From his Wife and Children:
Jeff was a gentle soul, loved hunting and had an affinity for the West. A gifted mechanic on European vehicles, he took his skills to a master level working in the USA, NZ and Canada. He realized a dream when we started Kootenay Euroshop in Castlegar, BC. Jeff took pride and satisfaction in serving customers and solving complicated problems. Born in Illinois; growing up in Virginia Beach, Jeff loved surfing, the ocean, baseball and time with his grandfather. When he married in Colorado on a mountaintop, Jeff had long hair, loved old VW’s, bluegrass, traveling in our Vanagon. Jeff had a beautiful smile I will never forget. Sharing 13 years and bringing 3 children into the world, we had mutual ideals and dreams and a rebel nature that bonded us. Jeff was an intelligent man, with a photographic memory. He had good intentions and provided for us for years. He loved his family, parents and Aunt.
Jeff struggled with alcohol and likely depression for years. As a family, we also struggled to help him the best we could while maintaining sanity. When he took his own life we were ripped to the core. We hoped for the possibilities that existed in Jeff, but have now been extinguished forever .. Deep gratitude to Alanon and AA, and soulful professionals who helped along the way. Alcohol is a solvent, it dissolves things...we were and remain, powerless..
Jeff, you are in a place of knowing, light and love. I will take care of our children like a mother bear. We will survive. Your journey in the material world is done. We look for you in the mountains, forest and Zephyr breeze as well as images in our dreams. Peace, and an eternal embrace to a life cut too short. Love, Amie, Jackson, Violet, and Raven.
Any donation to the surviving wife and children can be directed to The Heritage Credit Union in Slocan Park, BC under the title “the Jeff Noerenberg Family memorial fund”