Robert "Bob" L. Nolan

Robert "Bob" L. Nolan, 59, Wilson Creek resident and Superintendent of Wilson Creek School District, passed away Thursday, Jan. 5, 2006 at his home in Wilson Creek. Cremation arrangements are in care of Kayser's Chapel & Crematory, Moses Lake. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, 2006 at the Wilson Creek School Gymnasium with Gene Sharratt officiating. A private inurnment for the family will take place at a later date at Spring Canyon Cemetery, Grand Coulee.

Bob was born on July 30, 1946, in Grand Coulee to Al Nolan and Shirley (Spratlin) Nolan. His education began at Grand Coulee schools, where he graduated in 1964. He attended Eastern Washington University, earning a B.A. in math and social sciences (1970), a masters degree in education/administration (1975), and principal's credentials for elementary and secondary (1982). His education culminated at Washington State University, where he earned his superintendent credentials in 1993. During this time, Bob became an avid Cougar fan and enjoyed following WSU teams, especially football.

Bob served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam from 1967 to 1969. He received the Army Commendation Medal for Heroism and the Bronze Star Medal for Meritorious Achievement.

His long and rewarding career in education began in 1970 as a teacher and coach at Grand Coulee Dam School District. During this time, Bob also worked as a police officer for Grand Coulee, and as a deputy sheriff and undersheriff for Lincoln County.

For the next 20 years, Bob served as principal for Boundary County School District (one year), Potlatch School District (two years), and Columbia School District in Burbank for 18 years, the last three as assistant superintendent. He then moved to Pateros, where he was superintendent from 1995 to 2000. During this time, he met his true love, Kathy, and they were married in 1998. Bob and Kathy together moved to Wilson Creek where Bob enjoyed his final years as superintendent, retiring at the end of December 2005.

In his younger years, Bob enjoyed many hours as a softball umpire and football/basketball referee. Also, he took great pride and pleasure in creating the beautiful landscaping around their home.

Those who worked with Bob always knew that he directed his actions to one purpose, the benefit of young people. "Children come first" was his personal motto. He worked to treat all people, even those with whom he disagreed, with kindness, fairness and respect.

The loss of Bob will be profoundly felt by all those who knew and loved him. He was a caring, humorous man who touched many lives wherever he went. He will forever be in their hearts.

He is survived by his wife, Kathy, of Wilson Creek; parents Al and Shirley Nolan of Grand Coulee; a daughter, Kasey Baxter and grandchildren Caleb and Cheyenne of Medical Lake; sister and brother-in-law, Judy and Rich McGuire of Electric City; nieces, Tera McGuire of Grand Coulee and Charay McGuire of Spokane; stepchildren, Kirk Barlow of Richland, Dustin Barlow of Moses Lake, Melanie and Tim Williams and step-grandchildren Grace and Anna Williams of Pateros.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Wilson Creek Dollars for Scholars, P.O. Box 27, Wilson Creek, WA 98860.