Bruce Jack Noble

Bruce Jack Noble, PhD, 90, of Madison, Wisconsin, passed away on April 6th at his home in Madison having exhausted all that medical science could offer for his many vulnerabilities. As a lifelong Unitarian Universalist, he is surely happy to finally learn the answer to "what happens next?"

Bruce was born in Saginaw, Michigan, on August 19, 1934. His life journey can be chronicled in many ways - husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend, athlete, educator, scientist, mentor, counselor, and coach. His approach to each of these was one of love and firm dedication.

He had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. He loved to read and research a wide variety of topics, especially his family history, as well as psychological theories and practices. Bruce was an avid consumer of the dramatic arts, especially film. He was loath to watch any dramas where people were cheated, manipulated, conned or made fun of. His music interests were varied, with a particular fondness for opera, Broadway musicals, and jazz. He loved the outdoors and travel, and never turned down a good road trip. He always had deep affection for animals, and his pup, Bertie, was his companion to the end.

Bruce grew up appreciating the adventures that come with an active life, and he enjoyed being physically challenged, as shown by qualifying for the Boston Marathon with a time of 3:23:56. He was a good athlete, excelling in both basketball and tennis. In sport, he respected boundaries and expected good sportsmanship.

Bruce graduated Cum Laude from Michigan State University in 1956 with Bachelor of Science degrees in physical education and political science. His graduate education included the Master of Science degree from Michigan State University in 1957, and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree from the University of Illinois in1964. Following his formal education, he held professorship positions at the University of Illinois (1964-1965), University of Pittsburgh (1965-1976), University of Wyoming (1976-1988), and Purdue University (1988-1995). During these years, he received numerous awards and recognitions for his scholarship, research, and teaching contributions. His research publications in the areas of exercise performance, perception of exertion, environmental extremes, and cardiac rehabilitation are recognized internationally. He was an elected Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine. His textbook, Perceived Exertion, published in 1996 is considered a classic in that field of study. His service contributions to the American Heart Association, the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education and Recreation, and the American College of Sports Medicine are especially noteworthy. Bruce was an advisor to many during his academic career. As a mentor, Bruce was demanding, but those who worked closely with him will always cherish the positive impact he had on their education, professional motivation, and growth.

While at Purdue University, Bruce began a transition in his professional career. In 1992, he graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Master of Social Work degree from Loyola University in Chicago also receiving the Outstanding Student Award. Afterwards, he provided part-time psychotherapy services in Chicago for adolescents, young adults, and adults, and in 1995 he moved to Madison where he set up a private practice counseling service.

Bruce could be fierce or silly, but he was always clear-sighted, fun loving, and blessed with an infectious and pragmatic sense of humor. His empathy was heart-felt, and his laugh was deep and genuine. He placed a high value on intimacy and enjoyed experiencing all the senses - relishing smells, touch, taste, sights and sounds. He found urban life to be stimulating, but so too country life and tilling the soil. He expressed life through his paintings, drawings, poems, and the novels that he wrote. He loved to tell stories and equally loved to hear the stories told by others. He was brilliant and charming in dealing with most everyone in a similar way, from young children to stubborn academics, administrators, or politicians. He was a strong, politically liberal activist. He clearly understood that everyone (especially himself), regardless of age, education, or experience, still had lessons to learn and room to grow.

Bruce was predeceased by his father (Virgil J. Noble), mother (Marjorie Mary Lewis), sister (Nancy Ruth Noble), and first wife (Sally Lou Fife).

He is survived and will be deeply missed by his loving wife Amy (Wegener) of 30 years and his children, Bruce Jr. (Patricia), Marjorie (David Kirk), John (MaryAnn Vinton), and Andrew (Emily), and long cherished by his six grandchildren, Zacharia, Randa, Sally, Fiona, Shepherd, and Elizabeth.

He was immensely proud of them all and grateful for their presence in his life.

Bruce Noble's passing has left a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and many others whose lives he touched.

His family sends heartfelt thanks to his dear caretakers, Tiffany Spitzbardt and Kelly Jo Vacarro, they brought laughter and comfort to his last months.

Thanks as well to everyone at Brighton Hospice, Bruce was cared for with his dignity and well being at the center.

A celebration of his life is being planned for this summer.

LINKS

APG of the Rockies Call Center

https://www.wyomingnews.com

Wyoming Tribune-Eagle

https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/wyomingnews