H. Walker Noyes Jr.

Walker Noyes Jr. age 85, passed away peacefully Saturday , July 20th at home with his wife Anne of over 20 years and his family by his side after a long and wonderful life. Walker was one of two children born to Herbert Walker Noyes and Bernice Marr Nov.11th,1927. His sister Greta with her husband Frank Vorlicek and their 3 children survive Walker, as well as brother Dick Noyes of Augusta.

Walker was a loving father to nine children, predeceased by son Chaney Robert and daughter Tracey Ann and survived by son Herbert W. ‘Herb” Noyes III and Evelyn Burns of Williston, VT; son Keith A. Noyes and his wife Deeba of Falmouth; son Dana S. Noyes and Patty Day of Freeport; daughter Andrea N. Ferrante and her husband Matthew of Falmouth; son Kyle T. Noyes and Sharon Stark of Falmouth; son Joel T. Noyes and his wife Christine of Falmouth; daughter Jennifer A. Noyes and Lance Thompson of Buxton; step-daughter Terri M. Diolio and Mark Nigro of Portland; step-daughter Maureen A. Curran of Portland; step-son Frank L. Diolio Jr. and Sylvia Barilone of Buxton; step-daughter Suzanne M. Roderick and husband Jeff of New Gloucester.

Walker began his long career as an entrepreneur in 1948 selling homemade ice cream and hamburgers at Walkers park in Windham, Maine. Walker would go on to join his father’s family at C.E. Noyes Tire Co. in 1952, a family owned and operated business since 1916. It wouldn’t be long before Walker and the Noyes family had built one of the largest independent retail tire and automotive chains in the country. The business spanned across New England with 20 retail locations that employed just under 300 people. Noyes Tire was retail, wholesale, commercial as well as a major innovator in the tire retreading business. As the company grew, Noyes Tire became known for operating one of the most modern retreading plants in the U.S.

He was an inclusive and charismatic leader. He believed in people and they believed in him. Donating his time and resources to the community made him a man of the people. His success in business was everyone’s success. To say that Walker touched the lives of many would be understated. This was a man who gave his life to his community. Leadership defined Walker Noyes.

He gave thousands of hours of sweat and expertise to local clubs and organizations. He was President of the Lions Club, Chamber of Commerce and a very active member of the Portland Country Club. He also acted as finance chairman for several political campaigns. Walker Noyes did not participate in a peripheral way. When he joined an organization, he committed himself to it fully. He spearheaded the fundraising for the Cumberland County Civic Center. During his time on the PCC Board of Directors he participated in bringing big name golfers like Jack Nicolas, Sam Sneed and Ray Floyd to the Portland Country Club for golf exhibitions. He was very connected to Maine Mariners Hockey, sponsoring and befriending many players over the team’s several years in Portland. He was active in Holy Martyrs Parish for many years as well as the Finance Council for the Diocese of Portland.

Walker’s career was not limited to New England. He became president of the National Tire Dealers Association and was inducted into the NTDRA hall of fame in 1991. During his time as president of the NTDRA he dedicated more of his time than most. Throughout his career, Walker cultivated a number of personal relationships in the industry. His willingness to contribute and larger-than-life personality connected him to industry leaders on a national scale. After a long and prosperous career in the tire business Walker made a decision to retire early, selling to the Goodyear Tire Company in 1986, making provisions for his employees and long time management.

Years prior, Walker met Anne Foley, the woman whom he would dedicate the rest of his life. The couple enjoyed 20 wonderful years “hanging loose” on the shores of Hawaii, playing golf, kayaking, walking the beach and enjoying wonderful friendships. During their time there, Walker remained active in business and civic organizations as well as Small Business Hawaii , the Elks and several golf clubs. After two decades of enjoying Hawaii, Walker and Ann returned to their home in Maine to enjoy the rest of their lives with close friends and family and their 23 grandchildren; Chaney, Brittany, Tommy, Alex, Keith, Chelsea, Jasea, Karlee, Jared, Tucker, Katryna, Joshua, Sarah, Stella, Stevie, Matthew, Alyssa, Lynn, Tim, Dani, Jessica, Phil, Kayla, Zachary, Jenna, and four great-grandchildren.

A period of visitation for Walker will be held this Wednesday, July 24th from 4 to 8 PM at the Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St. Portland, ME; where prayers will be said Thursday morning at 9:00 AM followed by a 10:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated at Holy Martyrs R. C. Church, 266 Foreside Rd. Falmouth, ME.

For those that desire the Noyes family suggest memorials be made in Walkers name to Hospice of Southern Maine, or the Falmouth Lions Club.

Care for Walker and his family has been entrusted to the Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home of Portland.