Noam Ayal, 71, Atlanta

Noam Ayal (born Norman Mendelle) died Monday, June 30, after a struggle with cancer. Born in 1943 in Montreal, Canada, to the late Leah Siegel and Harry Mendelle, he made Aliyah to Israel after the Six Day War in 1967. He was proud of his service in both the Canadian Signal Corps and the Israeli Army. In Israel he was a much-loved tour guide, working with diverse groups from Israel Bonds to Christian pilgrims. With his former wife, Judi Ayal, he had two sons born in Jerusalem’s Hadassah Hospital. He immigrated to the States in 1976 where he worked in the travel industry, the gold and jewelry business, and computer programming. An excellent chef, life-of-the-party and raconteur, he loved skiing and taught disabled teens that sport. He leaves behind his two sons and daughters-in-law: Ofer and Kristin Ayal, Eran Ayal and Laurel Berryman; and other family members including his brother Benji, favorite Uncle Mort, dear cousin Rodney, as well as many friends. Donations in his memory may be made to Hospice Atlanta, 1244 Park Vista Drive, Atlanta, GA 30319. A private memorial for family and friends was arranged.

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