Theodore James Noble

Ted was a loving father, caring son, brother, and uncle, helpful friend, and talented engineer and craftsman. He grew up in the Uplake neighborhood of Kenmore and raised his daughter in Newcastle. Ted studied civil engineering at Washington State University and was a member of Theta Chi fraternity and the rowing team. He received a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Washington. Ted was licensed as a professional engineer in AK, WA, ID, OR, and CA. He worked as a civil engineer for 30 years, working on projects like the Alaska pipeline, the plaza at Century Link Field, West Seattle Bridge, Snoqualmie Ridge development, and numerous sites in the Seattle, Alaska, and California area.

As a young man, Ted enjoyed swimming at the Aqua Club in Kenmore, fixing up old cars, and working construction jobs with his father. He enjoyed weightlifting, running, cycling, and golfing. He ran multiple marathons, even after being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2018. He was a skilled woodworker, making beautiful furniture for his family and charity auctions. In 1987 he married Shanne Smith and they had their daughter, Tennley, in 1994. He doted on his daughter by spending quality time with her, doing activities like going to movies, eating at Red Robin, and enjoying Seattle traditions like the Fremont Sunday Market, Bite of Seattle, and the Blue Angels air show. A favorite family tradition of Tennley’s is the annual carousel ride at Thanksgiving in honor of Ted’s father, Paul. Together Tennley and Ted enjoyed trips to Disneyland, Yellowstone Park, and Alaska. Ted encouraged Tennley to fight to reach her goals, often reminding her that “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”

Ted’s friends describe him as someone they could always count on when they needed help. He was charming and gregarious and enjoyed parties and spontaneous adventures. He is remembered and appreciated for his caring and devoted co-parenting for as long as his disease allowed.

Ted showed tremendous strength, fortitude, and resilience during his disease, constantly reassuring his mom and daughter that “We will make it.” After his diagnosis, he maintained his physical fitness and took up new hobbies like pickleball and coloring. He approached everyone with a smile, as if he already knew them. Even when his capable words were very few, he always remembered to tell those who helped him three words he could still say, “You’re the best!” Ted wanted to help others avoid the painful journey of Alzheimer’s disease, choosing to donate his brain to the University of Washington Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center & BRaIN Lab.

Ted was preceded in death by his father, Paul Audet Noble in 1996. He is survived by his daughter, Tennley, mom Phyllis, sister Lynn Olsen, and brothers John and Alan.

A funeral Mass and reception will be held at 9am on Thursday August 29, 2024 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Kirkland.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s at http://act.alz.org/goto/Noble