 VALE PAST DG NOEL HOLYOAKE Our meeting last Monday evening was dedicated by President Mike to Noel Holyoake and our memories of Noel as a friend and accomplished Rotarian were reinforced by Tributes from a number of members.
Bill Boyd spoke of Noel as a truly self-made man who may have thought that his life was assisted by luck but who essentially made his own luck. Always creative, always looking for something new, he would quietly make things happen. In his year as DG he was responsible for the first Science Summer School, the first RYPEN, for RYLA in Lautoka and the establishment of Trees for Survival. He was a good delegator but much of his success arose from his attitude generally.
Peter Taylor’s relationship with Noel extended back 55 years when he purchased a BBQ from Holyoake Industries. Since that time the Taylors and the Holyoakes had spent much time together at Conferences and on holidays all over the world. Noel was innovative and always interested in you as a person.
Bill Duncan recalled Noel’s role as the first Chair of the Bill & Lorna Boyd Charitable Trust, of his habit of returning from Australia with new ideas for Rotary projects and of feeling humble in the presence of someone who accomplished so much.
Kelvin Davies talked of an ever enquiring mind and Noel’s excellence with community projects and of how Noel and he never gave up on the wish to extend the Rotary Walkway past St. Kents-finally getting the go-ahead after 13 years of lobbying the Local Board.
Peter Jollands recounted a sailor who was a thorough gentleman, no airs or graces, but a formidable opponent in the squadron races.
Allan Davies also spoke of the man who contributed so much to his Club and his community. In a forthcoming Bulletin a tribute to Noel along with photographic memories of the many roles he had will be published. He was a man who made a mark and a positive difference . Google Noel Holyoake to see the array of obituaries from many organisations including NBR and Trees for Survival.
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