Noel Leslie Hullah

It is with tender hearts that we announce the passing of Noel Hullah, who left us peacefully at the age of 90, surrounded by family and with his great love, Gracie, by his side. Noel lived a long, full life and was always happiest at home. It was where his heart truly lived—in the peace of West Vancouver, whether sharing a home-cooked meal with Grace, or laughter and stories with family and friends, creating cherished memories.

If you ever asked Noel how he was doing, you already knew the answer: "Outstanding." It wasn't just a response—it was his signature tagline and a reflection of how he chose to live— full of optimism, humor, and a characteristic sparkle in his eye. Friends and family came to expect it, and Noel delivered every time.

From his early days in Vancouver working alongside his father, Art, and uncle, Norm, at Hullah Construction, Noel learned the value of hard work and ambition. He went on to become the Manager at CHQM Radio from 1960 to 1991—a 31-year legacy that left its mark on the broadcasting industry. He also served as President of the BC Association of Broadcasters, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues across the province. After CHQM was sold, Noel brought his leadership and energy to the Investors Group for over 10 years.

Athletics were part of Noel's life from the start. An avid runner, he even added several marathons to his roster before taking his competitive spirit to the tennis court, golf course, and ski hill. Noel turned every game—from cards to sports—into a championship match, complete with cheeky banter and playful smack talk. And if you were one of his kids or grandkids, you quickly learned there were no free wins in Noel's world—he played to win, every time, all while lovingly teasing. He skied and golfed well into his 85th year.

One memory Noel often recounted with nostalgia from his teenage years was skiing from the top of Grouse Mountain all the way down to the ferry at the bottom of Lonsdale Avenue, guided only by a candle melted into a tin can—his makeshift lantern glowing through the trees. It was a story he always shared with deep reverence for simpler, more innocent times. He never forgot his humble beginnings, carrying those values with him throughout his life.

Beyond the games, Noel loved the good things in life: an afternoon Kokanee with peanuts, crafting his iconic gin and tonics, tending to the garden, sitting by a warm fire in the den, sunsets from the deck, and the countless dinner parties and legendary holiday celebrations he and Grace hosted over the years that left everyone with full hearts and fuller glasses.

To his family, he was more than Noel—he was Gramps, Noelie, Noelie-Pie, Noelster, and Lovey, names that spoke to his warmth, humor, and the joy he brought to those closest to him.

He and Gracie shared 41 incredible years of love and adventure, enjoying memorable trips— cruising and traveling to China, across Europe, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Hawaii, and beyond. She was his undeniable North Star, his compass, and Noel never missed a day without declaring how lucky he was to have her—often with a grin, admitting just how spoiled he truly was.

Theirs was a love story just shy of timeless. On one of his final days, Noel told Gracie:

"I will love you as long as I can—and that's a lifetime."

Noel leaves behind his adoring sweetheart, Grace, daughters Laurie (Anthony) and Michelle, grandchildren Tyson, Kia, Daniel, and Samantha, and extended family Andrew (Nobie), Adrienne (Johnny), Sage, and Sky—Grace's children and grandchildren—who all loved him as a devoted father and grandfather.

Noel's spirit will live on in our memories, our laughter, and every sunset over Passage and Bowen islands. He lived with honesty, integrity, wisdom, wit, loyalty—and most of all, he was "Outstanding."

**(Line of white space - Below in quotes bold and centered)

"I wish we could do it all over again.

It's still not long enough."

Always, my Lovey.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the emergency services team and the dedicated nurses and doctors at Lions Gate Hospital for their kind and compassionate care. A family honoring of Noel's life will be held at a later date. If you wish to share a memory, send condolences, or leave a message for the family, please do so at www.Hollyburnfunerals.com