It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Richard "Rich, Ritchie, Rick" Nolan, who lost his battle with cancer on July 16, 2024. Born on August 6, 1957, Richard was known by many names but preferred to be called Richard. He was a man of many layers, hugely loved, always present, and will be profoundly missed.

Richard is survived by his loving children, daughter Jamie (Patrick) McGinnis, and son, Joseph (Lauren) Nolan. He is also survived by his siblings, brothers Thomas (Pam), Lenny, and David Nolan, and his sister, Marian Vella. His grandchildren, Parker, Cole, Mackenzie Nolan, and Scarlet Cully will forever hold him in their hearts. He was predeceased by his parents, Isabelle Nolan (Lewis) and Richard Nolan Sr.

An event to spread Richard's ashes will be held on July 16, 2025, at Old Woman Bay. 

Richard navigated life's ups and downs with strength, resilience, and a touch of defiance. In 2012, he walked the difficult path of divorce after 30 years of marriage to Colleen Smith. His adventurous spirit took him from Sault Ste. Marie to Thunder Bay, ON, Canada in 2013 from there to Ottawa in 2016, and back to Thunder Bay in 2017. He started work at the Algoma Central Railway in 1980 and lived through a railway accident in 1991. Subsequent to the accident Richard worked a number various jobs including bartending, bingo calling and masonry work. His life was further enriched with the joy of becoming a grandparent in 2009, 2011, 2020, and 2023. A cancer diagnosis in 2019, and its return in 2023, did not slow down his partying ways and that only reflects his determined spirit and will to live a life partying and socializing.

Rich in character, Richard had a taste for hearty foods and his pallet savored Steak, eggs, and bacon. He enjoyed a glass two (or even a bottle) of Whiskey while immersing himself in books by Harry Turtledove or listening to Johnny Cash and the Highwaymen. He relished watching 'Band of Brothers' and 'Smokey and the Bandits' and was a loyal supporter of the Maple Leafs. Richard had a knack for playing pool and indulged in recreational activities like smoking weed, bingo, going on dates. He found solace during his down-time at the soup kitchen and the library where he would socialize and feel a sense of community.

Richard was a pillar of strength and wisdom. His personality was a blend of love, understanding, and an almost ironic wisdom where he could guide others on the right path, but rarely followed his own advice. His children and grandchildren were his world, and he considered his greatest accomplishment to be his children. His legacy, "To live your life the way you want it" echoes his free-spirited nature and will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved him. His everyday “good morning” messages were comforts his children dearly miss.

Despite his shortcomings, Richard's presence left an indelible imprint on our lives. He taught us to love, to feel, and to navigate life in all its beautiful messiness. Today we remember Richard, not just for the challenges he faced, but more importantly, for the love-filled life he led. He will forever be missed.

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