Philip W. Noyes Sr.

Essex Jct.

Philip Wyman Noyes, Sr., 88, passed away at Starr Farm Nursing Center in Burlington on Wednesday July 22, 2015 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on May 12, 1927 in Colebrook, NH and was the son of Richard Wyman and Nellie (Gray) Noyes. He proudly served his country with the US Navy aboard the USS Missouri during WWII. He married Margaret Ather of Morrisville, VT in January 1947. They were married for 59 years before her death in 2006.

Philip started his career with the Bailey Feed Company where he quickly rose to become a store manager. Philip moved with his family throughout Vermont managing Bailey Feed Stores, and everywhere he went he dedicated his life to the fire service and protecting the communities where he resided. In 1959 Philip was in the first class of Fire Instructors for the state of Vermont, and he spent the next 23 years instructing fire fighters throughout the state and New England. He served as the First Assistant Chief with the Essex Junction Fire Department and was a charter member and the first Chief of Essex Town Fire Department from 1973-1980. He was a member of the Chittenden County Fire Fighters Association and the Vermont State Fire Fighters Association.

In 1971 he began selling fire equipment for Middlesex Fire Equipment, and in 1984 he and his wife Margaret started Philip W. Noyes Company, where they sold fire equipment and E-One fire trucks throughout the region. Phil and Margaret retired from the business in 1999 when they sold the company to their son Phil Jr. and his wife Lorrie.

Phil loved hunting and fishing in Peacham Pond and Parmachenee Lake in Maine. Camping in Maine was a family summertime priority, and he and Margaret often returned to Ogunquit, Maine. Both were also avid country music fans who attended Fanfare in Nashville for many years. In his later years Phil was an active member of the Essex Senior Citizens Center and the Grace United Methodist Church.

Philip is survived by his daughters Lorilee Lawton of Colchester and Beverly Noyes of Grand Isle and his son Philip W. Noyes Jr. and his wife, Lorrie of Essex, Three sisters Carolyn Adams of Connecticut, Frances Haynes of New Hampshire, Lucille Bouthillier of FL, Sisters-in-law Nancy Ather and Mary Geno of Morrisville, Grandchildren Deborah Lawton Winters and husband Gordon of Swanton, Jeffrey Lawton of Seattle, Nicole Noyes of Milton, Cory Noyes and Fiancé Sarah Cino of Moretown, Jenna Carroll and husband Ryan of Milton, Great grandchildren, William Winters, Anna Winters, Owen Carroll and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his wife Margaret Elaine Ather Noyes, grandson Adam Philip Noyes, brothers David Noyes, Paul Noyes and son-in-law Lee Lawton.

Visiting hours will be held on Thursday July 30, 2015 from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at A W Rich Funeral Home – Essex Chapel, 57 Main Street, Essex Jct., VT 05452. Funeral services will be held on Friday July 31, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at Grace United Methodist Church, Essex Jct. with Reverend Daniel Ames officiating. Memorial contributions in Philip’s memory may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, 130 Maple St., Essex Jct., VT 05452 or Essex Meals on Wheels, CVAA, 76 Pearl St., Suite 201, Essex Jct., VT 05452. The family invites you to share your memories and condolences by visiting www.awrfh.com.