Gary Nolan

William "Gary" Nolan, 80, passed away peacefully on August 1, 2020. He resided in Rancho Mirage, California, at the time of his passing. He was surrounded by family and friends. Services are scheduled on October 3, 2020, in Brookings, South Dakota. Rude's Funeral Home in Brookings will assist Gary's family with arrangements.

Gary Nolan was born December 4, 1939, in Los Angeles, California, to Billie Peters. Growing up, he and his brother, John, looked forward to Christmas when they would set up their Lionel model train set around the tree. He adored his sister, Jan, and shared with her his passion for freedom via two wheels, teaching her to ride a bike without training wheels. Gary was a young accomplished musician, causing the family angel fish to dance when he played the piano. He also mastered the accordion and his parents never missed an opportunity to have him perform for guests. In high school, he was very active in Youth for Christ, acting as emcee for all city Saturday night youth gatherings. Gary was also a counselor at Green Oak Boys Ranch. He graduated with the 1958 class of Millikan High School.

After high school, Gary attended Biola College, receiving a Bachelor's Degree in Christian Education in 1967, and later a Masters Degree in Theological Studies, becoming ordained as a minister. He was married in 1963 and his daughter, Julie, was born in 1967.

Gary was passionate about teaching the Bible, inspiring youth groups as a young pastor, and building church congregations from small groups in growing communities like Alta Loma and Laguna Niguel. He continued his Christian outreach for Gospel Light Publications, travelling the country to instruct and mentor Bible teachers. Gary retired from the ministry in 1994.

Gary married Marjean Goodroad in 1992,m and they moved to Mission Hills in Rancho Mirage. He went on to teach massage therapy techniques at several schools in San Diego and the Coachella Valley. For several years, Gary and Marjean enjoyed a second home on Lake Campbell, South Dakota, where most afternoons he could be spotted pulling Marjean on her beloved childhood wooden water ski behind their Crownline speedboat.

Gary loved listening to music, Simon and Garfunkel, The Beach Boys, The Brothers Cazimero, steel drums (relaxing on tropical vacation with Marjean), and of course, country music. He also loved the National Football League, particularly the Los Angeles Rams, Denver Broncos and the Minnesota Vikings. He imprinted his love of the NFL on Julie. They co-owned a fantasy football team with two league "Superbowl Titles" and many playoff runs.

Gary is survived by his daughter, Julie Nolan, his brother John Nolan (Barbara) and his sister Jan Jackert (Robin). He will be missed!

In light of the recent passing of his late wife, Marjean, from ALS, memorial gifts can be made to the ALS Golden West Chapter at http://webgw.alsa.org.