor Noam’s decision without judgment. They carry out meaningful acts of remembrance, such as founding a scholarship fund for individuals facing similar challenges, publishing a cookbook of Noam’s favorite recipes, and now, Eytan is working on a book that will combine Noam’s artwork with Eytan's poems.

This is a family who, despite their deep pain, continues to choose life.
May they be blessed.

— Rina Hod (Aunt)