WILLIAM GEORGE FREDERICK NOBLE

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

WILLIAM GEORGE FREDERICK NOBLE October 12, 1907 - April 8, 2001 Peacefully, on April 8, 2001 at the age of 93 years young, our dear father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend passed away at St. Boniface Hospital. Fred Noble, son of James Noble and Mary Jane McCutcheon, was born October 12, 1907 on Pleasantview Farm, approximately 13 miles from Gainsborough, Saskatchewan. Fred developed a love and talent for music at a very early age. His first instrument was the harmonica. While attending country dances in and around Gainsborough, he decided to learn to play the violin and was playing for dances by the time he was 10 years old. Soon after, he began to play the saxophone. Fred led and played for dance bands in the Gainsborough area throughout the 1920s and 1930s. On September 30, 1941, he married Marie Marguerite Cleary on Storthoaks, SK and in February 1942 they moved to Winnipeg to begin a new life together. Fred worked with several Winnipeg grain firms until he began a career in power engineering. He became a Second Class Engineer, and worked 16 years at St. Boniface Hospital until his retirement in October 1972. After his "retirement", Fred continued working as a power engineer. Then, in 1980, he returned to playing music. Fred Noble & the Ragtime Gals performed in hospitals, care homes, and legions throughout Winnipeg and Manitoba. Among their many gigs were the Osborne Leisure Centre, the Winnipeg Art Gallery, and the Old Spaghetti Factory. They were a big hit for years with customers at the downtown Eatons location. Fred was predeceased in 1977 by his wife of 36 years, Marguerite. He is survived and remembered by his daughters, Janice Glatz and Jean Lowe (Denis Leclerc) grandsons, Greg Glatz, Gord Glatz and George Glatz (Debbie) granddaughter-in-law Valerie Glatz, and great-grandchildren Gregory Glatz and Natasha Glatz. He is also fondly remembered by his special friend of 21 years, Caroline Bellon and her loving family. Our heartfelt thanks to all the staff of the Palliative Care Unit at St. Boniface Hospital with special thanks to Tim who did for Fred what he could no longer do for himself, while always preserving Freds dignity and pride. A reflection and celebration of Freds life will take place on Thursday, April 12 at 1:00 p.m. at Central Baptist Church, 1061 Ellice Avenue (corner of Ellice and Wall). Pastor Brenda M. Arndt officiating. After a reception at the church, interment will follow at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Palliative Care Unit of St. Boniface Hospital. Arrangements entrusted to Klassen Funeral Chapel, 338-0331.

Make a donation to

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 11, 2001