Obituary of Harold Noble

NOBLE - Harold George Noble passed away in the Lloydminster Hospital on March 26, 2012 at the age of 90 years. Harold will be sadly missed by his wife Lilian; children Ed (Ann) Noble, June (Keith) Thompson, Angela (Dennis) Tosaki; grandchildren: Kelly, Tammy (David), Lee (Lana), Robin, Rikki (Shannon), Randi (Jesse), Kiana; great grandchildren: Addysen, Josie, Halle, Ellis, Jenner; brothers: Dick and Thomas; sister: Fay Look; as well as numerous other relatives. Harold was predeceased by his son Rickey; parents George and Blanche; sister Betty; brothers Alec, Hilton, Bill and Frank. Eulogy I am John Hoegl and Marilyn and I have been asked to say a few words on behalf of the families of Harold George Noble. Harold was born April 5, 1921 at Lloydminster to Hillmond area residents George and Blanche Noble (SE of Hillmond known as Twin Lakes). Harold was the third son of a family of 9 including 6 brothers and two sisters. One sister, Betty, passed away as a 6 year old in 1932. Remaining today are brothers Dick and Thomas and sister Fay Look. Harold was a very courageous, modest, gentle and patient man who devoted his life to his country, community and family. He went to school at Indian Creek and after working around the area, Harold and brothers Alex and Hilton joined the armed forces in 1940 and were assigned to the 16th/ 22nd Saskatchewan Horse Regiment. After extensive training, the Noble brothers were sent to England in 1943. Harold was involved in training others as well as defending England's shores. Ed said at one time they took shelter at the base of the Vimy Memorial overnight to get some sleep because it was believed to be safe from the enemy in respect of others who had fallen in war. Harold was know as a very proficient and precise equipment operator with the ability to pass this on to other members and this was often his job. The use of amphibious vehicles was a common practice at this time. After the three boys joined, their Dad who was a WWI veteran, joined once again and served at Dundurn, Saskatchewan training troops in modern warfare. Brother Bill also joined the air force in 1943. A very significant part of Harold's military life happened when he was stationed on the English south coast and met his wife to be, Lilian Munday. This was a blind date arranged by a friend in February 1944. Lily, at the time, was working in an aircraft factory. Soon after, Harold was sent to Europe, and they wrote many letters to each other (of course these were censored) but the courtship continued in this way. I presume the proposal arrived by mail as well since on December 1 Harold returned to Gosport (Lily's home town) and on December 5, 1944 they were married. 48 hours later, Harold had to return to his Unit, and by month end was sent to India, a posting which lasted almost a year. In March 1946 Harold returned to Canada, as Ed said, to get permission from his Dad and find a place for and to prepare for Lily's arrival. She arrived in Saskatoon on May 26 (the first time she had seen Harold in civilian clothes) and they moved to Twin Lakes. A very beautiful area this time of year. Lily was thrilled. There were many work horses, things were very green and rich. Their "made in England - delivered in Canada" daughter was born September 3, 1946 followed by Ed in 1948, Rickey in 1953, and Angela in 1963. Unfortunately, Rickey was lost in a drowning accident in 1971 shortly after his high school graduation. Harold received an award in November 1944 for outstanding service in France from Bernard L. Montgomery, Field Marshall and Commander-in-Chief of the 21st Army Group. There were 22 of these presented in Canada. During the following years, they worked at the Selmer farm and for other farmers as well as on their own. Farming was tough and like all others they milked cows, raised chickens, and helped out at the Post Office which was moved from Twin Lakes to Hillmond and operated by Harold's parents. In about 1957 Harold and Lily also operated the North Star petroleum business in Hillmond for a few years until they purchased the Bob Brandt farm in about 1962 in the Twin Lakes area where they farmed and ranched with Ed and Ann and family until they moved to the Pioneer Lodge about a year ago. Harold was a great community man - seldom in the limelight or "at the helm" so to speak but both worked diligently and faithfully in many areas including 4-H, curling, hockey, square dancing, the seniors society, winter games, crib tournaments and legion events. They were involved in the construction and operation of the Hall, Curling Rink, Arena and Seniors Centre. As a result, their children were also involved in many community and school events. I have to include the Arenaettes and Ladies' Club because Lil didn't drive and Harold usually drove her and waited while Lily talked. We often talked to Lily on the phone and Harold would be in the background keeping the record straight. We were amazed how they kept up to date on news and current events. Harold and Lily made a few trips back to England - sometimes without each other and some of the kids instead. They did get back for their 50th anniversary in 1944 to where they were married and to renew some acquaintances as well as anniversary events concerning the war days and other places of interest. Harold had a very special way of relating to young people and usually found a way to get a smile from them all, whether family, friends or even unknown kids. In closing, I would like to thank the family for asking us to do this for them. It was indeed an honor and I hope we somewhat said what was expected. If we missed some special event like a trip to Hawaii or something please accept our apologies. A special thanks to Reta-Dawn Niekamp for the history book she compiled which helped us a lot. As you can see, from the display set up by the family, Harold received many medals and service ribbons, but I think there should be one more medal for his unfaltering patience and dedication to his wife. They would have been married 68 years in December. THANK YOU Our family would like to express heartfelt thanks to the staff of Pioneer Lodge and Home Care, the doctors and nursing staff of the Lloydminster Hospital, especially to Dr. Snyman. To the members of the Legion who took part in the service and acted as Harold's Honor Guard. To Joyce Dickson, Irene Knowlson and Grace United Church Choir for the lovely service and music; the members of the Legacy Centre for the lovely luncheon. A special thank you to Marilyn and John Hoegl for delivering the eulogy. To the many family and fiends who attended the funeral, sent flowers and cards, donations, food and visited - thank you. We were overwhelmed by the love and kindness shown by all of you. A special thank you to Dave McCaw and staff for their kindness at this difficult time. Donations in memory of Harold may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or to the charity of the donors choice.