Obituary of William "Bill" Noakes

It is with great sadness that the family of William Cecil “Bill” Noakes announces his passing on October 13th, 2020 at the age of 90. Bill passed on peacefully at home surrounded by family. Bill was born in Brantford, Ontario on July 11th, 1930. He graduated as a CGA and began his career as an auditor at Ontario Hydro. In 1950 Bill married Frances (Elliott). After starting their family in Toronto, they relocated to Windsor in 1968. Sadly, Frances passed away in 1973 after a battle with cancer. But Bill was no stranger to storms and after weathering the loss of his first wife, he found love again with Beth (Elizabeth MacLaren). After proving her seaworthiness they married in 1974. He would have appreciated this metaphor as all things for Bill had a connection to the sea. After a long career, Bill retired from his role as the Director of Finance at Windsor Utilities Commission in 1994. Bill was a prominent member of the sailing community, racing the family’s sailboat, a C&C 35 christened Ruffian. He participated in countless events on the Great Lakes. But most notable was his thirty-seven Port Huron to Mackinac Island races, including a first-in-class finish in 2004 with five supportive family members aboard. Bill served two years in the prestigious role of Commodore and twenty-five years as Treasurer at South Port Sailing Club. Bill was also a longstanding member of the Windsor Yacht Club where he held the position of race chairman. Bill’s family members brightened his last days by presenting him with a first-in-class flag won at The Windsor Yacht Club’s annual Chimo race. This was an honour that Bill had himself won sailing Ruffian in 1997. Bill is survived by his wife Beth Noakes, brother James (Jean) Noakes of Boca Raton, FL. His children Susan Noakes of Hamilton, ON, Jeff (Val) Noakes of Toronto, ON, Laurie Powell of Victoria, BC, Doug (Dianne) Noakes of Calgary, ON, Chris (Louise) Noakes of Windsor, ON, Anissa (Lee Shuckerow) Noakes of Windsor, ON and Craig (Heather) Noakes of Halifax, NS. He will be missed by his grandchildren Jenn, Tim, Andrew, Kyle, Shane, Keith, Andy, Tom, Charlie, Graham, Oliver, and Clare. Great grandchildren Kaytlynn and Madisyn and great-great grandchild Kingston. Also survived by his nephew David and niece Sandra. Bill was predeceased by his parents Cecil and Marguerite (Green), wife Frances, sister Jean and daughter Brenda. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of life is planned for the Spring. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bill’s memory may be made to South Port Sailing Club’s Junior Sailing program. Arrangements entrusted to SIMPLE CHOICE (Wyandotte) 519-254-2585. Online condolences and cherished memories may be shared with the family at www.simplechoicecremation.ca.