Noiles, Ronald Raymond

Cole Harbour, NS

August 13, 2024

Noiles, Ronald Raymond -  Cole Harbour, Age 93, passed away on August 13, 2024 in the Dartmouth General Hospital, Dartmouth.

Born in Halifax, he was a son of the late John and Vera (Myatt) Noiles.

He will be forever missed by daughters Ronda (Dan) Brennan, Porters Lake and Susan Noiles (Richard White), Cole Harbour, dearest girlfriend Marilyn Chapman, relatives and great friends.

He was predeceased by his wife of 59 years Barbara (Dares), his parents, brother Jack Noiles and sister Mary Noiles. 

Ron was born in Halifax and lived on North Park Street.  He attended St. Pat’s Boys School and St. Patrick’s High School until grade 10 when the family moved to Dartmouth. He attended St Peter’s School in Dartmouth for Grade 11 and Dartmouth High School for Grade 12.  Having an ever-present smile, he was given the nickname 'Smilesy'.

Ron graduated from Saint Mary’s University with a Diploma in Engineering in 1953, and a Bachelor of Science with Engineering in 1955.  While at university he joined the Air Force reserves and was stationed in Resolute Bay, Greenwood and Alymer, Ontario during the summers.  He trained at the Royal Military College in Kingston, Ontario and earned the designation of Pilot Officer.  He played trumpet (second trumpet) for 25 years in the reserve Army band.

Ron was an Electrical Draughtsman for the Department of National Defence at NAD and later at the Dockyard where he retired in 1993 after 34 years of service. 

Ron was very artistic.  He enjoyed drawing and painting in both oil and watercolour.  He was talented at calligraphy, in which he taught classes through Continuing Education in Dartmouth.  His artistic talents led him to design floats for The Dockyard and The Foresters in local parades for several years.  He made poems for people and would present them written in calligraphy.  Each Christmas and wedding anniversary Ron would draw a family cartoon showing the latest goings-on in the Noiles' household. He also enjoyed making elaborate cards for people: whether it be for birthdays, anniversaries or to get well soon, he added special details to make you feel special and smile.

Around age 11 Ron learned to play the violin. Beginning with his first band, the Strawberry Pickers when he was 16, weekends through the 1950's to 1990's found him playing his fiddle and trumpet at old time dances in Dartmouth, Halifax, along the Eastern Shore, Lawrencetown and farther afield.

Ron played his fiddle in the style of his idol Don Messer. He was one of the founding members of the Maritime Fiddlers Association and its first President. He remained its historian, having one of the largest collections of Don Messer and Down East music. Ron enjoyed passing on his love of music to others, having taught many folks to play the fiddle over the years. Ron originated and lead the popular fiddle masses which were performed in various churches in HRM. He was the founder and leader of the Metro Fiddlers group, which played for many charity events, square dances and regularly entertained at local nursing homes. He had the honour of playing for Queen Elizabeth in 1994.

Ron made appearances on radio and television, including on the Life and Times of Don Messer, and received various awards including the Tara Lynne Touesnard Memorial Award for his promotion and dedication to fiddle music. The last few years found Ron accompanying the choir during masses at Saint Genevieve Church in East Chezzetcook and playing with the Caledonian Orchestra of Nova Scotia.

Ron's heart was re-awakened this year with Marilyn. Their renewed relationship found him beaming with happiness and joy of their time together and delighting in Marilyn's homemade pies. Marilyn also shared that she cherished their love.

Ron loved spending time at the family cottage, “The Camp”, on Porters Lake.  He loved watching the wildlife and activity on the lake, and going out in the canoe on quiet mornings.

Ron enjoyed family vacations, especially visiting Hawaii, Niagara Falls, Florida, and multiple trips to Prince Edward Island, New England and New York.  His dream vacation was to Nashville, where he got to play the fiddle on the original Grand Ole Opry stage.

Cremation has taken place.  The funeral mass celebrating Ron’s life will be Saturday, September 14, 10:00 am at Saint Genevieve Church, 723 East Chezzetcook Road in East Chezzetcook, NS. If you would like to wear red, please do, as this was Ron's favourite colour. Following the service there will be a reception and a music jam in the church hall. All are welcome to bring their instruments and join in.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ron’s name to Seaside FM, The Maritime Conservatory of Music, or charity of your choice. 

Smile the while you kiss me sad adieu,

When the clouds roll by I'll come to you,

Then the skies will seem more blue,

Down in lovers lane my dearie,

Wedding bells will ring so merrily,

Every tear will be a memory,

So wait and pray each night for me,

Till we meet again.