Noel Robert Bramwell
Born In: Glace Bay
Born: December 10th, 1957
Passed in: Glace Bay
Passed on: January 24th, 2016
It is with broken hearts we announce the passing of my soul mate, husband, father, grandfather and friend on Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016, at the Glace Bay Hospital.
Noel was an inspiration to his family, friends and all who knew him as he battled brain cancer and showed everyone what courage was all about.
Born in Glace Bay, on Dec. 10, 1957, Noel was the only child of the late Robert and Gladys (Hitchen) Bramwell.
In his youth Noel was an active member of Boy Scouts of Canada, a highlight was travelling to Churchill Manitoba for a Jamboree of Scouts from across the country. Noel was also active as an alter server for St. Mary’s Church for many years.
Noel graduated from Morrison Glace Bay High in 1975. He then headed to Halifax to attend University of King’s College graduating with his BA in 1978. The following year he graduated with his B.Ed from Dalhousie University.
Noel began his long career in television on Oct. 1, 1979 when he was hired by ATV/CTV as a commercial writer producer. Over the years he volunteered tirelessly for the Sydney production of Christmas Daddies performing many jobs, but his greatest joy came as floor director. He could frequently be seen running around the studio looking for missing talent or guests. Noel also worked as floor director for the local IWK telethon.
Noel was a member of The Tyrian Youth Lodge, #45, in Glace Bay. He served as Worshipful Master in 1988, and then went on to serve as lodge secretary from 1989-2002. He served as Grand District Chaplain in 1992, and as president of the Masonic Secretaries Association in 1995. He was awarded the Meritorious Service Award in 2002.
Noel showed his love of teaching and the sport of basketball by coaching elementary girls’ basketball for 11 years. Most of his years were spent coaching Glace Bay Elementary Girls A Wildcats along with his good friend and fellow coach Glenn Brennan. He passed his love for the game onto the girls and taught them to respect themselves, their teammates, to show good sportsmanship win or lose. That they play each game to win but there was no shame in losing. To always remember to represent their school with pride. His greatest moment came when he and Glenn coached their Wildcats to back to back Provincial Championships, something that had not been accomplished by any other school team.
His last two years coaching saw he and Glenn form a rep team the Glace Bay Mini Panthers. Noel was honoured by his former players in February 2014 at a tournament organized by former player Becca MacNeil. He was able to sit at the bench one last time watching former players compete in an alumni game, sharing memories and laughs. He was truly moved by the show of support from 'his girls' and the time and effort Becca put into organizing this tribute to him. Noel could always be found sitting in the bleachers at CBU cheering on the Capers.
Noel loved to travel but his favourite place was sitting on the veranda of our bungalow in Catalone looking out at the ocean, walking the beach with our dog Deja and quite time reading. Noel was an avid reader and had a strong interest in military history.
Noel is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 32 years Jean (Roland) Bramwell, daughter Pamela Bramwell (Ben Martin) and the light in his life granddaughter Alexis Martin and grandson Chayce Noell Bramwell. He is also survived by brother-in-law Ross Roland( Paula), nephews Daniel (Candace) and Christopher Roland (Sarah). Noel is also survived by his special cousin who is more like a sister Heather Knox and her husband Alfred.
Besides his parents, Noel was predeceased by paternal grandparents Robert and Cissie Bramwell, maternal grandparents John and Isabel Hitchen, mother and father-in-law Irene and Wes Roland, brother-in-law Robert Roland, aunts Doris Partington, Adeline Hackett and uncle Noel in childhood.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Patten Funeral Home. Union Street. Glace Bay. Visitation will be held on Monday, Jan. 25, 7-9 p.m. and Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2-4 and 7-9. His Masonic Brothers will gather on Monday, Jan. 25 at 6:45 p.m. for a private family service prior to visitation.
Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 27 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Anglican Church, Marconi Street, Glace Bay, conducted by Rev. Myrna MacMullin, cremation to follow with burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Noel’s memory to the Cape Breton Cancer Center, Palliative Care, St. Mary’s Church or charity of choice.
Online condolences may be sent to www.pattenfuneral.com.
