We regret to advise of the death of Lieutenant Colonel David Andrew Noble OMM, CD (Ret’d), who passed away peacefully at the General Hospital on 7 June 2025 in Ottawa ON at the age of 77 years.
Born in London, UK, Dave began his journey of service at age 17 when he joined the Canadian Armed Forces with the Regular Officer Training Plan. Dave served for 27 years as a Military Engineer Officer.
Dave 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. His career highlights included a tour in Cyprus in 1972 with Lord Strathcona Horse as Pioneer Platoon Commander, Exchange Officer with the Royal School of Military Engineering in UK, Engineer Doctrine lead at Force Mobile Command Headquarters, attending NATO Defence College, Commanding Officer of 2 Combat Engineer Regiment in Petawawa, Executive Assistant to the Deputy Chief of Defence Staff and Divisional Engineer at Land Forces Western Area.
Dave often said the most rewarding time of his career was serving as Commanding Officer of 2 CER in Petawawa. He was awarded the Order of Military Merit in 1991 in recognition of his outstanding leadership and dedication to the military.
After retiring from the Canadian Forces, 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.
Dave had an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a generous spirit for sharing it. This was matched by incredible athleticism. Sports were central to Dave’s life as 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.
Dave was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma in March 2019 and faced the illness with the same courage, focus, and perseverance that defined his life. In May 2025, he received a diagnosis of untreatable colon cancer, which he met with the same quiet strength.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the SPCA in his memory.
A Celebration of the Life of David Andrew Noble will be held on Saturday, 30 August 2025, 1300 – 1600 at Cole Funeral Home, Magee Sideroad in Carp ON. The celebration will include an opportunity for Dave's family and friends to say a few words or tell a story or two they would like to share with guests. Remarks can be brief or more detailed – everyone is encouraged to take part. If you would like to say a few words, please indicate so in your response to Christina.
Dress Code: Business casual. Maroon berets and medals are welcome.
Please RSVP to Christina Noble by 29 August 2025.
Note: Dave will be buried alongside his parents in Victoria BC later this year. There will be a gathering to celebrate Dave's life following a family funeral. Details will be published once the event is finalized.
