WHEREAS, It is the policy of the House of Representatives to
recognize excellence in all fields of endeavor; and
WHEREAS, Mark Noble exhibited true excellence during his 21 years
as a Fire Fighter, beginning as a student at the McLane Fire Department
and rising to the rank of Captain, and serving several terms as
President of the Fire Fighter's Local Union and later with the Olympia
Fire Department; and
WHEREAS, Mark Noble was born July 15, 1957, in Larkspur,
California, to Helaine and Gerald Noble; and
WHEREAS, Mark Noble was raised in Belvedere, California, and
attended The Evergreen State College, where he received his Bachelor of
Arts degree in 1978; and
WHEREAS, Mark Noble's death on January 15, 2005, at age 46 was the
first Line of Duty Death in the 146-year history of the Olympia Fire
Department; and
WHEREAS, Mark Noble exhibited great strength, courage, and humor as
he battled work-related brain cancer and allowed his friends and family
to share in his journey through his web site "TumorOrLater"; and
WHEREAS, Mark Noble's excellence in serving the public stemmed from
his love of the fire service, the challenges he conquered in the work,
and the camaraderie of his fellow fire fighters; and
WHEREAS, Mark Noble's passion for woodworking led him to build a
remarkable home which became the site for gatherings for his many
friends; and
WHEREAS, Mark Noble's excellent black and white landscape
photography became treasured gifts for his friends and valued finds for
collectors; and
WHEREAS, Mark Noble left a legacy of honor, courage, commitment to
family and friendship, service to his community, and devotion to his
chosen career;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives
of the State of Washington honor the spirit, devotion, and service of
Mark Noble and extend its deepest condolences to his sons Luke and
Shane, his wife Rebecca, his mother Helaine, his sister Lisa, and his
many friends and coworkers; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be
immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of
Representatives to his family, the McLane Fire Department, and the
Olympia Fire Department.