Alpha John “A.J.” Noble, 20, of Baker City, died May 23, 2008, at St. Alphonsus Hospital in Boise.
There will be a memorial service to celebrate his life at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Sports Complex Varsity Baseball Field. There will be a reception afterward for friends and family at the First Church of the Nazarene Fellowship Hall, 1250 Hughes Lane.
A.J. was born on July 15, 1987, at Baker City to Todd Robert and Carri Lee Walker Noble. He was the youngest of five kids. A.J. spent his life spreading warmth and support to everyone he knew, his family said. His smile was a gift he willingly shared with all.
A.J. graduated from Baker High School and in 2007 moved to Eugene to be closer to his girlfriend, Danielle. He loved Baker City and was looking forward to coming back. A.J. worked as a beekeeper for K & C Honey.
He was a gifted athlete, well-recognized in the community for his prowess as a shortstop/utility player for the Baker High School baseball team. His love for the game continued into the summers where he played Legion ball and co-ed fundraiser games.
A.J. successfully pushed his athletic talents in everything he tried. Often challenging his father, Todd, A.J.’s abilities enabled him to out-fish, out-ride and out-laugh his dad. His companionship afield will be sorely missed.
A.J. loved being in the outdoors and could often be found camping, hunting, fishing, snowboarding, at the Snake River or on any ball field.
Survivors include his parents, Todd and Carri Noble of Baker City; siblings, Tia Gibbs of Pendleton, John “Bo” Gibbs of Pendleton, Jason Gibbs and his wife, Penny, of Pilot Rock and Justin Gibbs of Pendleton; the love of his life, Danielle Thatcher; grandmother, Marie Noble of Baker City; aunts, Sheryl Payton and her husband, Vince, of Baker City and Teresa Walker of Baker City; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
A.J. was preceded in death by his grandparents “Al” and Ester Walker.
Memorial contributions may be made to the A.J. Noble Memorial Fund through Gray’s West & Co. Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave., Baker City, OR 97814.
Used with permission from: Baker City Herald, Baker City, Oregon, May 30, 2008
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor