I remember Noel well from Iran and later survey days, he was a really nice bloke and a character. This is the first I've heard of his passing, I'm sorry I missed it at the time. He and I flew the 206 from Birjand to Zahedan, before bolting from the country just prior to the revolution.
The last time I spoke to him was in the 90's when I relayed a radio call for him when he was flying a lightie over Myanmar & I happened to be in the QF jet above him. I recognised his distinctive voice immediately & as soon as I said g'day he knew who I was & we had a chuckle over the radio.
One distinctive thing I remember about him was having to shout at him to be heard, like so many of our colleagues who spent too many years inside ag planes.
Another was stories of his frustration in dealing with difficult (read ********) people at his cigarette kiosk, somehow Noel conveyed the impression he wasn't the greatest customer service person in the world.
Fond memories