Cody DeNoble had just completed his first year as a student in the jazz program in York’s Faculty of Fine Arts. In the early afternoon of April 29, he was driving with two friends along County Road 6 in Peterborough County when his car collided with a pickup truck. He died from his injuries 22 days later at St. Michael’s Hospital, age 19.
Right: Cody DeNoble
In his memory, his parents, Steve and Kim, have established the Cody DeNoble Music Scholarship Fund to be awarded to graduates of Whitby’s Henry Street High School, where Cody graduated with honours. A memorial concert to raise money for the fund and to help Greg Bell, 19, also injured in the crash, was held at the school on June 14.
“What we have decided to do is start a scholarship that we’re going to give out each year at Henry Street for a promising student going into a musical education,” his aunt, Debbie Mulder, told Whitby This Week. “Music was just everything to Cody and considering the fact that he was such a talented musician, it’s a nice way to keep his memory alive.”
“Cody was following his passion of music in the jazz guitar program and always felt so fortunate to have been able to follow his dreams,” wrote his family in an obituary. “Cody was a heroic big brother. [His brother] Dustin constantly looked to him for guidance and inspiration. He was his brother, best friend and idol. Cody was the sunshine of our lives and was always a happy, fun-loving considerate friend to everyone that had the privilege of knowing him.”
“Being in a band with Cody was one of the most rewarding things for me,” wrote his friend Martin Andrews. "He was a natural born leader and really knew how to bring out the best in us.”
In honour of DeNoble, the flag at York's Harry W. Arthurs Common will fly at half-mast on June 21. Memorial services were held in Oshawa on May 26.
Friends have also created a Facebook page, titled “RIP Cody DeNoble” with recordings of his music and photos.
Donations can be sent to the Cody DeNoble Music Scholarship Fund at 600 Euclid St. Unit 5, Whitby, ON L1N 5C2.