Carlos lost his short and brutal bout with an aggressive cancer April 4, 2018 at home surrounded by his wife and family. He was born in Fresno, California, and raised in Chowchilla, graduating from Chowchilla High School. He then earned his Bachelor’s degree from LaVerne University and his Masters Degree in Criminal Justice from California State University, Sacramento.
Carlos and his wife built their home in Sandy in 2005 and moved there full-time in 2009 upon their retirement.
Carlos lived his life devoted to service to others. As a young man he served his country as a fighting SeaBee in the Navy, including two tours in Vietnam. Professionally, he served his community as a Peace Officer, a Crime Prevention Specialist in the California Attorney General’s Office, and as a Hearing Officer with the California Youthful Offender Parole Board.
Carlos continued on his path of service to the community when he was elected to the Board of Trustees for Monterey Peninsula School District. While in Monterey he also served as a member of the Board for the Sports Car Racing Association of Monterey Peninsula. He continued his involvement with higher education locally as a member of the Mt. Hood Community College Foundation Board of Trustees.
Carlos was an avid and gifted photographer. His interest in photography started in high school and he was passionate about this hobby his entire life. In addition to being a builder in the SeaBees, he also served as their battalion photographer. Since moving to the Pacific Northwest, his photographic interests focused on the beautiful landscapes and wildlife of the region. He also photographed extensively at Rotary events around the U.S. and internationally. One of his favorite trips was to Africa where he captured breathtaking photos of exotic wildlife; these photos are displayed throughout their home.
Carlos was an active Rotarian for 18 years, first joining The Rotary Club of Marina, California in 2000, where he served as club president and in other leadership roles. Upon relocating to Sandy, he and his wife joined The Rotary Club of Gresham. Carlos was in the middle of his presidential year when he was stricken with cancer. At the District level, Carlos served as an Assistant Governor for 4 years, District Membership Co-Chair, Vocational Service Chair and as the District Coordinator for three Rotary International Conventions. He was a passionate and selfless Rotarian who fully believed in Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self.
Carlos is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Diane, son Marco Noriega, brother Daniel Noriega, sister Carmen Elgorriaga and nephew Jose Elgorriaga.
Carlos will be remembered for his generous spirit, his boundless energy and love of life, and his ever-present smile. In lieu of flowers, donations to The Rotary Foundation in his name would be deeply appreciated.