Michael Xavier Nolan

I'm going to miss seeing you at Christmas and other Harper family events Uncle Mike. You've been our rock for decades.

The last time I saw Mike, he was visiting my Dad, Ralph Rosinbum, at his adult care home. He tried to go every Sunday to see him. This was just one of the multitude of good deeds he did, too countless to name. He was the essence of a good friend to our entire family. He was at my wedding 42 years ago and was still a big part of our family up to the end. Mike, you will be missed completely.

I came to know Mike during the 80s and Blessed Sacrament's parish renewal. A group of us got together often and Mike was among them. He always had a caring smile and a kind word about everyone. To me, he was an example of a true Christian gentleman.

To a most Charming, Generous and Spiritual Being. Bless You Michael.

Mike was a giant among men. His life lifted up those who knew him well and for those ships passing in the night, he provided a welcome beacon with a smile, a twinkle in his eyes, and a story...oh, the stories. Our times in Swaziland and the reunions were so brief, but rewarding beyond measure. Thank you Mike. Go well great father. RIP.

The Robinson Family of Blessed Sacrament Church sends our love and sympathy to the Nolan Family. From Parish Renwal of the early 1980's to present, Mike's warm, smiling face and friendly conversation were sources of happiness for my mother, Kay Robinson. His memory and good deeds will serve as inspiration to Kay, who is 99 years young, and to all of our family.

By my definition of a ‘'good man'', Mike Nolan qualified well above many others across the spectrum of our friends and acquaintances. Always of buoyant spirit, meeting him, sometimes after months of separation, Mike made one feel welcome and loved. So, with his passing we have all lost a man who to us was a friend, and even more so, a very ‘'Good Man''.

Brother Nolan was a good man, with a remarkable ability to put people at ease. He made me feel welcome in my first few years with Local 15, and was always enjoyable to work with, or talk with, or just hang around with and listen to. You could learn a lot about becoming a better human being just by watching his example. I'm honored to have had that chance.

Mike was a good friend. Never had a bad word for anyone. Always looked on the brighter side of people and relationships. A joy to see and be around. When Mike first came around, he struggled a little tying a Bowline knot. Orville Knight nicknamed his achievement "The Nolan Bolan". Mike took it in stride. If there ever was one: Mike was the Gentlemen's Gentleman. What a good human being.

Mike Nolan told the best stories, especially on the longest of days at the opera or ballet. Many times we would sit together during lunch breaks and laugh ourselves to tears. Mike was a fine and cheerful union brother, a gentleman, and one of the kindest people I ever knew. We will miss him more than we can say.

i always enjoyed working with mike, he seemed to do everything with conviction and a gentle humor. as this account shows he was loved and will be missed by many.

Always the gentleman, Mike was kind and most considerate of everyone around him. He had a wry sense of humor and a quiet authority. He will be missed.
Bill Droege

Such a beautiful account of his life. I worked with Mike in Local #15 and will always treasure his memory. He was a true gentleman, and a special person, and one of the best co-workers anyone could have.

A funny side note about his time in Swaziland in the Peace Corps - he once told me that someone had mis-read his resume and challenged him why he had done his Peace Corps work in Switzerland!

Mike will be dearly missed. He was the elder, more mature member of our group in Swaziland, and helped keep us youngsters in line. People were immediately drawn to Mike as he could make anyone feel at ease with him. His gentle humor, sincerity, and honesty was a rare gift.

Mike Nolan was one of a kind man, union brother, friend, human being. I'm honored to have known him.

Mike was a good and decent human being, and a thoughtful and gentle mentor to many young stagehands. He was always ready with a joke and a smile, even during the 23rd hour of a shift.

Mike was one of a kind – he was down-to-earth, caring, gracious and always available and willing to sit and chat. He had the unique gift of being able to make people around him feel valued. This is why he had so many Swazi friends, and was the principal “social director” for those of us coming from the hinterland to the “big city” (Manzini) for R & R. Although we saw each other only sporadically in recent years, the reconnection was always immediate. He will be greatly missed.

Totally adored Mike, he was the sweetest man ever.

Trish Anderson

I had the pleasure of seeing Mike whenever he came to Evans Pool for his morning water exercise/visiting time. He was always such a gentle man with a ready smile and greeting. I only wish I'd had more time on the other side of the counter to get to know him in a more personal manner. My sympathy to his family and friends but I rejoice in his graduation.

Mike has left us many fond memories from Swaziland and that great Peace Corps reunion. All the Latin I use I learned from Mike. My favorite photograph from Swaziland is of Mike walking "home" after a day in training with a couple Swazi children following along behind.

Mike was always looking happy and being helpful. I will miss his shining smile.

Mike was a good friend and a wonderful human being.I'm saddened by his passing, but I have wonderful memories of him

We are grateful that he was here for so many years as well as sorrowful that he's gone. We have many fond memories of conversations with Mike in Swaziland; also remember his being a 'foster uncle' to our (then) little kids.

You are very much missed. All the great good you did for a great number of people all over the world is only a small part of your vast and wonderful legacy. You are home with your Father now in peace and great joy. Thank you for sharing your life with us. You were most generous and kind in doing so.

Mike is a dear friend, and I will miss him very much. We met in Peace Corps, Swaziland 45 years ago and have remained friends, living in the Pacific NW all the following years. He was instrumental in getting Jack and me together by inviting me to lunch at the Punch Bowl in Manzini everytime Jack was in town. He was generous with his time and resources. Out of his poverty he blessed others so richly. A true Christian man. I will miss that twinkle in his eye but am thankful I will see him again someday.

We are sorry to learn of the passing of Michael, but grateful for his service to our nation with the Peace Corps in Swaziland.
Our Sincerest Condolences,
The National Peace Corps Association