This photo was taken 11 October 1975 at the home of daughter Dana Montgomery in Vista, California. On the left Roy Noon is holding Sarah Bachman, daughter of Dick and Nancy Bachman, and on the right is Lyn Montgomery, daughter of Tom and Dana Montgomery. At his feet is Rich Bachman, brother of Sarah.
It can be said that Roy Noon probably enjoyed his short stint with the Fallbrook Fire Department (now the North County Fire District) more that most anything else in his long and productive life. The sense of service to the community, patriotism and fellowship with the 'good guys' greatly appealed to him and as a result the department was very involved with his funeral on the 19th of this month. The service was conducted by Charles Glasgow, Deputy Chief and Department Chaplin while Milt Davis, Department Chief, gave the eulogy with members of the department to act as pallbearers. One of the items presented to the family by Milt was a plaque which had Roy's original Inspector badge mounted.....a treasure for the generations. There were many at the service as Roy had made many friends in the community over the years and several from out of town including niece Sue Hiller of Los Altos, CA, nephew Peter Olding of Tuolumne, CA and nephew Chuck Noon of Tijeras, NM. Many spoke including son Jim, grandsons Brad and Brent as well as nephew Peter Olding. Many others wished to say a few words but as the service would have gone on much too long it simply could not be allowed. It was very, very evident to all that Roy was a greatly respected and beloved individual.
His obituary was published in the Fallbrook/Bonsall Village News, page B-15, the 28th of April 2005 for all to enjoy:
"Roy Noon made a difference in our community
Nathalie Taylor
Staff Writer
His children called him `Pappy' and the rest of the community called him kind-hearted, considerate and a 'flag-waving patriot.' Roy Meredith Noon, who passed away on April 14, made a lot of friends in his 92 years. A handsome man, Noon was once mistaken for Clark Gable at a luxury hotel in Los Angeles.
He moved to Fallbrook in 1967 and in 1970 was elected president of the Fallbrook Chamber of Commerce. He was instrumental in not only helping Fallbrook gain notoriety but in helping to generate interest in Fallbrook's historical buildings. "He worked hard to save the train depot, but unfortunately he couldn't get enough people interested," said Fire Chief Milt Davies of the North County Fire Protection District.
Noon also served the community as a scoutmaster and in 1976 helped with a gala event in conjunction with America's Bicentennial celebration. "He was known for his unflagging energy in getting people behind their town," said son-in-law Tom Montgomery. Noon had a gift for turning the unlovely into the lovely and that included his plain office on Hawthorn Street, which he "turned into a palace," according to Chief Davies. He was also one of the forces behind the restoration of the 1918 Fallbrook fire pumper that can be seen at many parades.
Weed abatement was close to Noon's heart when he worked as fire marshal in the Fallbrook Fire Department for seven years. With his gentle persuasive tactics he was able to talk many Fallbrook residents into mowing their weeds.
"He was a magnificent man," said Chief Davies. "There is no one in shoe leather better than him." Davies preserved Roy Noon's fire department badge and presented it to the family at Noon's funeral.
Noon was the epitome of self reliance. When a group of Fallbrook firemen offered to build a house for Noon he politely declined and went to work building it himself. He sawed the wood with a handsaw and pounded the nails with his own hand.
Noon exhibited leadership qualities from the very beginning and was active in various extracurricular activities at Nogales High School. He was starting center for the varsity football team and captain of the basketball team. Noon also served as Student Body Secretary and graduated in 1929. He graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in pharmacy in 1935. He made Betty Olding his wife on the 26th of September 1936 and they enjoyed 60 years of marriage until her passing in September of 1996.
"Roy had a very basic integrity that was always recognized by others," said Tom Montgomery. "He had a great belief that life was always good no matter how hard it might become. He believed that living life with honor had great value and pursuing life with courage and service to others is always the worthwhile path to follow."
Surviving Noon are three children, son Donald Roy Noon of Vista, daughter Dana Anne Montgomery of V sta and son James Meredith Noon of Gainesville, GA. Roy Noon's grandchildren are Meredith Noon of Vista, Lyn Wagner ofAguanga, and Brent and Dr. Brad Noon of Gainesville. His great-grandchild is Murphy Davin Smith of Vista."
