Noel E Gold

1923 - 2013

Salt Lake City, UT-Noel Eugene Gold passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 9, 2013 at the age of 89. Noel was born on April 21, 1923 in Salt Lake City, the seventh of nine children of Alma Nephi Gold and Rosa Birch Gold. He graduated from Granite High School in 1941, and attended Utah State University, Los Angeles City College and Stanford University. Noel served in the US Army during World War II and participated in the invasion of Normandy, but didn't want to be remembered as a hero for his service. But he was a hero to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and to all who knew him. On November 4, 1943 while on furlough from the Army, Noel married his high school sweetheart, Mary Beth Elg in the Salt Lake Temple. Mary Beth moved to Sandy while still in high school, so Noel often walked the 10+ miles to her house to see her. After 69 years of marriage, Noel is still deeply in love with Mary Beth, and his only wish is to be with her. Noel worked as an engineer and highway contractor, and retired in 1987 after a long career with Gibbons and Reed Construction, serving at that time as Executive Vice President. While a highway contractor, Noel served as an officer with the Associated General Contractors of Utah including one term as president. Noel also served on the Board of Directors of Holladay Bank. Noel was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and served faithfully in many callings, including branch president, ward clerk, counselor in a bishopric, High Priest group leader, and home teacher. Noel is survived by his wife of 69 years, by his four children Roger (Julie) Gold of College Station, Texas, Janet (Paul) Simmons of Layton, Utah, Richard (LuAnn) Gold of Fresno, California, and Linda (Lloyd) Neeley of Draper Utah. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson. He is also survived by a sister, Bonnie (Doug) Hart of Logan, Utah. Preceded in death by four brothers, three sisters, and one great-grandson. Noel wanted to be remembered simply as a man who dealt honestly and fairly with others, and who never left a debt unpaid. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 2:00pm at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 S. Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah, with visitation one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, Noel requested that donations be made to either the LDS Church Perpetual Education Fund or the LDS Church General Missionary Fund. The family expresses its sincere appreciation to the medical and nursing staff at the VA Medical Center for their excellent care and attentiveness during Noel's last weeks of life.