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Neal Noble
In Memory of
Neal Laure "'Chef'"
Noble
1959 - 2016
Memorial Candle Tribute From
Barnes Memorial Funeral Home Ltd.
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Obituary for Neal Laure "'Chef'" Noble

Neal passed away February 28, 2016 at Rouge Valley Health System (Ajax) due to complications from an infection, and liver failure. His family and friends were with him to provide comfort during his peaceful passing.

Neal is survived by his wife Gwen (née McInnis), son Kyle, mother Margaret, siblings Ray (Julie) and Johann Cooper (Gregg). Predeceased by his father Lauré in 2013. Neal is also survived by a large extended family including nieces, nephews, great nieces and close friends he considered family.

Born in Fort Frances, ON, Neal grew up in Thompson and Brandon, MB. He graduated from Crocus Plains High School, Brandon 1977. He and Gwen met a few years later and were married in 1982. Their son Kyle was born in 1990.

Neal enjoyed his Northern adventures while living in Thompson, hunting, fishing and trapping with his family. He always spoke very fondly of his childhood memories of the family’s cabin at Paint Lake and enjoyed regaling his childhood stories to Kyle. Through high school Neal enjoyed spending time with his friends and being around many people. He was involved with various sports and part-time jobs.

Neal met Gwen through mutual friends in Brandon, where they started their life together. Neal always loved to cook and, encouraged by his Dad, followed his dream to become a chef. His career took them across Canada, and over the years, to many other destinations.

He attended Malaspina University-College in Nanaimo, BC graduating top of his class, with a Culinary Management diploma in 1987. Neal and Gwen then moved to Toronto where Neal began his career.

Neal’s young family enjoyed the outdoors, skiing, camping, cottaging with friends, and baseball. Many a summer’s nights would find them playing in a local adult league, watching Kyle’s games, or attending a Blue Jays game.

Entertaining family and friends was a passion of Neal’s; he was a generous and jovial host. No one ever turned down an invitation to the Noble’s. Oh the entertaining on the deck! Neal was always quick to host a celebration, throwing quite the surprise party for Gwen’s 40th, and an elite Chef’s Table for her next 40th…

Chef Noble became an influential force in the culinary community perfecting his art at various hotels. Apprenticing at Sutton Place Hotel he rose through the ranks to position of Executive Chef. Moving to Metropolitan Hotel Toronto as Executive Chef he quickly progressed to Corporate Executive chef for Metropolitan Hotel & Sen5es Bakery and Restaurants operations in Toronto, Washington, and Vancouver. Here he oversaw all food operations including multiple award winning restaurants, in-house banquets, off-premises catering, wholesale and retail stores.

He travelled the world consulting within the industry and received many honours and accolades. He received two invitations to the prestigious James Beard House, appeared in an international food and wine festival at the Epcot Centre, and worked with the likes of Susur Lee, Lorenzo Loseto, and Ken Tam at “A Taste of Toronto.” During his culinary career Neal also accumulated six gold medals. He appeared on many television programs including Chef at Large, Daily Planet, Breakfast Television, Rich Bride Poor Bride and many others.

One of his highest honours was being asked to cook for Queen Elizabeth II, during one of her visits to Toronto. He got a kick out of the many security and protocol requirements associated with this endeavor. Neal has also cooked for Pope John Paul II and, the Prime Minister of Canada.

In 2005 Neal founded Noble Culinary, which is considered caterer of choice by many clients. His son Kyle now continues this legacy.

Neal was fondly and simply known as ‘Chef’.

The family would like to thank the medical teams in ICU and medical ward 2E at Rouge Valley Ajax-Pickering Hospital for their compassionate care extended to Neal. Your wonderful care and kindness shown to Neal and our family was greatly appreciated.

Gwen and Kyle would also like to thank Melvin McInnis, Janine Beland, and Melanie Warren for their invaluable support, kindness and generosity during this most difficult time. It meant so much to have family and friends with us.

Visitation will be held Sunday, March 13th from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. at Peace Lutheran Church
(928 Liverpool Rd, Pickering, ON L1W 1S6).

A Memorial Service honouring Neal’s life will follow Monday, March 14th, 2:00 at Peace Lutheran Church.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate memorial donations to Rouge Valley Ajax Pickering Hospital or a charity of one’s choice.

Online memorial donations can be made at www.rougevalley.ca

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