In Loving Memory of Noel Anthony Grout
It is with gentle sadness that we share the passing of our beloved father, Noel Anthony Grout, who left us peacefully in his sleep on July 2, 2025, at his home in Saanich, BC, with his devoted wife, Dorothy by his side. Born on December 24, 1927, in Shanghai as a British subject, Noel lived a remarkable life filled with kindness, resilience, and joy, touching the hearts of all who knew him. He was 97.
Noel is survived by his loving wife, four children, four cherished grandsons, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife, Patricia, and his two brothers. His memory remained sharp until the end, and just eight weeks before his passing, he was still driving, a testament to his vibrant spirit.
Noel’s early years were marked by courage, having endured imprisonment in a Japanese internment camp in Shanghai during World War II. After the war, he built a life of purpose, working in Hong Kong, San Francisco, and Seattle before settling in Vancouver in 1949. It was there he met Patricia DuMont, a nurse in training at St. Paul’s Hospital. They married in 1954 and moved to Penticton to raise their four children. While nurturing his family, Noel pursued his passion for education, earning his teaching degree from UBC in 1969. The family then returned to Vancouver, where Noel taught French and Spanish at Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School with a warmth and enthusiasm that inspired his students. A former student fondly recalled, “Languages weren’t my thing, but he made learning French fun, and I even sat in on his Spanish classes during my spare time.”
Noel’s generous and open-hearted nature shone brightly and welcomed guests into their home . He loved to cook and provided generous meals for all. After Pat’s passing in 2011, Noel found love again, remarrying at 85, a beautiful reflection of his enduring capacity for connection.
A joyful presence at family gatherings, Noel delighted in music, dancing, and travel. He was a devoted father, grandfather and husband, always ready with a smile and a kind word. His legacy of love and warmth will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.
Per Noel’s wishes, no service will be held. We invite you to remember him with a moment of gratitude for a life so beautifully lived.
With love,
The Grout Family
We remember Noel with appreciation for his warmth, joy, hospitality and kindness. We continue to keep him and his family in our thoughts and prayers , as we hope the memories created and shared will bring comfort., peace and joy to all who celebrate his life’s legacy.
Lorraine, Renato & Family