Phil Noyes

Phillip will be remembered as being highly organized, practical, and realistic. He was a person who always carried a strong sense of duty with him throughout his life. Everyone acquainted with Philip knew and respected him as a stabilizing force. Phillip was an admirable spirit who left you wondering, “How did he figure that out?” This unique, brilliant, creative, and obstinate broken guy in a wheel chair amazed us over and over again with his accomplishments.

Phillip was born on February 20, 1958 at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Bryan, Texas, to John and Judith Noyes. He grew up in: Bryan, Texas; Fort Worth, Texas; Sierra Vista, Arizona; Stuttgart, Germany; Heidelberg, Germany; Killeen, Texas; Thousand Oaks, California; then back again to Austin, Texas.

As a young boy, Philip was very involved with scouting, loving every aspect of it. Beginning in Heidelberg, Germany with Troop Number 1, he earned many badges and awards while going from cub scouts to boy scouts. In his spare time, he and his dad constructed large Marklin model railroad layouts, and Phillip especially enjoyed the challenge that building the model structures presented. He graduated from Newberry Park High School in California in 1976. It was obvious to his teachers and classmates that he was very intelligent and loved a challenge.

While in California, Phillip went body surfing one day and was thrown down to the ocean floor by a large wave and broke his neck. This changed his life forever and the lives of his family. From this moment on he lived his life paralyzed and in a wheel chair, with good use of his arms and minimal use of his hands.

Slowly from a cloudy world a unique, brilliant, creative, and determined young man appeared. He amazed us by going to the University of Texas and graduating in 1989 with a degree in Physics. We were all so proud of him as he rolled across the stage, to a standing ovation, clapping and cheering for him. This was another big accomplishment, and the beginning of another part of his life.

Phillip was hired by the Veterans Administration and impressed them with his computer abilities and his unique ability to solve problems. We were amazed to see how many awards he was given. He was very proud of his accomplishments with the Veterans Administration, they meant a lot to him. He worked there for 24 years. As grumpy as he got, he still loved the challenge.

While living in Austin he became involved with a group of disabled people and therapists who got together and went scuba diving. He shocked us all when he said that he had passed the test to become a certified diver. Phillip and his group traveled to Bonaire, Aruba, and Grand Cayman to dive and see the wonders the sea has to offer. In a water environment he was able to make the most of his weak movements; because, the water decreased the effects of gravity. He was a part of this group for many years and loved every second. He told us he was going to take up parasailing next. Once again demonstrating his unique, brilliant, and creative self.

After 30 years of being a quadriplegic, a determined Phillip started physical therapy to try and improve his ability to move. They called him their “Super Quad” because of his accomplishments and determination. While at physical therapy, doing an exercise, he broke his hips. As a result of complications from that on Friday August 5th, 2011 at University Medical Center Brackenridge he passed away, with his mother and therapist at his side.

He left us with holes in our hearts and an almost unbearable pain in our lives. We believe that Phillip’s unique, brilliant, and creative spirit is in Heaven and moving about with an unencumbered body, free of pain.

Phillip is survived by his mother Judith Noyes, his sister Nancy Noyes, and his nephew Seth Noyes.