WHEREAS, It is the policy of the Senate 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 Senate 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 Secretary of the Senate to his family, the McLane Fire Department, and the Olympia Fire Department.