Christopher Charles "Porché" West

Christopher is the reason I became fascinated with my ancestry so many years ago. He had the one and only picture of my Ancestor Josephine Delphine Dubuclet Decuir. I´m a visual person like most people. Josephine´s photo is what made me want to learn more. He uploaded a photo of her a long time ago along with others and it sent me on one of the most personal fulfilling journeys I´ve ever been on and little did I know he was my kin. By the time I had finally connected with him he was older and sick but by then, I was well on my way anyway. Today I educate people on Louisiana Creole history and I´m a Louisiana Creole children´s book author and it all started with one photo. This is why I love putting a face to my ancestors and post them online... I want to be to them what Christopher was to me. Thank you Christopher for all the work you d contributed. You are truly appreciated.

My first memory of Christopher was when he attended a family reunion in Lake Charles. Over the years we would connect and share photo concepts. He was one of a kind and will be missed.

I met Christopher through my friendship with the late John Harris Wilmer of Sausalito CA. He was showing in John's gallery and at an office building in SF.
He was warm, very friendly and a wonderful artist. I am saddened by learning of his passing, I always think fondly of him. Brian Bowen

I have just learned about Christopher's passing when I went to his website and found much it wasn't working . A google search brought me to this sad news. When we last visited New Orleans in 2018 a friend, Bill Haney, told us we must meet Christopher. We spent most of a day in his studio and then taking him to dinner after purchasing several photos. They are always the talk of our house with visitors. He was passionate, funny and unpredictable .his is a loss to the world but the gifts he left us will keep him with us forever.

Too all who loved Christopher:
When I graduated from art school that's when I met Christopher many years ago. And that's when I knew what it meant to be a true artist. I was inspired by his drive and dedication to his art. To give up a lot of the comforts which we take for granted, his art took president. To be a true artist you dedicate yourself for that creative high and Christopher belongs in that group. His photography had unbelievable intensity. I'll miss our talks about family and the art system, and much more. You my friend was an inspiration to many of us.
And to Tia and her family I extend my deepest sympathy for your lost of Christopher. Christopher was very fortunate that you were there in his final days to give him the love and comfort he needed.
Bless you!
Joannie F. Smith

It was always a blessing to see you, talk with you, walk with you, work with you. You were a great brother in spirit and an uplift to my always heavy heart. If I ever hoped for an afterlife, it's certainly now if there's another laugh or another opportunity to make magic happen again even beyond this realm. You matter, you mattered so much. With love, Julian

Christopher Porché was a man with a deep and soulful commitment to the cultural life swirling around in New Orleans and other parts of the African Diasporic world. After many years of admiring his finely crafted and deeply seen photographs, and establishing a friendship through social media, I had the pleasure to finally meet him two years ago. When I returned to NOLA I treated him to breakfast, where we exchanged extended mutual respects and then we retreated to his wonderfully over full studio nearby. Looking through the many wonderful photographs he had made over the years I chose several fine examples to add to my collection. I made this portrait of my dear friend before departing. It was to be the last time I saw him. His photographs and abiding love and appreciation for the culture remain as an endearing tribute to his life. Rest well Christopher. May your spirit be at peace.

Sending my heartfelt sympathies to Tia and family on the loss of their beloved Christopher.

Thank you for your gifts - You will never be forgotten.

My deepest condolences to the family, I truly love his work. I know he will be sorely missed by all he encountered.

He was a man who found exactly where he belonged in this world and lived a wonderful life. I´m glad he is at peace.

Amor de mi vida, my best friend and soulmate, losing you to death was the most heart-breaking event of my life and I cannot express the void I feel every day. I miss you so much, and I hope you are now happy in your new life. I am left with your fond memories etched in my heart forever. Thank you for being such a loving compassionate, caring, gentle sweet soul of a man that had become the sparkle in my eyes and the brightest of the stars that touched my soul forever. Rest well my angel, my love. Until we meet again Te amo y te extrano mi corozon. I Love you