To Mandy and whanau,
My thoughts are with you all as you navigate life's journey without your dad (and your mum)

I can remember Noel as a quiet man, with very few words but a gentle presence and of course your beautiful mum as the one that wore the pants in the household, haha - no mucking around with Flo - god bless her heart

Just wanted to send my/our message of thoughts and love from the Rudolph whanau
Arohanui - Tracey and Whanau in NZ & Australia xx

It was with sadness that I heard of Uncle Noel’s passing. Whilst I can’t be there I still wanted to share some fond memories I have of growing up around Uncle Noel.

As with most of the Gilbert men, Noel was quiet in nature but it was the occasional wink and “How are you going” that warmed my heart and always made me know he cared. I can picture him at fire brigade comps, running like the wind during the competitions the Browns Volunteer Fire Brigade team were in. I had a very short stint of joining the volunteer team myself when I was 20yrs old and I can recall on our first maintenance outing he sent me down a ladder inside a water tank, "because I was the smallest" he said. But I do wonder if it was a bit of an initiation which I was always up for!

As a child, I can remember being deeply concerned when he badly damaged his hand in a workplace accident. How was my uncle who could do everything going to cope? Well, he did just that in his usual, quiet and determined way. That was just who he was.

There were two things that Noel taught me that I hold onto proudly. The first was when my Dad (Jimmy Gilbert) said I could no longer work in the Browns Limeworks office. If I wanted to stay with the company I would have to learn manual labour and machine operations. I’m fairly sure Uncle Noel, Uncle Darcy, Simon and the rest of the crew thought Dad had gone quite mad. Noel drew the short-straw of teaching me how to operate the first of our large heavy machinery. He was patient but firm and believed in me more than I did and so learn I did. He did a great job of teaching and so I was promoted to “up the hill” where Uncle Darcy took over and Noel kept a close eye on me. I’m so grateful for those skills he taught me during that time as I have put them to use over the past 25yrs.

The other thing he taught me was Euchre. I loved watching the staff at the Limeworks playing Euchre during smoko. Eventually, I found the courage to learn and once again Noel was in my corner to help show me the ropes. It became the favourite part of the day and even now my husband and I have a euchre night with friends and memories from those times during smoko always come flooding back.

I want to express my love and thoughts to Fiona, Murray, Mandy, Simon and their families for the loss of a wonderful father, father-in-law and grandad. Treasure your memories. I know Noel will be greatly missed. I hold on to the thought that the Gilbert Brothers that are "up there” are having a great old catch-up and maybe even over a game of cards or two.

Take care everyone, with love,

So sorry to hear of Noel's passing. He made my job so joyful at Rowena Jackson. To see him would light everyone’s day up.
My thoughts are with you at this time.
Rest In Peace Noel x

To Mandy, Fiona, Murray Simon and family,
My thoughts are with you all as you navigate your way through the loss of Noel.

Sad for your loss. Many a joke shared at the golf club, the Celtic, or just in passing.

To the Gilbert Family.
We are sorry to read of Noel's passing and extend our sincere sympathy to you.
Noel was a keen sportsman, and back in our younger days, we shared good times at various sports and social functions.
Sorry we are unable to be present at his farewell service in Browns, we will be thinking of you all.

To Simon and Kelly, Fiona, and the Gilbert family.
Sorry to read about the passing of Noel. He was always a great guy to work with over the many years at Browns and AB Lime. He always enjoyed our social outings and was good value to have at them especially when the music started.
Sorry I cannot be with you to say goodbye to him but will be thinking of you all.