Nolan worked for Snokist Cannery for 45 years as a maintenance mechanic and welder. He retired in May of 2006.
Nolan married Bernadine Ricard in September of 1957 and together they had four children, Billy, Bobby, Caroline and Bradley.
Later, he met Lillian Bigclow in 1971 and they married in February of 1976. The family grew with Lillian’s children, Steven, Robert, Ronda and LeAnn. Also, welcoming Bernadine’s adopted daughter Tammy into the clan.
Nolan enjoyed boating, plowing all the kids and grand kids out in the winter, fishing at Rimrock Lake, mushroom hunting, elk hunting, archery and especially wood cutting in the mountains until age 75, where he and Lillian worked together, tirelessly wearing out the young helpers.
Dad was a strong, kind and generous man who was always there when someone was in need.
He never knew a stranger and had his favorite waitresses at the restaurants they frequently ate at as well as their friends at Selah Solarity Credit Union.
He was larger than life and will be dearly missed by those who knew him.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Lillian Bena of Selah, children Robert (Cheryl) Bena of Yakima, Caroline (Roger) Lambert of Yakima, step children Steven (Judy) Finley of Tonasket, Robert (Sheryl) Finley of Port Orchard, Ronda (Dave) Burton of Richland, LeAnn Oconner of Spokane, Tammy (John) Creighton of Innisfail, Canada, 16 grandchildren, six great grandchildren and one grandson due in September, sisters Charlotte (Paul) Steiner of Spanaway, Marcella Wright of Spanaway, and Carol Hart of Tacoma. He is preceded in death by his parents, Gerald Bena and Helen Hulse, sons, William Bena, and Brad Bena, and grandson, Justin Bena.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Cancer Research or to your favorite charity.
Visitation will be held Thursday, July 12, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Keith and Keith Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be Friday, July 13, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. at Rainier Memorial Center with a burial following at the Terrace Heights Memorial Park. To share a memory of Nolan visit www.keithandkeith.com
