Francis "Frank" Nolan

With broken hearts we announce the passing of “Frank” Francis Nolan on May 6, 2016 at the young age of 67 in Vancouver, BC, born in Liverpool England on November 6, 1948.  He is predeceased by his mom Mary, dad Frank and father-in-law Gerald.  He is survived by his wife Patti, daughters Angela (Christopher), Christina (Jeremy), siblings Irene (Mcleod), Mary, Anne (Grant) and John.  He also left behind stepchildren, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, his wife’s loving family, many friends and his four legged buddy Jett.

Frank came to Canada with his family from Liverpool in May 1957.  They first lived in Manitouwadge, Ontario, then moved to Vancouver, BC in June 1964.  Frank started working at a young age and followed in his fathers footsteps as a union millwright.  He was a proud union man and would fight for worker’s rights and achieved that by being a shop steward and then working as a Business Rep for the millwrights 2736.  

There was so much to Frank Nolan.  He loved to be around people, hear their stories, loved his family and friends and once you knew him you never forgot him.  

His passion was fishing, whether it was streams, rivers or lakes.  He was a master rod builder, he loved teaching fishing, tying flies, watching fishing shows and dreamed of going to Haida Gwaii to catch the big one.  He loved his tin boat, putzing around a lake or wading in a river.  He loved nature and was an avid birder and could tell you what bird by the sound.  His favourite was a loon on a lake.  He loved to golf and was pretty darn good at it and enjoyed the challenge of many different courses throughout his travels.  He was happy in a five star but camping in a tent surrounded by nature was more Frank.  He loved to travel, especially within BC and he couldn’t believe how beautiful our Province was.  He knew all of the back-roads, rivers and lakes.  Travel was not only about the places but about the people.  In the small towns of Mexico it truly was about the people and he was Senior Frank to many new friends.

Frank enjoyed his days at the Legion playing pool with his boys and participating in their pool league.  He also enjoyed their meat draws and dancing at the Legion.  He loved his music and record collection and tried to sing but he never got that trait from his Dad who was a beautiful singer.  Frank loved to attend many concerts, festivals and wished it was Woodstock everyday.

Frank loved his soccer and especially his Liverpool team.  He was a regular viewer and was lucky to be able to travel to attend live matches, as they say You’ll Never Walk Alone.  Once a Scouser, always a Scouser.  Weekend mornings were spent watching soccer matches, cooking shows, travel shows and fishing shows.  He was happy when the PVR was developed as he no longer missed his shows.

Frank was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis and needed a lung transplant.  Frank became very sick and it was a sad day when Frank had to give up work at the millwrights union.  A large part of his life and values was with his brothers at the union.  He worked hard to better the working conditions, pay and benefits for his working brothers.  He was very proud of his work and all that he had achieved.  He still stayed involved with the union and worked when he could.  He was on the transplant list and the wait was long but our miracle came June 16, 2009, he got the call he was going to get his transplant.  We got almost an extra 7 years with Frank and he took every moment as a blessing and made the most of it.

The last 7 months Frank was very ill and in and out of VGH.  He was so brave and fought so hard and hoped he would win.  It was heartbreaking but Frank got sicker and lost the battle and our celtic warrior went down.  He was at peace and had no more pain and was surrounded by love.  We want to thank the donor and their family for our precious gift of more time with Frank.  We also want to thank the nursing staff on the 12th floor of VGH for taking such good care of Frank, the transplant team and many other caregivers along the way.

All of his family, along with thousands of millwrights across Canada will always remember him as a man with great moral character and integrity.  He accepted everyone into his heart unconditionally.  

We will miss you forever in our hearts, a large void is left behind but we will never forget you.  

Peace and Love, it’s a lovely day for a Guinness. 

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