Michael Richard Noble

It is with great sadness that the family announces the death of Mike Noble at the North Shore Hospice on Oct 31, 2021. He was diagnosed with myelofibrosis in 2002 and stayed well and fit until this summer when the medications ceased to be effective, and he declined rapidly in October.

Mike was born in Newport, UK but was educated and lived his formative years on the Wirral, UK until he moved to Canada in 1969. He enrolled in UVIC Physics to do his M.Sc. and intended to stay only a year or two. He enjoyed life in Canada and after he met his future wife, Krysha Derbyshire in 1971, they decided to make Canada their permanent home.

By the mid 1970s, they were in North Vancouver with Mike embarking on a career in acoustics with Barron & Strachan which over time became BKL Consultants. Initially an employee, he later became a partner. He was very proud of his accomplishments in architectural acoustics and worked on many community buildings as well as residential projects throughout BC and Alberta. These included theatres, churches, hospitals, high schools and even a jail and a courthouse. He also solved noise and vibration issues for industry and transportation.

Mike loved the outdoors. He was an avid skier and sailor with friends and with both his and Krysha’s colleagues. He and Krysha spent much time hiking and camping in BC, Alberta, and Washington and often with their daughters and friends. Mike was renowned as a woodworker and Mr. Fix-It. He was most proud of the wooden kayak he built which he would launch at Camp Olave. He built many pieces of furniture for his home and those of his daughters and friends, and delighted in making toys for his grandchildren. The little boxes he made for special occasions for his friends and his “secret Santa” recipient at his office are legendary. As a handyman he completely renovated an Edwardian house, a lengthy endeavour, helped several friends with their renovations and in more recent years was invaluable in maintaining the common property at his strata complex. For over 20 years he volunteered his time at the semi-annual work parties at Camp Olave, Sechelt where he happily built or repaired woodsheds, tent platforms, stairs, and outhouses.

He semi-retired following his diagnosis, as did Krysha, so that they could spend more time travelling overseas and cruising, then fully retired once grandchildren appeared. Mike was extremely proud of his daughters, Claire and Jane, and their professional accomplishments, and considered his sons-in-law, Andrew and Serge as sons rather than in-laws. Mike was extremely happy when he became, in the space of only 4 years, grandfather to four beautiful grandchildren and he was devoted to them. Just about the last occasion when he was able to be a little active was October 1 when he took his eldest grandson to the Ambleside golf course for a round of Par 3. He was the best husband, father, and grandfather anyone could wish for, and the family misses him deeply.

Also mourning him are his siblings Pete (Carole), and Ally (Steve) as well as his cousin Lucy (Paul) and Krysha’s many relatives, all of whom are in the UK. In Canada, Krysha is very grateful for their long-time friendship with Dorothy and her son James (Mike’s honorary nephew) who were both able to spend a few hours with Mike in his last days. Jane arrived in time to say her goodbyes and spend his last 24 hours with him. Thanks to Jane, his brother and sister connected with him via a video call. Krysha, Claire and Andrew spent many hours by his bedside in his last week and Krysha is so grateful for their on-going help and companionship. We have had wonderful emails and cards from many of his friends and colleagues which will be replied to later.

The family is so appreciative of the very caring and compassionate staff who assisted Mike in his last week – BC Ambulance, Lions Gate Hospital Emergency and Palliative Care wards, and the North Shore Hospice. They offered great comfort to Mike and the family despite staff shortages and patient overloads.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Mike’s memory to either of his favourite charities: WaterAid Canada and Covenant House, or to the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation.

A private memorial service will be held next year for family, close friends, and long-time colleagues.

“Not a day goes by when you are not loved or missed. Held in our hearts forever”