Omar Noel Falk

Omar Noel Falk, a father, brother, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2023, in Salem, Oregon. Born on June 2, 1941, in Lebanon, Oregon, Noel was a resilient and hardworking man who never let adversity define him. Noel was born to Phebe and Omar Falk and grew up alongside his siblings, Diane and Marcelle, in Halsey, Oregon. He was a proud father to his three children, Brad, Kent, and Nicole. Later in life, he was blessed with six grandchildren, Bailey, Sara, Abby, Madisen , Hayden, and Chloe . Noel was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Diane Parker.

As a child, Noel contracted polio and lost the ability to hear. Despite this challenge, he attended the Oregon School for the Deaf, where he learned to read lips and never allowed his condition to control his life. Noel’s determination and resilience were evident throughout his life, as he went on to attend school in Halsey, Oregon, and later established a successful career. For over 40 years, Noel owned and operated his own shearing business, earning the respect and admiration of many for his care and handling of sheep to run lambs over the winter. His children fondly remember one of their first jobs in life was helping their dad clean up the sheared wool for 10 cents a fleece. Noel instilled a strong work ethic in his children, a value they carried with them throughout their lives.

Noel’s interests were diverse and reflected his love for the outdoors and his community. When he was younger, he would take his children with the extended family. fly fishing and camping along the Deschutes River in Bend, Oregon. He was known for always smoking a pipe, just like his father. In his later years, Noel made friends with the local folks at the Lebanon American Legion Post 51, where he enjoyed good breakfasts and telling jokes. His sense of humor and warm personality made him a beloved figure at the Legion. Noel’s life was marked by his unwavering resilience and strong work ethic.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his memory will live on in the hearts of those he touched. In remembering Omar Noel Falk, let us celebrate his life and the lasting impact he had on those around him. His memory will be cherished by all who were fortunate enough to know him. Noel is survived by his children, Brad Falk, Kent Falk, Nicole Wakefield; sister, Marcelle Smith; grandchildren, Bailey Falk, Sara Falk, Abby Falk, Madisen Wakefield, Hayden Wakefield, Chloe Falk.