Frank H. Noyes, 91, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2017 in Ukiah, CA after a short illness. Frank and his wife, Barbara, who have resided in Ukiah for 46 years, recently celebrated 70 years of marriage at a September 3rd party with family and friends.
Frank started his career as a firefighter in El Dorado County when he was just 16 years old. He worked for The Division of Forestry (now Cal Fire) for 30 years, retiring in 1984. He rose through the ranks from dispatch in El Dorado County to Administrative Officer in Mendocino County. Frank’s true love was fire control, and he worked in Northern California serving in rural areas, trying to keep as close to fighting fire as possible. Barbara recalls Frank working on The Handley Fire in 1964 which burned from Calistoga to Santa Rosa and is eerily similar to this year’s fire in Calistoga. Frank worked for eight years as superintendent at Parlin Forks Conservation Camp.
After retiring from Forestry he took on two additional jobs, first for the Sheriff’s Department as a transport officer, and next driving the Senior Center bus.
Entertaining family and friends was a big part of Frank’s life.
Frank is survived by his wife Barbara; son Frank D. Noyes and partner Cheryl Garner; daughter Sherry Staser and husband Charles; granddaughters Sara Rexrode and husband Russell; Jessica Albere and husband Jay; and great grand children Karlie and Jesse Rexrode. Predeceased family include his parents Frank N. and Clarice Cullers Noyes; and his sister Helen Davey and husband Art.
A celebration of life is planned for December 2, 2017 at 2:00 at the Ukiah Senior Center, 499 Leslie Street.