Francis "Frank" Nolan
May 6th, 2016
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.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence for the family.
Messages:
While I only met Frank twice when Dave was visiting his sister, Karen, I realized that he was a 'one of a kind' person and certainly one with whom I would have liked to share many good times. The best that comes to mind when describing Frank is delightful. My heartfelt condolences are extended to Patti and their family members. Sincerely, Lin
"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage." Lao Tzu. Strength and courage and Love. Franks life with our sister Patti truly resembled this. Both their lives did. Their love and support for each other was enduring. It was admirable. When all of us were worried how much more they could endure, they endured more, and they endured it with Grace. There were many days and months that Patti never left his side, she was his pillar of strength, his advocate, and Frank was her courageous Love. They lived every day whole heartedly, genuinely and with great appreciation for life and those they loved. Always looking forward, over coming great challenges, and making the most of every moment. Together they lived their story. Our hearts are full of love, admiration and gratitude for Frank for the unconditional love and support he has given to our family, and most of all our sister, Patti. You made her life whole and complete, and we thank you from the bottom of all of our hearts. Our Celtic Warrior is flying with the Angels. Breathe easy. You will always be loved and deeply missed. Jim/Maureen, Mary/Gary, Terry/Linda, Kelly/Damian, Kerry/Mark, all the kids, Mom and, Dad of course... ❤️Xoxo
Dear Patti & Extended family. I met Frank many years ago it was like we had been friends forever. Please accept our heartfelt condolences, words cannot express the sadness you are feeling but we are praying for you to get through these hard times. God bless you and may Frank's soul rest in everlasting peace.
I met Frank over twenty years ago. He was a true and loyal comrade and union brother. I never met anyone like him. There will only be one Frank Nolan. He was never confused about where you should stand - always with the union. He fetched me out of a couple of pickles and I can still hear his voice, giving me very good advice. He will be missed not just by Patti and family but also by the so many he helped over the years. Frank was a very big man in every way and I get choked up thinking how much he will be missed.
Dear Patti, Anne & Grant, John, Irene and Mary : I am so sorry to hear of Frank's passing. It leaves a void in my heart. I can't imagine how it is affecting all of you. He has been a friend all my life and an inspiration of strength and hope. Over the last ten years when I was having doubts his positive attitude and strength helped me many times. We would love to be there at Frank's celebration of life, to remember so many times we were together. Brenda's dad is not doing well and her sister Lynn is in hospital. Our thoughts and feelings will be with you. Love. David , Brenda and family
Patti our thoughts and prayers are with you and Franks family at this very sad time Although the miles separate us you are in our hearts.. Frank To know you was to love you, so full of life and always eager to set off on your next adventure.. A nature so kind and true A true scouser that was you! always welcoming with open arms We will never forget the fun times we had. Throughout your illness you managed to smile and carry on regardless never giving in. I will never forget when you called me at Xmas worrying if I was OK and had Xmas dinner, all those miles away yet you thought of us.. You leave a massive void in our lives. Your one in a million. "Walk on walk on With hope in your heart And you'll never walk alone You'll never walk alone".. ................. A golden heart stopped beating Two smiling eyes at rest God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE
Uncle Frank was our knight in shining armour he looked after our family when my dad wasn't there to do it and when he told me everything would be ok I believed him, he was and will always be my "favorite". Be at peace and hug Cat for me. love you both
One of the most selfless people I had the pleasure of meeting. they only made one Frank Nolan His will to live and fight to be with Patty one more min will become the stuff of legends He never complained though his discomfort would have brought most of us to our knees My god a stronger heart we may never see again Goodbye my dearest brother in law no more pain no more needles no more pills THANK GOD ALLMIGHTY YOUR FREE AT LAST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I had the chance to meet Frank. With a wonderful twinkle in his eye and easy personality it was a pleasure. His comfort around family and friends was evident. A quiet gentle counterbalance to the vivacious Patti! What a treat. RIP my friend
Fluffy,miss you so much,broken hearted,I may not see you with my eyes,but you'll live in my heart forever.till we meet again pal.YNWA j.
So much to know about Frank Nolan but you all know the best of Frank...loving, kind, loyal, honest, generous, his integrity and his bravery. Frank loved a great sunrise, a beautiful sunset, a fish on his line, a glass of wine, a lovely guinness, the sound of a loon on a lake, a campfire, crossword puzzles, soccer, travels near and far...always drove the road less travelled...but mostly he loved stories from friends and family. Frank was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis many years ago, transplant being the only cure. He faced his illness with courage and hope. He got his transplant and he got almost an extra 7 years of life. We are eternally grateful to the donor and their family. We thank the transplant team for a successful outcome. Not all was easy after the transplant but Frank never complained and always greeted you with a smile. He made the most of his time and travelled as much as his health would allow. He continued to be involved in his union which meant so much to him. He was proud that he got dispatched to a job and was able to be a millwright again. He was a loyal union man and accomplished much for the union and his brothers and sisters of local 2736. The last 7 months Frank was very ill and had to spend alot of time at VGH, dialysis, doctors apptmts and the cancer clinic. He was able to be home part of the time which brought him great comfort. He was tired but never complained. He was so brave and fought so hard. He didnt want to go...wasnt ready..lots more to do in life, but he was tired, he needed to rest, had to let go..he needed peace. You came into this world as a scouser and left this world a brave scouser. I am heartbroken.....words are not enough....tears will never stop....you will always be in my heart...., with me in every step...I hope I can be as brave and courageous as you were my love. You showered me with love, love like no other...my soul mate...we were inseparable. As we said to each other, in sickness and in health, we shared the journey. I couldnt make you better only support and care for you, together all the way...we did not waiver. Your best pal Jett was with you too..a bond that couldn't be broken...he knew when you were sick and stayed by your side. Jett and I are lost without you. How does one say goodbye...I am forever yours Your loving wife patti xoxo
My thoughts and prayers are with you Patti and your family at this time Remember the good times and that helps for now I can't say it will get better cuz it won't but time helps one foot in front of the other In time if you would like to meet for coffee send me and email Frank was a wonderful man and I feel lucky that Brian and I got to know him and share a small portion of his life Cheers Heather
Patti: I am so sorry to hear about Frank. You must be so very sad. He and Dale are having a fine party right now. Say hello to all of the terrific Canadians I came to know. Take care. Fritzie