Gordon Noel

NOEL GORDON ANDREW NOEL, beloved husband of Lee Purdy Noel of Lethbridge, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Tuesday, August 19, 2014 at the age of 77 years. He is the loving father of: Carla (Stuart) Parker of Abbotsford, BC, Michael (Karren) Noel of North Salt Lake, UT, Lizanne Fernhout of Lethbridge, and Deborah Noel of Vancouver. He leaves behind 12 grandchildren: Dylan, Maya, and Hayley Parker; Kennedy, Jacqueline, Madeline, Camille, Andy, Gabrielle, and Thomas Noel; and Nicholas and Jake Fernhout. Gordon is also survived by sister LaDon Kirby, brother Bill Noel, mother-in-law Margaret Purdy, numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. He is predeceased by his father Andrew Noel, mother Marble Atwood, and infant brother Donal Noel. He was a real Southern Albertan being born in Lethbridge on April 29, 1937, the oldest of four, and raised on the ranchlands in the foothills of Southern Alberta. He attended school in Raymond and Magrath, graduating as valedictorian. Gordon excelled academically in pursuit of his education, attending BYU as well as the University of Alberta, graduating with honors in Chemistry. During this time he joined the ROTP program achieving the rank of Captain in the Royal Canadian Air Force as a fighter pilot and flight instructor. This career took him across Canada and across the ocean to bases within Europe. It was while he was stationed in Manitoba that he met his wife, Lee Zaruk. Following his military career, Gordon joined the Department of Transport as an aircraft accident investigator and later worked in aircraft safety. Gordon and Lee were married September 25, 1963 in the Cardston Alberta Temple and in 2013 they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Lee was by his side caring for him during the last years of his illness. Gordon was a patient and gentle father to his four children. He enjoyed taking his family camping among other adventures. He found great joy in his grandchildren who adored him in return. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in several church callings throughout his life. The family would especially like to thank Doctors David Stewart and Lee Oviatt for their excellent and compassionate care. The Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, August 28, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, FAIRMONT CHAPEL, 205 Fairmont Blvd. South, Lethbridge. Friends may meet the family at the church prior to the service from 10:00 to 10:40 a.m. Interment to follow in the Temple Hill Cemetery, Raymond.

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