Robert Noble, 87, of Victoria British Columbia, peacefully passed away on May 14, 2025.
Robert was born on December 21,1937, to John Todd and Gertrude Isabella Noble in Victoria. After Robert graduated from Mount Douglas High School in 1955, he went on to study civil engineering at the University of British Columbia.
After graduating with a degree in Civil Engineering, he started his first job with Willis Cunliffe Tait as an Engineer designing parts of the Alaska Highway from Ft. St. John to Dawson Creek. Robert worked with Willis Cunliffe Tait for 31 years before venturing on a journey to Indonesia where he spent three years completing a road from Banda Aceh to Calang. In 1992, upon his return from Indonesia, Robert left the consulting business and became general manager of Victoria Highways and Maintenance where he worked for several years before creating a new partnership; Victoria Contracting. Robert finally retired at the age of 70, although still consulted with the company until age 75.
In the summer of 1958, Don Hamilton introduced Robert to Julie Ann Beecroft at Stelck’s Hardware Store on the corner of Hillside and Quadra. Robert and Julie were married for 65 years and went on to have three children: Ross, John and Trudean.
In 1992, Robert and Julie purchased a piece of property on Piers Island where they spent 32 years enjoying their time with their family and friends.
Robert is survived by his wife Julie, children, Ross (Shannon), John (Annette) and Trudean (Michael Knight); grandchildren, Tasha (Conrad), Kyle (Bev), Jordan (Joanne), Teryl (Nico), Joshua (Kelsey), and Georgia; great grandchildren, Quinn, Ellie, Eva, Olivia and Bowen; and sisters Sally (Alan Stonehouse), and Anne (Roger Gudbranson)
A quote from one his grandchildren says it all. “You are and have always been the rock of our family. You continue to inspire us every day. Because of you and grandma, your Christmas lights shine bright with your love.”
A heart felt thank you goes out to Victoria Hospice and to Leanne for your care and kindness in dad’s final days.
On Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 1:00 pm, a Celebration of Life will be held in Building 21 at Camosun College (Interurban Campus) Trades Center building, 4461 Interurban Road. Doors open at 12:30 pm. Guests are encouraged to use parking lot P2. Parking is free in P2 as it has been reserved for the celebration of life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Robert and Julie Noble endowed bursary at Camosun College that assist students in financial need.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
This obituary is the property of the “Noble” family and may not be reproduced, distributed, or altered in any way without prior written consent.
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Andrew Beal
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Andrew Jordan To the Noble family :
My sincere condolences to hear about Bob’s passing and have such wonderful memories of him while at WCT before moving overseas.
Bob was a true professional and had an abundance of energy & passion in everything he did.
R.I.P
Andrew
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Blair & Lisa Mr. Noble was always such a quiet and impactual presence. He was so modest and radiated the highest standards, not with words but with action. When John and I were 16 we were cutting wood to raise money to go on a lacrosse trip to Montreal and Mr. Noble was one of the parents who was always there, helping split the wood and get it ready for delivery. When it came time to take a drink break or lunch, all the young strong 16 yr old Jocks would sigh with relief that we could finally take a break, and I’m sure most of the other parents helping took a deep sigh as well. Not Mr. Noble, he kept on swinging the axe and would say “just one more, then I’ll take a break”. I’m not sure if he ever did take that break but he sure showed what the definition of work ethic was.
Lisa and myself feel blessed to have had the Noble Clan play such an influential roll in our lives growing up.
Big hugs and tears of gratitude
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mike siska Dear Julie and family,
Condolences from the Siska family…Bob and I met first at WCT and then on Piers.
He was a respected professional colleague and a great neighbour on the Island.I first met Bob at WTC in 1967, I enjoyed working with him over the many years. His energetic, dedication, generosity, kindness and humour will be sorely missed. We worked together for the common good of Piers Island.What is life? Chief Crowfoot had this to say and I quote:
“It is the flash of a firefly in the night,
It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime,
It is the little shadow which runs across the grass and loses itself in the Sunset”Rest in Peace my friend, sushine passes, shadows fall, life’s memories outlast all.
Mike
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Bil and Trudie McDonald We were sorry to hear of Roberts passing…he was such a special man. His achievements in engineering were only outdone by the importance he placed on his roles as husband and father. He set an example for the entire family and was definitely a star in the eyes of anyone related to him, or who had the privilege of being his friend. May he rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Cousin Bill and Trudie
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Kevin and Lia Lindsey We are greatful to have had you as a close friend for nearly four decades Bob. That friendsip started in Indonesia with many adventures. Our condocences to the whole family. As the Hashers say “On On”!Love Kevin and Lia
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Sandy & Bob Brunham Our deepest sympathies to Julie and family. Bob was a pillar on Piers Island. He used his talents, experience and good nature to help out in so many Piers’ projects. From the road, to the orchard, to local governance he was always willing to help out. He was a kind and gentle soul who always had a kind hello for everyone. We enjoyed working with him in the Orchard. He will be missed and remembered. Sincerely, Sandy and Bob
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Martha Downing Julie, I was very sad to learn that Robert had passed away. I remember all the wonderful stories you told us at our Engineers’ Wives meetings of all your world travels. My sincere condolences to you and all your family at this difficult time.
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Garry Rai Julie & Family,
Over several years, I worked with Bob on several construction projects in Victoria.
The most memorable was in 1993 in preparation for the 1994 Commonwealth Games at the University of Victoria, Centennial Stadium.
We (Island Asphalt Co.) hired Bob to oversee the preparation & construction of the “World Class” asphalt paving running track.
Bob, a true gentleman was very knowledgeable, respected, & experienced for Construction Projects across Canada.Our sincerest & deepest condolences, Garry & Lynn Rai
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Mark, Joanne, Erin (Starman), Andrea & Heather Wyllie Lovely to read of all Robert’s accomplishments with Julie and their travels around the world. Remember hearing of the adventures from Indonesia when Ross and Shannon took Jordan to visit. Joanne and I had the pleasure of visiting Piers Island and enjoying Robert and Julie’s hospitality. Early in our marriage with our three girls at one end of Ball Place in Fort McMurray and Ross and Shannon with their family at the other end, Robert and Julie’s visits gave our family a chance to experience Robert’s calm and gentle “grandparenting”. What a generous and caring example Robert set for all. Truly an honor to have spent precious time with your Dad.
Mark & Joanne
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Michelle and Kevin Paterson and Family Julie, Ross, John, Trudean and all the other members of the Noble family-Robert was simply one of the best and so very loved. It was a fortuitous day indeed when the Bastins moved next door to the Nobles, and our decades long friendship began. Robert will be so missed. Love to you all.❤️
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Chrsitine Kutzner To the Noble Family,
Sorry for the loss of your Dad. He was so calm and patient as I watched him parent you all. I appreciated how he took an interest in us, your neighbours, always game to hear what we were up to, right up to the end! I have many memories of the neighbourhood gatherings and your Dad had a quiet strong presence, a great sense of humour, and I loved watching him jive with your Mom! He was a lovely person. He will be missed.
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LILLIAN HELENA MILTON TO- ROBERT’S FAMILY.
You kids were very young when we all lived in Terrace so perhaps you don’t have too many memories of those days ( except for Ross??). I just want you to know that your folks were the best thing that happened to us during those years. A young town and young families who knew how to make our own fun. I fondly remember all the meals/B.B.Q.’S/ Lake frolics/ hunts in the snow for a Christmas tree/ all the great dances in the old Community Hall- so many precious memories and I am so grateful that we got to share them with our dearest friends. Your Dad and my husband, Bill enjoyed some great fishing/ hunting trips and always had hilarious tales of the “one’s that got away” -fish or moose!
Your folks were so proud of ALL their family – hold on to all your own happy memories and be comforted by them. Love to you all – Lillian Milton
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Susan Willis-Marles Julie and family,
I was saddened to see that Bob has passed away and wanted to express my sympathy as well as add my memories. My Dad (Doug Willis) admired and respected Bob, depending on him, not just as a colleague in road building (etc.), but also benefited in Bob’s keen interest in the CTAA (Canadian Technical Asphalt Association).
I was especially glad I knew about this via my father’s conversations over the years.
In writing up a biography for UBC archives on my Dad’s early days of BC road building, I was so ably assisted by Bob when adding CTAA information. I am still very grateful for Bob’s contribution in identifying some of the people in conference and workplace photographs, now held at the archives. My greatest regret is in not being able to meet you personally and renew my acquaintance with Bob in person during this collaboration due to the pandemic restrictions. I send my heartfelt regards.
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George Grover John and family please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of Robert. I had the pleasure of sitting with him at a couple of the Victoria Sportsman lunches.
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Susan Currie Please accept my deepest condolences to the family with Robert’s passing. I will never forget Robert and Julie’s kindness to me in letting me stay at their place every month as Julie and I attended the monthly meetings for the Victoria Floral Artists Guild. We had lots of conversations, laughs and great friendship. Robert fought a long battle with his cancer and thankfully his suffering is over, but wonderful memories of his life will live on for the rest of us. It was great knowing you Robert!
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Bryan &Gillian Russell Farewell dear Robert. A true friend and travelling companion We met you in Indonesia and visited so many different countries all over the world. We enjoyed visits to your home and you visited us in England. Definitely a friendship that stood the test of residing in different countries. A pleasure to call you our friend.
Love Bryan and Gillian x
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Judy Sending condolences to the Noble family. I feel truly grateful to have spent time with Robert throughout the years. He was a truly kind man who walked this life with purpose and a deep sense of love for his family. He will be missed! ♥️
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Catherine, Craig & Brendan Marney My dear cousins,
We loved Uncle Robert’s humour, kindness and generosity. He was energetic, hard working and cooked awesome pancakes. We admired his contributions to Piers Island, his walking group and so many other places and people. We will be sorely missed.
To the Noble Family:
My sincere condolences and sympathies on the loss of Robert, who I only really knew as Mr. Noble, father to Ross, John and Trudean growing up. In my younger years, I have many fond memories of hanging around the Noble family home where both he and Mrs. Noble were always so generous and welcoming with a laugh and a smile. I will always appreciate your dad’s calm words and advice not to mention his subdued amusement when we did something that turned out to be not such a good idea. I remember him always being there, supportive of his family and always accepting of your friends. I also remember him as a calm, understanding, yet competitive lacrosse coach, an ice maker on the occasional winter where it was cold enough to make an ice rink on your driveway and a first responder when a certain bike jump ended badly against the garage wall. Mostly though I remember him as a kind and generous person who I looked up to and respected as a child. My heartfelt regards to the whole Noble family.