Obituary of David Andrew Noble

April 3, 1948 – June 7, 2025

David Andrew Noble passed away peacefully at the General Hospital, surrounded by love and held close by his family.

Diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in March 2019, Dave faced the illness with the same courage, focus, and perseverance that defined his life—bolstered by an unrelenting physical exercise regimen and the care of an exceptional hematological oncology team. In May 2025, he received a diagnosis of untreatable colon cancer, which he met with the same quiet strength.

Born in London, UK, Dave was the beloved son of John Gourlay and Ethna (Hannigan) Noble. He was predeceased by his parents and his wife, Jeannette (MacDonald). He leaves behind their beloved children, Evan (Natalie) and Katie. Dave is also survived by his wife, Christina (Wegner), and their son, Sean. He was a proud and cherished grandfather to Olivia, Alex, Hannah, Ryan, Bennett, and Nathaniel. He is also survived by his siblings—Paul (Elizabeth), John (Lyse), Bill (Barb), Bob (Roberta), Alison (Evan)—and a loving extended family of cousins, nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.

At 17, Dave began a lifelong journey of service by joining the Canadian Armed Forces as a military engineer officer. The military engineer family became a touchstone in his life, supporting him through triumphs and challenges. He earned a Bachelor of Science from the University of British Columbia in 1969 and went on to build a distinguished military career. His postings took him across Canada and around the world—from Chilliwack to Brussels, from Rome to Petawawa—culminating in his retirement as a Lieutenant Colonel. Notably, he was awarded the Order of Military Merit in recognition of his outstanding leadership and dedication.

Dave often said the most rewarding time of his career was serving as Commanding Officer of 2 Combat Engineer Regiment in Petawawa. It was humbling and deeply fulfilling—he was doing the work he had joined to do and felt privileged to lead and serve alongside extraordinary Canadians.

After retiring from the military, Dave transitioned into public service. As Director of Disaster Services for the Government of Alberta, he led the province’s Y2K preparedness strategy, coordinating over 1,500 organizations and earning the Premier’s Award of Excellence. He later helped shape Canada’s Federal Emergency Response Plan and the National Emergency Response System; efforts recognized by the Public Safety Deputy Minister. In these roles, Dave’s gift was his ability to unite diverse stakeholders—often from siloed mandates—around a common goal.

Dave concluded his career where it had begun: with National Defence. He dedicated his final twenty years to the institution that had shaped, sustained, and inspired him, giving back to something greater than himself.

Dave was a cerebral man with a sharp intellect and an insatiable thirst for knowledge. He had an uncanny ability to absorb information and a generous spirit for sharing it. With characteristic humility, he called it “useless bleeping information”—a phrase that belied the brilliance of his mind. His humor was legendary: self-deprecating, clever, and always inclusive. He reminded us not to take life—or ourselves—too seriously.

Dave’s intellect was equally matched by incredible athleticism and sports were central to Dave’s life. He believed athletics built perseverance, resilience and teamwork. He spent countless hours in hockey arenas and on soccer pitches coaching children of all skill levels. His greatest joy was watching his children and grandchildren embrace sports with the same passion he had.

Beyond his professional life, Dave was driven by curiosity, creativity, and compassion. He had a lifelong devotion to dogs and a fascination with birds. His interest in fossils led to a jewelry-making business, and his passion for photography—nurtured since university—became a lifelong pursuit. Through his lens, he captured the world in greeting cards and visual stories reflecting the essence of his experiences and the people he loved.  A devoted science fiction fan, he recently completed his first novel—a testament to his ever-curious mind.

Dave left behind the greatest part of himself: his family. While the military shaped his journey, his family was the center of his universe. He held himself to the highest standards and inspired his children and grandchildren to learn without bias, live with integrity, and remain endlessly curious. His energy, imagination, and determination lifted us all. His desire to contribute to the betterment of family, community, and country was not only resolute—it was contagious. His legacy lives on in the lives he shaped, the values he instilled, and the love he gave unconditionally.

We are forever grateful to Dr. Andrea Kew, Dr. Arleigh McCurdy, and Nurse Christine Veal for their care, compassion, and professionalism.   You fought as hard as Dave did in beating back Multiple Myeloma. You gave him and his family a gift of six years of life accompanied by a profound and enduring friendship.  We are also truly appreciative of the very responsive Heart at Home palliative care team for the compassionate and all-encompassing care they provided to Dave in our home. Special thanks to Dr. Chris Mykytyshyn and nurse Jona Rada of the Ottawa General Hospital for walking alongside Dave and his family in his final days. 

A celebration of Dave’s life is planned for a later date.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the SPCA in his memory.