Spiegel: Noke left a legacy of giving

Several friends and family members of Jack and Elinor Marcou, the patriarch and matriarch of one of the most giving families in Waltham, were on hand for their foundation's golf tournament Wednesday.

Noticeably missing, however, was a close friend and neighbor of the Marcous' children. Mike Noke Sr. participated in the inaugural tournament a year ago, but he died of a heart attack Oct. 24 at the age of 54.

There was plenty of talk of the man, who out of nowhere contributed to the cause last year with a couple pairs of Red Sox tickets -- probably more coveted than the Foursome Who Had the Most Fun trophy.

But that's not the reason why the foundation named in his honor, The Friends of Mike Noke, was one of the nonprofit organizations to receive a check from the money raised Wednesday.

Ironically, Noke was not unlike Jack and Elinor Marcou.

As president of a Worcester Little League, he decided to start a program that would allow handicapped children the same opportunity as able children -- to play baseball. He actually received a key to the city for his efforts, but not that that was his M.O.

"Elinor said that a lot of people who came out of that project...had the seeds (of giving) planted in them when they were young," said David Noke, Mike's brother. "To tell you the truth, Jack and Elinor had a little to do with planting (the seeds) in Mike. I think they'd be very proud of what (Mike) did."

The Friends of Mike Noke will use the money given from the tournament for the Little League Challenger Program in Wakefield, the neighboring town to Stoneham, where Mike Noke lived when he died.

Even though Mike Noke didn't have handicapped children and didn't know anyone who did, he worked hard to make the opportunities equal for all.

"Dad loved kids, loved working with kids and loved sports," said his son, Mike Noke Jr., after the tournament. "It was a good chance to blend together the things he liked."

"Now when you look back at his life, it's not so surprising (his work with handicapped children)," David Noke said. "He was a jack of all trades. He was always helping people out. He had a tremendous heart."

Mike Noke Sr. and his efforts were so special that the Marcou Foundation went outside Waltham with one of its checks.

"Mike was a big part (of the Chesterbrook housing project) growing up," said Cheryl Marcou, Bob Marcou's wife, who also grew up in the veterans' houses, as a Caisey. "It is nice to be able to do something for someone who did so much."

Seven of the nine recipients Wednesday are based in Waltham -- Waltham Boys & Girls Club, Waltham Partnership for Youth, GWARC, The Salvation Army, REACH, Middlesex Human Service Agency and Waltham Community Day Center. The ninth will go to the Paul Giunta Jr. family. The Waltham native was hurt in a serious car crash coming home from the hospital to see his newborn. He is involved in a long recovery.

Accepting the check from the Marcous was Mike Sr. and his brother, Brandon.It probably wasn't the easiest 18 holes to begin with as they played in the tournament with their father last year. Then they were surprised by Bob Marcou when he announced their father's efforts will be enabled with the check.

"It was very generous; very thoughtful," said Mike Jr., whose playing partners this year was David, Brandon and Kathy, Mike and David's sister.

"This is a great tournament," said David Noke, who lives in Ashland. "We get to see a lot of old Waltham friends and family. It will be a little different without my brother Mike there, though."

At least this year he was remembered by more than his family.

For more information on The Friends of Mike Noke, visit www.freindsofmikenoke.com.

Brad Spiegel is editor of the Daily News Tribune. He can be reached at bspiegel@cnc.com or 781-398-8002.