Michael LeRoy Noland

Michael Leroy Noland was born in Chillicothe, Ohio on August 30, 1955 the son of Roy Lee Noland and Lola Bee Dye. Michael passed on June 1, 2015 at St. Vincent DePaul’s hospital in Portland, Oregon due to diabetic and vascular complications. Michael lived in Missouri until he was 12 years old. At that time, his father passed and Michael moved with his mother and younger sister to Santa Cruz, California. Michael is the father of Angela, Roy, Jessica and Justin Noland, born during his marriage to Virginia in his younger years. Michael is also the father of Landin Thunder Noland born in 1995 to Michael and Christine who were domestic partners until 2004. Michael served in the Navy on the USS Enterprise, June 1973 through June 1979, including the last years of the Vietnam War; receiving the Meritorious Unit Commendation USS Enterprise, Battle “E” Award USS Enterprise and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. Michael pursued higher education and received several degrees which furthered his career objectives in problem solving and services to others – a unique mix of having nuclear denotation expertise, electronic wizardry and an advanced psychology degree focusing on provision for underprivileged and the unrecognized needs of children. The last 8 years Michael was a Research Associate for NWEA, taking great pride in his work and recognized for his contributions. Michael was also an artist who spent nearly 2 decades mastering intuitive 11x14 pencil drawings. Michael enjoyed baseball, bowling and entertaining people. He performed theatrically and was a member of the Symphonic Chorus in Santa Cruz at an earlier time in his life. Unfortunately, his physical conditions limited certain interests and hobbies later in his life; however, Michael was very creative and would always find a new venue to explore his inner or outer worlds. Michael is survived by his 5 children (previously mentioned), 10 grandchildren, 2 sisters, Dixie and Victoria, 1 brother, Delbert; several nieces, nephews and a very large community of people who enjoyed his wit, wisdom, expertise, entertainment, unique abilities and varied interests. Michael’s mother, Lola Bee, was born of parents from the late 1800’s who appeared on the Choctaw Roll of Tribal membership; providing Michael and his five children inclusion in the tribal roll of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. For more than a decade, Michael had the opportunity to explore his indigenous roots through native ceremonies with Christine and his son, Landin. One of Michael’s great gifts in life was being nick named ‘Bear’, and honored with the medicine name of ‘Bear’; acknowledging many aspects of his presence, wisdom and personality. Michael was cremated via arrangements by Autumn Funeral Services. Michael’s ashes will be spread at sea. A commemorative plaque will be placed at Willamette National Cemetery in his honor. A memorial will be hosted by NWEA in Portland on June 26th, 2015 at 2 p.m. Anyone is welcome - an rsvp is preferable for preparation. Please contact Landin. A memorial in Santa Cruz, CA will be held in August, 2015 – to be posted when confirmed. Please contact Landin ([email protected]) or Christine ([email protected]) for further information.