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JOHN NOYES Obituary

JOHN DOUGLAS NOYES October 8th, 1942 ~ April 3rd, 2025
On April 3rd, 2025, John Douglas Noyes died a gentle death in Sheila's arms, at home, with family by his side. He had applied for Medical Assistance in Dying but was unable to pass the competency test as his cancer spread very quickly.

John was born in Hamilton, Ontario to William and Mary Noyes. He moved to Red Lake, Ontario to begin a long career in education, and happened to meet a lovely redhead. John and Sheila were married in 1967.

John had a long career as an educator with the Lakehead Board of Education. He was instrumental in the inclusion of students with special needs, receiving a Queen's Jubilee Medal for these efforts. After retiring, he and Sheila shared their wisdom with newer teachers through the Faculty of Education at Lakehead University. He was President of the Poard of Directors of the Lakehead Regional Family Centre.

John's faith was important to him; he concluded that it was not what he believed that mattered but how he lived his life. John served on the Board of Westminster United Church and sang in the choir.

John was predeceased by his parents, his niece Jennifer Ihssen, his mother and father-in-law John and Audrey Dunn, his sister-in-law Jackie Richardson, and his sister Carol Bobyk. He is survived by his wife Sheila, his sons Greg (Kristine), Jeff, and Derek (Christina), and grandchildren Eliza, Cecily, Emilia, and Gavin. He is also survived by his sister Bev Vano, brothers Ted and Rob, and nieces and nephews.

Our family would like to extend their appreciation to the staff of Bayshore, especially Phyllicia, Kyle, and Jennifer, for making dad's last days as comfortable as possible.

We are deeply grateful to Jim Hyder, a close friend of John's who was a steady presence and comfort to John and who guided the family through the path of sorrow.

Recognizing the extraordinary father they had in John, his sons surprised him with a yellow TR3 for his 80th Birthday.

John was a unique person, intelligent, wise, compassionate and oh so fair. He was loved immeasurably by this family.

A memorial service will be held at Westminster United Church on Monday, April 21st, 2025, at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Charity of Your Choice.
Condolences may be made through www.nwfainc.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Thunder Bay Chronicle Journal on Apr. 12, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for JOHN NOYES

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10 Entries

Kim Whitney

April 22, 2025

Sorry to hear of John's passing. He was a very kind man and am glad to have memories of him and our families growing up. I will miss our random encounters in the Metro produce department!
My sympathies to the Noyes family

Barbara Schumacher

April 21, 2025

I met John when he taught a Special Education course for teachers.I do appreciate his techniques. I regularly apply his practical, straightforward methods.
Condolences to his family, may John rest in peace.

Doris Lowe Howard

April 17, 2025

A long time friend since Childhood .. Many Happy Memories spent .. Condolences to the Noyes families

Jim & Merla McCuaig

April 17, 2025

Sheila & family, our thoughts are with you at this very difficult time.John was well respected by his colleagues and peers.Your family and especially the grandchildren will be very comforting now.
Jim and Merla McCuaig.

Silvia

April 16, 2025

John was the principal of Shuniah School when I worked there for a year.  He was by far one of my favourite principals.  As a new teacher, I always appreciated his support and encouragement.  He was the kind of principal that helped you to become successful.  He once helped me out of a tough predicament during a placement meeting, and I will forever remember his thoughtfulness. I am happy our path had crossed even for just a year.  I will always remember John fondly.  My sincere condolences Sheila and family.  
Silvia Schiavone

Diane Lehtinen

April 16, 2025

Sheila
I am so sorry to hear of John´s passing. God bless you and your family.
Diane

DOUGLAS GOULD

April 15, 2025

One of the most beautiful cohorts I ever knew. Always a true gentleman with the most intelligent, warm, encouraging manner I ever experienced. He was a joy to be with and always contributed in his special way to whatever was being considered.
Sincerely,
Douglas Gould.

Roland & Betty Baird

April 13, 2025

Sorry for your loss Sheila. Shuniah School became a better place with John as principal. His quiet, easy going manner was appreciated by the entire staff.

Donna Grau

April 12, 2025

I am so sorry for your loss. Donna Grau

Sheila and Orville Santa

April 12, 2025

So sorry for your loss. God Bless.

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Memorial Events
for JOHN NOYES

Apr

21

Memorial service

1:00 p.m.

Westminster United Church

650 River St., Thunder Bay, ON P7A 3S6

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428 Balmoral Street, Thunder Bay, ON P7C 5G8