Derek Peter Noakes

DEREK PETER NOAKES Derek Peter Noakes, a resident of Wilmington, NC, died Wednesday July 9, 2014 at Lower Cape Fear Hospice Life Care Center after a short illness. He passed peacefully with his family by his side. Derek was born in London, England on January 29, 1934. He was the youngest of four children of the late Joseph Frank Noakes and Rose Louise Cornell Noakes. Following service in the British Army, he worked as a tool and dye maker. Soon after, Derek met the love of his life, Mercedes, a nursing student from Seville, Spain studying in London. Her friendship with the Swan family of Greenwich, Connecticut made it possible for them to immigrate to the United States to build their life. Derek became an inventor and received patents during his 30-year career with the P. Lorillard Company in Greensboro, NC. His retirement to Wilmington brought many new friendships, picnics on the beach with his grandsons, and an affirmation of his faith. He found pleasure in helping others and in creating beauty whether in his wood workshop or in the garden beside his Merche. His quick wit and British humor, along with his generous and kind heart, will be missed by many. Surviving is his wife of fifty-one years Mercedes Dominguez Noakes; children, Sally Noakes Barton of Charleston, WV and Peter Donald Noakes of Wilmington, NC; grandsons, William Noakes Barton and Charles Engelfried Barton; a sister, Phyllis N. Bashford of Loughton, England; and his American family, the late Mr. and Mrs. Donald Swan and their family. A private Funeral Mass was held at St. Therese Catholic Church on Wrightsville Beach. In appreciation for the care and dedication given by the hospice staff, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice 1414 Physicians Dr., Wilmington NC 28401; or, in support of opportunities and appreciation of craftsmen, The Tamarack Artisan Foundation, 3310 Piedmont Rd., Charleston, WV 25306. Condolences to the family at www.andrewsmortuary.com Andrews Mortuary Market Street Chapel