Noel W. Riffe, beloved husband of Linda Riffe for 44 years, passed away on Nov. 3, 2010. He was greatly loved by his children, Holly and Tony Riffe, Marilyn Eisner and husband Jerry and Carole Bajema (deceased). He was especially close to his grandchildren, Rivka (Mark) Lever, Tova Eisner and Avram Eisner. Other grandchildren are Brenda Bajema, Laurie Lamp and Peter (Kim) Bajema. Noel will be very much missed by his brother Don (Ginny) Riffe, sister Joanne (Ray) Worden and brother-in-law Bruce Rawlinson, with whom he had a special relationship.

Noel was an Army veteran, having served in combat during World War II. Upon his return from war, he became a Certified Public Accountant and member of the AICPA. He set up practice with his friend and partner, Ted Larson, and they practiced as Larson and Riffe for many years in Bellingham. Later, he moved to Wenatchee to become comptroller for The John’s Real Estate Corp. and raised his family there. After the children were grown, Noel and Linda moved to Western Washington and he continued to advise The John’s Real Estate Corp. until two weeks before his death.

Noel will be in our hearts forever and remembered for his gentle spirit, kindness, his interest in everything, his quirky sense of humor, love of music, nature and the gift of joy he shared. “And now these three remain: faith, hope, love. But the greatest of these is love.”

A Celebration of Noel’s Life will take place Saturday, Nov. 20, at 2 p.m. at the Church of the Nazarene, 1100 W. Whidbey Ave., Oak Harbor, with Military Honors following.

Memorials may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 1100 New York Ave. NW, Suite 660, Washington, D.C., 20005. Family and friends are encouraged to share their condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com. Arrangements are with the assistance of Whidbey Memorial Funeral & Cremation Service, Inc., 746 NE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor.