Michael "Mike" NOYES

Michael Earle "Mike" Noyes, age 85, passed away on October 1, 2024, at Rockwood at Whitworth Retirement Community in Spokane. He was born on April 30, 1939, in Santa Monica, CA, to Harold Noyes and Mary Beth Noyes. Mike was a 51-year resident of Spokane, a generous and caring contributor to the community, and sincerely devoted to his family.

Mike grew up in Los Angeles, was a proud graduate of Alexander Hamilton High School, and majored in Business Administration at California State College in Los Angeles. After completing a tour of duty in the U.S. Navy, he accepted a management position in L.A. with a large business and financial firm and was transferred to Spokane in 1973. He completed his Bachelor's degree at Eastern Washington University.

Mike and his beloved wife, Cindy, married in 1963, and spent 55 fulfilling years together raising their two children, daughter, Brenda and son, Steven, and engaging in many joint efforts to serve the community, friends, and family. Both Mike and Cindy were active members of the Spokane Lilac Festival, including years of weekend travel with the float to participate in summer parades throughout the state, and serving as President and First Lady in 2003. Mike's participation extended to 2024, when he rode on the past presidents' float. He was also a member of the Navy League of the U.S., the American Legion Post 9, and The Inland Empire Water Garden & Koi Society.

As a family man, Mike cherished camping trips, canoeing, boating, cub scout projects, serving as a den master and being the girl scout cookie "guy," soccer games, and birthday parties. Together Mike and Cindy were a talented home improvement team with many ongoing projects. Also skilled gardeners, the family backyard was a summer wonder of vegetables, flowers, koi pond, patio areas, and fountains. Their home was the site of many memorable dinners for family, individual groups, and a variety of special celebrations.

When people knew Mike well, they discovered he grew prize-winning begonias, he loved cats, was a dedicated sports fan of the WSU Cougars and Seattle Seahawks, could usually be seen wearing a shirt from his extensive selection of Pendletons, loved music as a constant soundtrack could be heard throughout his home, and his perfect evening was to indulge in fine dining followed by a live theatre performance.

He will be missed by his family and many friends whose life he touched.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents and his wife. He is survived by his daughter, Brenda, Bay Area, CA; son, Steve (Terry) and grandson, Luke, Spokane; sister, Lynne, Los Angeles, CA; and nephews, Roger (Jayne), Bob, and Mel.

A Celebration of Mike's life will be held at 1pm on Saturday, November 30, at Riplinger Funeral Home.