Edward "Gus" NOYD

Gus was born in 1936 in Wenatchee and grew up on Monroe Street.

The path leading to his business career began at age 10 when he sold daily newspapers after school on the Avenue and, during baseball season, vended popcorn and peanuts through the grandstand of Recreation Park for the Wenatchee Chiefs.

In 1949 Gus, with his brother Dale, purchased Wenatchee's historic "Popcorn Wagon." Gus negotiated with the City Commissioners for space in Memorial Park, near the corner of Orondo Avenue and Chelan Street, for a monthly rental of $5.00. Students were recruited, hired and trained to work the "Popcorn Wagon" after school, evenings and weekends.
In 1954 the "Popcorn Wagon" was sold to Wenatchee Rotary, for $1,000, and Gus then left to pursue studies in Business at W.S.U.

Gus was elected "House Manager" in his sophomore year at Phi Delta Theta fraternity, a position he held for three years. He served as "Advertising Manager" for the college newspaper, "The Evergreen", and was elected sophomore "Greek Man" serving on the student council.

During his senior year, Gus was honored by his fraternity as "Outstanding Person of the Year."

It was at W.S.U. that he met Laura Jean. Within three weeks after completing studies, in June 1958, they married and moved to Wenatchee.

Gus is an Independent Insurance Agent and Insurance Broker. Insurance has been his profession since 1959 -- 42 years this February. He is associated with his youngest son, Michael, and the firm of Noyd & Noyd Insurance Agency, Inc.

Gus has served his profession as:

• Past President and current member of the Independent Insurance Agents of Chelan-Douglas Counties.
• Past President and current member of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of Washington.
• Insurance Commissioners 5-person Task Force to develop license examinations for new insurance agents and brokers.
• Participating Board member of various organizations including "Insurance Commissioners Advisory Committee," "Washington State University Insurance & Risk Management," "Travelers Agents" & "Atlantic Companies" advisory councils.
• In 1987 Gus received a most prestigious insurance award -- The Don C. Burnham Award, "Given to the prson who has rendered the most outstanding service to the profession during 1986."

Gus has served his community as:

• Past President and current member Wenatchee Area Chamber of Commerce.
• Past Chair and former 9 year member Wenatchee Planning Commission.
• Participating Board member of local organizations including Quest for Economic Development, Boy Scouts, Downtown Business Association, Washington State Apple Blossom Festival, Wenatchee Area Chamber of Commerce, Wenatchee Valley College Foundation, Wenatchee Swim & Tennis Club, the Y.M.C.A. and Wenatchee Rotary Foundation.
• Gus joined Wenatchee Rotary in July 1969. He was sponsored by Bill Skillern, a former National Bank of Commerce manager. He has served on most every Rotary committee and has chaired several. He is a Paul Scea Fellow and a Paul Harris Sustaining Member.
• Gus has maintained perfect attendance for over 30 years.

Gus and Laura Jean's greatest sources of continuing pride are their three children, Bryan, Natalie and Michael and four terrific grandchildren -- 2 girls and 2 boys.

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