Harry Allen Noonan

Harry Allen Noonan, 79, a beloved husband, dad and granddad, died in Longview on September 17, 2014. The son of pioneer Ilwaco residents Vincent and Gertie (Osteby) Noonan, he was born in Astoria on May 31, 1935. Harry grew up in Ilwaco where his parents operated a bakery. He graduated from Ilwaco High School with the class of 1953. He began college at St. Martin's in Lacey, WA in the fall of 1953. He spent two and a half years there before transferring to Central Washington College of Education where he earned his teaching degree. Harry began his teaching career with the Vancouver (WA) school district in September of 1957. He taught elementary school in Vancouver for the ensuing 33 years before retiring in June of 1990. In September of 1957 he married his true love, Eva Curry of Ilwaco. They were the first couple married in the new St. Mary's Catholic Church in Seaview. They were married 57 years. Following retirement from teaching Harry did temporary work for a few years. In 1998 he and Eva decided to become full-time RVers. They packed up their fifth-wheel; sold their house; put their belongings in storage; and enjoyed the freedom of travel. Together they saw many beautiful parts of the United States, spending hours and days doing family research and meeting many relatives for the first time. After two and a half years they decided to settle down again, but what a wonderful experience! They returned to their roots in Ilwaco several years ago. In his younger years, Harry enjoyed duck and pheasant hunting. Many a weekend every year was spent with his son and brothers hunting. Following retirement he became interested in genealogy and this endeavor filled many hours. He spent many more hours with his camera and computer working with old family photos. He also took many beautiful scenery pictures for his wife to make into note cards. Working in his yard kept him busy all summer and he greatly enjoyed family gatherings. Harry and Eva always considered themselves to be a team. They were each others best friend. Harry is survived by his loving wife Eva of Ilwaco; his daughter Kathleen and husband Rod Gish of Battleground, WA; his son Vince and wife Andrea Noonan of Long Beach; his grandson Brian Gish of Bellevue, WA; his granddaughter Jennifer Noonan of Long Beach; his brother Jim Noonan of Vancouver, WA; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Dan of Ilwaco and Tom of Olympia. A memorial gathering and reception will be held Saturday, September 27, 2014 beginning at 11:00 AM at Penttila's Chapel by The Sea in Long Beach. All are welcome to share a memory and enjoy a light luncheon until 1:00 PM. The family requests memorials to either the Ilwaco Fire Department or Seattle Children's hospital in care of Penttila's Chapel, PO Box 417, Long Beach, WA 98631. His guestbook is available at www.penttilaschapel.com