Brian D. Nolan

1946 - 2015

Kasilof, Alaska, resident Brian Douglas Nolan, slipped the surly bonds of Earth on Aug. 22, 2015, while doing what he loved: sharing his passion for flying with a friend. Born to James D. and Marjorie K. Nolan in Orlando, Fla., Brian entered the world with boundless energy and an unquenchable curiosity. He spent his early years exploring the wonders of the subtropical universe, from alligators to spiders (which, for the record, he hated). When the family moved to Wyoming, he became immersed in western culture and cowboy lore. As he entered his teens, the family moved to Alaska. While the rest of the family led a humdrum existence, Brian thrived on the challenges and adversities of frontier life. He hunted, trapped, fished, boiled the occasional owl carcass and enjoyed more epic adventures than could be recounted here. In 1977, Brian co-founded Southcentral Communications. Together with Brad Kiffmeyer, they built it into a successful business. After a brief retirement, Brian started Nolan Brothers in 2002, and worked with Kelly Nolan and Adam Kiffmeyer constructing, servicing and installing antennae throughout the state. Brian was fascinated with the natural world, especially geography and wildlife. Learning to fly gave him the ability to explore remote areas and see first-hand Alaska's many obscure and unique historical sites. His insatiable curiosity took him from the Kobuk Sand Dunes to the chalky cliffs of Kayak Island, from Point Barrow to the end of the Aleutian Islands. Brian is survived by his "First Wife" of 47 years, Beverly; daughter, Colleen Gilmore (John); son, Daniel Nolan (Wendy); grandchildren, Marina and Mason Ott; brothers, Mike, Dennis, Kevin, Pat and Kelly; sisters, Tara Cowen and Erin Jettenburg; and his mother, Marjorie. He was preceded in death by his father, James Nolan. Brian knew no strangers, only friends he hadn't met yet. He loved adventure, was an excellent cook and avid reader but most of all, he was a great storyteller. Brian could relate a tale about being stuck in the mud on a hunting trip with such vivid description that his audience lived (and laughed) the adventure along with him. Please join us and share your own stories in Celebration of Brian's life on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Kenai Visitor & Cultural Center.