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Houston Chronicle
Clyde J. Noack, who lived nearly 18 years with a heart transplant and founded a support group, died Oct. 17 from leukemia, his wife said. He was 69. Noack, who suffered at least seven heart attacks by the time he was 52, became part of the first wave of successful heart transplants made possible by new anti-rejection drugs. He was the 47th person to receive a heart at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital. Verna Noack said the difference in her husband's condition after the transplant was immediate and "startling." In the three months spent waiting for a heart -- one ultimately came from a 28-year-old man shot in the head during a robbery -- the Noacks befriended other transplant candidates and their families. Heart Exchange, the support group that grew out of those friendships, now pays for 10 apartments where transplant candidates and families can live while they wait for a donor organ. Verna Noack said her husband, who owned Print Services, never went back to the day-to-day duties of running the printing shop but worked as a consultant. In addition to his wife, Noack is survived by daughters Lori Noack- May and Dana Jensen; son John Noack; brothers Ted Noack Sr., Lee Roy Noack, Bert Noack and Clarence Noack; sisters Lucille Streetman and Barbara Pribiliski; and three grandchildren. A memorial will take place at 3 p.m. Saturday at Heritage Presbyterian Church, 7934 Highway 6 North.
Clyde J. Noack Sr., child of God, born February 23, 1933 was called to his heavenly home on Thursday, October 17, 2002. After living a full life of adventure, medical miracles and sharing his mechanical skills and abilities with others in the graphic arts field, he leaves his family and friends a legacy of love and generosity. Clyde is survived by his beloved wife, Verna, daughter Lori Noack-May, husband Chillie May, son John Noack and daughter Dana Jensen. The lights of his life were his Grandchildren, Justin Ross Jensen, Chelsea May and Jordan Jensen and because of the medical miracle of heart transplantation, he was able to witness their births and participate in their lives. Clyde also leaves behind his brothers, Ted Noack, Sr., Lee Roy Noack, Bert Noack and Clarence Noack and sisters, Lucille Streetman and Barbara Pribilski. A host of nieces and nephews added great joy to his life. Clyde received the gift of his heart transplant on January 29, 1985 and worked diligently to found a support group known as Heart Exchange to assist and support transplant candidates. He was a member of Heritage Presbyterian Church and served in several Graphic Arts industry organizations. A Navy veteran, Clyde saw action in the Korean conflict. Memorial services will be held at Heritage Presbyterian Church, 7934 Hwy 6 N on Saturday October 26 at 3:00 P.M. with a reception following the service in the Fellowship Hall. The family requests memorial gifts be directed to Heart Exchange, 6720 Bertner, MC 4 129, Houston Tx 77030.
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