Fernand (Fern) NOEL
Farewell husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle
Fern departed peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, February 26 aged 89 in the Port Credit Chartwell Retirement home. He leaves a daughter Diana in Port Credit (married to Paul Johnston) and son Paul in Berlin, Germany (married to Andrew Best), granddaughter Jessica and grandson Everett both in Toronto, and brother Rene Noel in Sarnia. Predeceased are wife Elizabeth (Rutherford) and mother, Irene Noel.
Fern was born in Kapuskasing on May 5,1934 but spent his early years in Timmins. At 8 years old he moved to Sarnia where he had his first exposure to speaking English. Fern, his mother and brother moved back to Timmins about 4 years later. By that age he was showing extraordinary capability in chemistry setting up a home lab in their tiny apartment and specializing in mycology (study of molds) which led him to the discovery of a new mold variation recognized by the Smithsonian Institute in Washington. By the time he entered high school he had already passed the final Grade 13 chemistry examination. Upon grade 13 graduation, he had been encouraged to go to work in the mines to support his mother and brother but took the very difficult decision to leave Timmins and attend Ryerson College (Toronto Metropolitan) where he graduated with a Chemical Technologist diploma in 1956. After a brief stint at Stelco in Hamilton Fern moved to Sarnia to apply for his dream job in the Imperial Oil Research Department as a research chemist. He started in 1957 and continued to work in the Imperial Oil
Research Department for the rest of his career, enjoying being surrounded by other like-minded scientists solving complex problems linked to the petrochemical industry. Recently, he established a significant scholarship at Toronto Metropolitan for science students. He took great interest in ensuring it was awarded by him or a family member.
Fern maintained a life-long passion for the outdoors prospecting (unsuccessfully) with his grandfather as well as exploring the forests and old mines around Timmins with his friends. He completed his mountaineering certification in July 1964 climbing Mount Petain in British Columbia. He was present at the opening of the Bruce Peninsula Trail in 1967 and spent many summers and winters hiking along the trail. His passion for and deep knowledge of winter tent camping started near Tobermory in February,1972 and he continued to winter camp around Ontario almost always as the leader of small groups of enthusiasts. In later years travelled to Ellesmere Island and Iceland for further expeditions.
Fern became actively involved in supporting and volunteering for a variety of organizations connected with nature and education. He was an early and long-time
member of Lambton Wildlife. He was a key advocate for the establishment of the Howard Watson Trail. He was a founding member of the ‘Adopt a Scientist’ programme and supported this for over 20 years working with local teachers to engage and encourage young people to be curious and understand more about science. Latterly he was active in the Kiwanis and enjoyed direct engagement with students to encourage leadership and interest in further education. In 2020 he established an award to be used to provide student members with the opportunity to attend outdoor leadership conferences.
Fern met his future wife Elizabeth at a YMCA singles dance at the end of 1958, and they were married at St Andrew’s Church in Sarnia in May 1961. Over the next 5 years they had 2 children and built their home on Clarence Street.
Fern will be fondly remembered for his direct, go-get’em spirit, willingness to step in and make a difference, endless curiosity, and his many generous contributions to his community.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, March 22 at 2pm at the Kiwanis at 180 College Street North, Sarnia. All who knew him are welcome.
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