Noel BARLOW

BARLOW _ Noel Holland 1912 - 2002 Noel Barlow died peacefully at home on Monday, October 21, 2002 surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by Jeanne, his wife of fifty-seven years; his daughters, Gwennyth (Stuart) Bolinger and Happy Barlow (Bob Caywood); grandchildren, Martine, Ian and Alex Bolinger. He also leaves his brothers, Eric Parry (Kitty) and Ed Barlow; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Born in Denbeigh, Wales on December 26, 1912, he immigrated to Canada in 1924 with his mother Hannah Barlow, stepfather Richard Barlow and younger brother Eric. While homesteading near Cessford, Alberta, his younger brother Ed was born. The family moved to Carseland in 1932. In 1934, Noel left for the north to finance his dream of becoming a pilot. He was the sixteenth non-native person to arrive in Yellowknife where he worked at the Great Bear Lake and Giant Yellowknife Mines. He returned to Calgary in 1936 where he joined the Calgary Flying Clubs and obtained his commercial pilot's license. In the fall of 1937, he sailed for England to join the R.A.F. At twenty-four he was too old for pilot training so signed up for ground crew on 242 squadron, later becoming Sir Douglas Bader's personal mechanic. His goal of becoming an Air Force pilot was finally realized at Claresholm in early 1945. Near the end of the war, he flew Liberators, dropping supplies in India and Burma. While training at Abbotsford, B.C. in 1945, he met and married the love of his life, Jeanne Marie DesMazes. They settled on the family farm at Carseland to raise their daughters. Noel ran the elevators at Strangmuir for twenty-five years and was actively involved in the community. The Carseland Lions honoured him with the Melvin Jones Award, he was the Zone Commander for the Royal Canadian Legion, as well as St. Michael & All Angels Vestry. Noel and Jeanne enjoyed an active social life and were gracious hosts to all who came to their door, including the Calgary Parachute Club who used the airstrip on the farm. They loved hosting their friends and family at dinner parties and always celebrated Noel's Boxing Day Birthday. The family wishes to thank the staff of Strathmore Hospital for the kindness and care shown to Noel while in hospital, and also a special thanks to Dr. Victor Avramenko and Dr. David Piesas. A Memorial Service celebrating Noel's life will be held on Thursday, October 24, 2002 at Carseland Community Hall at 1:30 p.m., Reverend Fergus Tyson officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made directly to Strathmore Hospital (200 Brent Boulevard, Strathmore, T1P 1J9). WHEATLAND FUNERAL HOME LTD. (Strathmore) in care of arrangements. Telephone: 934-5666. 132604