Obituary: Noel Harling

Noel Harling
Aug. 13, 1936 — Sept. 3, 2008
Noel J. “Bubba” Harling, 72, of Dinosaur, died Sept. 3, 2008, at his home.
Noel James Harling was born Aug. 13, 1936, in Friend, Neb., where he was raised, graduating from Friend High School.
Shortly after his graduation, Noel entered the United States Navy, proudly serving his country during peace time.
Following his discharge, Noel moved to southern California where he drove truck, hauling boats as well as milk for many years.
Noel loved to hunt and often traveled from California to Rangely during hunting season. He told his many friends and family members that someday he would own a bar in Rangely, Colo. In 1977, Noel retired from truck driving, moving to Rangely after purchasing the Ace Hi. He and his beloved wife, Nadine, operated Ace Hi until her death in 1992. In 1993, Noel sold the bar and briefly lived in Grand Junction before moving to Dinosaur.
Noel was a natural at operating the Ace Hi, with his grand sense of humor and his love of teasing his patrons. In his spare time he enjoyed hunting, fishing and boating.
Noel was a devoted and loyal friend and in addition to countless friends throughout the United States he is survived by six children, Temi E. Wardell of Rangely, Brenda J. Harling and Rhonda M. Blevins, both of Stanton, Calif., Douglas J. Harling of Fountain, Colo., Shelly B. Phillips of Stockton and Daniel O. Spears of Grand Junction.
Noel is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, two sisters, Melva Johnson of Fergus Falls, Minn., Carol Zak of Cheyenne, Wyo., and two brothers, Max Harling of Friend and Gary August of Gordon, Neb.
In addition to his wife, Nadine, Noel is preceded in death by one daughter, Wendy C. Leachy and one sister, Virginia Enterline.
A gathering to celebrate the life of Noel “Bubba” Harling will be held from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13 at the Ace Hi Dining Room. Friends are asked to join the family and bring your best “Bubba Story” to share.
Cochran’s Rangely Mortuary has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.