It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of Noel Jeffrey of Olga, Orcas Island. Noel passed away on July 13 in Portland, Ore. after a short illness.

Noel was born on July 26, 1922 in Melbourne, Australia. He moved to the USA in 1971 and resided in Miami, Flo. Noel married Patricia Cooper in 1983 at Newport, RI. In 1985 they retired to Orcas Island, where Noel worked as Secretary of the Emanuel Episcopal Church and Secretary of the Olga Water Users Board. Noel and Pat enjoyed being part of the island’s community and quickly became involved in many of the local events. He will be sadly missed by the community.

Noel had played lacrosse as a young boy and this association continued throughout his life. He represented Australia several times, and was instrumental in fostering international competitions. In his later years he represented Australia in international veteran matches and was proud of the fact that he had played lacrosse in seven consecutive decades! He was one of two players who played in the Malvern Lacrosse team which won ten consecutive Lacrosse Premierships. Noel was made a Fellow of the Australian Lacrosse Association in 1984.

Noel is survived by his wife, Pat, now resident near her family in Portland, daughters Dawn and Denise, grandchildren Elissa, Troy, Lauren and Tara, and great-grandchildren Tyler, Charlotte, Heidi and Mirabelle, all residents in Australia. Noel and Pat made regular trips to Australia as well as enjoying many visits from his family and friends to Orcas Island.

A memorial service will be held at Emanuel Episcopal Church on Saturday, Sept. 24 at 2 p.m.