Tom James Nolan
December 22, 1946 - August 30, 2024
Obituary
Tom James Nolan passed suddenly from his earthly life to Eternal Life on Friday, August 30, 2024, at age 77. Tom was the eldest child born to Tom and Margaret (Collins) Nolan on December 22, 1946, in Niagara Falls, NY with a twinkle in his Irish eyes that never dimmed.
When Tom was a toddler, his parents returned to South Dakota where he lived until the age of 16, most of those years in Ft. Pierre. The family then moved to Boulder, CO where Tom graduated from Boulder High School in 1965. He attended Colorado State University and Regis University in Denver, earning his Bachelor’s degree in Business from Regis. Tom’s daughter, Stacey Lynne, was born on August 2, 1972, to him and his former spouse, Mary (Urbanski). On November 13, 1974, they welcomed a son, Kyle Patrick. Tom and Beth were married on November 26, 1994. They were happily devoted to one another for 30 blessed years, making wonderful memories and welcoming their four adored grandchildren and four of “the best dogs in the world” during those years.
Tom enjoyed a 30-year career with the Eastman Kodak Company, first in manufacturing in Colorado, then in Washington as a Key Account Manager in the Consumer Products division. Given his competitive spirit, he thrived in the sales position, earning recognition and numerous awards, none of which he displayed or kept for long. What mattered most to him were the many coworkers and customers with whom he developed genuine friendships and who became solid lifelong friends. Being “too young to retire” when he left Kodak, Tom worked for ten more years, first as a commercial real estate appraiser for Pentagon Valuation and then with World Vision in the Matching Gifts and Workplace Giving program. He especially loved his time at World Vision.
In the 1970’s, while talking with a friend in the lunchroom at work, Tom committed to be a follower of Jesus Christ. He took his faith seriously. He and Beth prioritized participation in a faith community and found their church home at Marine View Presbyterian. They were actively involved in small group Bible study together for more than 20 years. A curious student, Tom was eager to learn more and ask questions of those whose knowledge and insight he respected. He became a Stephen minister and always sought to be a caring friend to those going through difficult times.
Tom was an avid golfer until the last few years of his life. He loved the game and making (and winning!) the small wagers that “made it more competitive and fun.” Mostly, he treasured the relationships that began on the golf course and became true and enduring friendships. Tom had treasured memories of many trips with his golf buddies and golf vacations he and Beth took with friends.
Tom was passionate about his faith, family, friends and football (though maybe in a different order during football season!). He had strong opinions, a quick wit and fierce loyalty to family and friends…and the Denver Broncos. Tom remained in regular contact with friends from every segment of his life journey. He loved being around people and always loved a gathering for most any reason, especially if it involved storytelling (and he just may have embellished a detail from time to time if only to enhance the enjoyment for his audience!) He was a good listener and conversationalist, making others feel like their presence and participation was expected and wanted. He truly enjoyed life’s simple pleasures: watching a sunrise or sunset, walking the dogs on the beach, road trips, morning coffee, movies and popcorn and gathering around the table with those he loved—most especially his four grandkids who are his greatest source of pride and joy.
Even as his health was declining in the last few years due to Chronic Kidney Disease, Tom maintained a positive attitude and outlook. He was grateful for every day, rarely complained and faced his condition head-on. Tom knew his condition would be terminal and was not afraid to die. He recently told Beth that, despite the tragedy he endured with the deaths of his children, he felt he had lived a wonderful, beautiful, happy life.
Surviving Tom are his wife Beth, son- and daughter-in-love Tim and Danica Pochop, grandchildren Connor Bowes, Madison Rose, Arya Leilani and Jeffrey Tomas Makai (JT) Pochop, sister Mary Kay Nolan, brother and sister-in-law Bryan and Pat Nolan, brothers- and sisters-in-law Susan and George Holmes, Dan and Charlyn Myers, Gordon and Susan Myers and numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and dear friends.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Margaret Nolan, his daughter Stacey Pochop, his son Kyle Nolan and father- and mother-in-law Roy and Dot Myers.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at 1 p.m. at Marine View Presbyterian Church, 8469 East Side Dr NE, Tacoma, WA 98422.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to World Vision (worldvision.org; PO Box 9716, Federal Way, WA 98023) Marine View Presbyterian Church Guatemala Mission (8469 East Side Dr NE, Tacoma, WA 98422) or UW Kidney Research Institute (kri.washington.edu; Box 359606, 325 9th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104).
Deepest sympathies on your loss.
Thoughts and Prayers to the Nolan and extended families. I worked with Tom at Kodak and he worked with me on the Longs Drug Store business across the Pac NW and Vegas. He was a joy and pleasure to be around and so compassionate behind the business he supported. He was a great great devoted family and caring man. His passion for golf had us playing in Federal Way one day, in the pouring rain, but carry on we did hoping in and out of his enclosed golf cart for each and every shot. Great proof that nothing ever got in his way of completing the task at hand! We played a few times during those days and he always kicked my _ _ _ !!! Unfortunately, I lost touch with Tom these last 15+ years. May he rest in peace. I’m sure he’s already played multiple rounds at the Pearly Gates Country Club!
Allison and I are so sad to hear of Tom’s passing. When we found ourselves in Seattle, To and Beth made us feel at home. Tom was one of the gentlest and kindest people that I’ve been fortunate enough to know.
Bless you my friend. Let’s play a round when I get to heaven.
Steve Meehan
So sad to hear this. I’ve known Tom since he attended school in Ft Pierre. So glad he and Beth attended a school reunion a few years ago. A lovely man.
Sorry to learn of Tom’s passing. Although I have neither seen nor heard of Tom in over sixty years, since he and his family left Fort Pierre, I remember him well from our time going to school together there, where I was one year ahead of him, and where we ran track and played football together. I remember him as always being friendly, confident and upbeat. My condolences to all of Tom’s family.