Noel B. Campbell

May 30, 1928 - September 5, 2015 Pastor Noel was a spiritual father to thousands of people. Noel grew up in western Washington. During his freshman year in high school, the family moved to Cottage Grove, OR where Noel became a star athlete. He was All State as a fullback in football, and attended Oregon State University on a full ride football scholarship. There Noel met the love of his life, Martha Weller. They married in 1950 and had six children: Mark, Lori, Greg, Laina, Liane and Regg. Marty died of colon cancer at age 40, leaving Noel to raise six children alone. Noel never remarried; he told those who asked that he was already married, and that Marty was waiting for him in heaven. He never removed his wedding ring. Noel graduated from OSU with a degree in pharmacy and went to work in Coquille, OR, Winston OR, and Eugene, OR. While he worked at pharmacies during the day, he quietly counseled, mentored and pastored people all the other hours. His home church, Faith Center in Eugene, asked him to come on staff as a pastor, which he did in 1975. He has been a pastor ever since, moving from Eugene to Hilo, Hawaii where he pastored at New Hope, and then to Spokane in 1990 where he was the pastor of prayer and discipleship at Life Center. Noel taught four discipleship classes per week that were attended by hundreds of people over the years. He just retired from teaching and pastoring four weeks ago at the tender age of 87. Noel is famous for teaching and living God's unconditional love. He greeted you with a smile and "I sure love you," and you know he meant it. He was a wise counselor who didn't give answers but pointed you to God. "Have you prayed about it?" he would ask. He listened for God's voice and obeyed. Noel produced the fruit of the Spirit in abundance: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Many people felt like Noel was the closest person to God they've ever known. Noel is survived by his six children, their spouses and many grandchildren and great grandchildren, and countless friends. A memorial service will be held at Life Center on Saturday, September 12 at 6 PM. Pastor Joe Wittwer, Noel's son-in-law, will officiate.