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In memory of
Ward Noxon
February 1, 1945 - August 15, 2019
Feb 1, 1945 - Aug 15, 2019
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Ward's obituary
He leaves behind his wife, best friend and companion of many years, Orriel Smith-Noxon of Irvine CA. Also his former wife Sally Noxon and daughters: Sherry (Brad) Noxon-Ellis and Carrie (Jeff) Noxon-Meluso of Kona, Hawaii.
He leaves behind his older loving brother Arthur (Leslie) Noxon, father of Nilo, Max, Nikola and the late Rhea Noxon. Also his younger loving brother Stevan Noxon, father of Sally and Sheri Noxon, and a host of beloved cousins, their offspring, as well as friends from around the world.
Ward was preceded in death by his mother Sofia Mandarich Noxon of Navelencia/Fresno, CA, and his
Father, Psychologist Arthur Mel Noxon of upper New York/San Francisco/Fresno.
Ward was born in San Francisco, CA on February 1, 1945. He grew up in Fresno and graduated from Roosevelt HS in 1962, setting school swimming records, a state record for the horseback keyhole race and two Valley champion swimming records. He went on to join fellow top swimmers in Fresno to compete and set national records. He never lost his love of competition, sailing the Transpac Race and later in life, swimming in USMS races.
He studied engineering at Fresno State. After two years he moved to Hawaii where he flourished in
skippering, designing and building deep sea sailing boats, worked in scuba welding and salvage work while running two scuba dive shops. He achieved the USCG 25 Ton vessel Master Captain license. After 10 years he returned to California, started and became President/CEO of Irvine Travel and for the next 45 years, lived in Santa Ana, Lake Arrowhead and Irvine. An avid music lover, he played the banjo and guitar. He managed the Kingston Trio in their later years.
Ward was an adventurer, risk taker, a world traveler and a successful businessman. He enjoyed and
shared his zest for living, made and kept many friends for life while keeping strong relationships with his
family - all of whom will miss him dearly. Per his request, his remains were donated to Irvine Medical Center at University of California Irvine.
A Celebration of Life is being scheduled.
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Memories & condolences
I was there in the hospital when Ward commiteted himself into the future of Hospice. I was numb at the time but later …
I was there in the hospital when Ward commiteted himself into the future of Hospice. I was numb at…
I was there in the hospital when Ward commiteted himself into th…
Hi Ward and Friends, It's yourbirthday and I used to call every year and take a deep breath and sing to you happy birth…
Hi Ward and Friends, It's yourbirthday and I used to call every year and take a deep breath and sin…
Hi Ward and Friends, It's yourbirthday and I used to call every …
I’m so sad to hear of his passing. He was a great mentor to me when I worked for him at the Travel Agency in Santa Ana.…
I’m so sad to hear of his passing. He was a great mentor to me when I worked for him at the Travel …
I’m so sad to hear of his passing. He was a great mentor to me w…
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/Users/rocco/Desktop/Ward Noxon Eulogy.docx
/Users/rocco/Desktop/Ward Noxon Eulogy.docx
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Created with love by
Orriel Smith-Noxon.
