Donald Leo Noel

Don Noel was born August 22, 1932 in Yakima, WA.

He is survived by Lou Ann, his wife of 68 years, and his children Joyce (Chris), Carrie (Kendall), Rob (Ellen) and Teresa (Mitch). Don was preceded in death by his daughter Michelle in 1976, and he is survived by 9 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

He attended St Joseph grade school and Marquette Jesuit High School in Yakima. While at Marquette, he met Lou Ann Beaulaurier who attended nearby St. Joseph's Academy. They were married in Moxee, WA on August 10, 1953, beginning what would be more than 68 years together. Don and Lou Ann had 5 children: Joyce was born in 1954, Shelly in 1956, Carrie in 1959, Rob in 1960, and Teresa in 1965.

Don put himself through college and in 1961--with 4 children and he and Mom living in Student Housing-- he graduated from the University of Washington with a B.A. in Journalism/Advertising.

Don worked at McCann/Erickson Advertising and went on to become the Director of Advertising and Public Relations at Puget Sound Power & Light and held a similar position at San Diego Gas & Electric. He completed his career as the Director of Communications for the Northwest Public Power Association before retiring to Edmonds in 1997.

Our Dad was a special man. His life was built on the cornerstones of faith, family, and humor. Growing up mostly in North Seattle, our homes were a place of love, noise, support, more noise, and more love. While by no means rich, Dad and Mom put us all through Catholic grade school and high school and even helped out with college tuition.

In 1970, Dad had a great job opportunity and took a courageous step and moved his young family to San Diego. Our family station wagon left Seattle with older daughters sobbing in the back and younger children unsure but excited about the long trip. One and a half years later, Dad took another great job opportunity and moved his family back to Seattle. The station wagon left San Diego with older daughters sobbing in the back and younger children excited to return home.

In 1976 our family lost our amazing Shelly to cancer after a long battle. She was just shy of 20 years old. Somehow, Dad and Mom led us through this dark time, and the tools were faith, family, and humor. As a result, our family grew even closer and we have remained so over the years while cherishing the memory of our special sister.

Dad had many talents. He could draw quite well and probably grew tired of our never-ending requests to draw another funny face. His handwriting was also nothing short of spectacular, usually printed in all caps with black or blue ink. We could recognize his font anywhere. His humor was his own. Generally quiet but hilarious, and generally referring to people and places only family, friends, or his workmates would know. Silly advice was also part of his repertoire, including "Never eat anything bigger than your head" and "You can't be funny without a hat." Gee, thanks, Dad.

Most of all, our Dad loved us. He was maybe not the most demonstrative in this regard, but his powerful love was never in doubt. Especially when it came to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A yearly family highlight was Dad's August birthday celebration at Herron Island where 20+ family members descended on the small cabin to celebrate one more birthday for Dad. But he always made it a point that, grateful as he was for the event, he wanted their Wedding Anniversary to be recognized, as well because they were truly one as a couple.

In fact, it's hard to just speak of Dad without saying MOM and Dad, because she was the light of his life. He referred to her as TLFW (The Little French Woman) and they were inseparable for 68 years, and they have showed us what a marriage can be.

In closing, we are more grateful than sad, more appreciative than mournful for this amazing man that we have been lucky to call Dad. We love you, Dad. We are glad you are with Shelly, your parents, your brother Warren, and all the friends and family that went before you. We will miss you but we look forward to being with you again. Aurevoir.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, May 11th at 10:00am at

Holy Rosary Parish

630 7th Ave N. Edmonds, WA 98020