It is with deep sorrow that Art’s family is announcing his passing in his 96th year.

Art was born in Hafford, S.K. in 1925 to George and Myrtle. He is one of three boys. The family lived a tough farm life according to Art. He ended up leaving school after grade three to help his family on the farm. Art headed out West in his early teens, ending up in Doe River, B.C., near Dawson Creek. It was here where he would meet his life-long soul mate of 77 years, Clara. Art and Clara married and moved to an East Doe River farm where they started raising their family of eight children. George, Bruce, Dennis, Danny, Garth, Christine, Debbie and Brian. As well as farming, Art drove school bus to support his family.

He was a master horseman. Whether it was for work, driving horses to skid logs and haul grain or for fun, with rodeoing which included bull riding, bronc riding and chuckwagon racing. Art was in his glory being around horses. Art eventually moved to driving truck along the Alaska Hwy. He enjoyed this career before and after his many years working for the Department of Highways and Public Works in B.C. Living and working in the Hwy.

Maintenance Camps of Summit Lake and Iron Creek with their younger children, Art and Clara were able to be closer to their older adult children and their families who also lived along the Hwy. in other camps for many years. In 1980, Nolan’s Trucking was established out of Watson Lake where Art would live out his trucking career and Clara managed the books. Hauling fuel, logs, gravel etc., he was never short of work because of his work ethic. Art owned many trucks throughout that time. They were his prized possessions, and he took immaculate care of them. He drove until his poor eyesight deemed it unsafe.

Some other accomplishments include being the oldest participant in the Emperor’s Challenge, a cross-country race in Tumbler Ridge B.C., at the age of 84. Art has done it twice. He also competed in the Open-Air Bonspiel on Watson Lake for many years up until his late 80’s. Art kept busy in his retirement by walking every day, chopping wood and shovelling snow until he could no longer.

As well as horses, Art loved his dogs and cats. Most, if not all were rescues of some sort. Pets, family and hard work were of the utmost importance to Art. He has been quoted as “wishing he had more schooling.” In the long run, Art strove through life by being a quick learner and working hard to acquire what he had.

Art moved to Whistle Bend Place in spring of 2020, where he met up with Clara. He was full of stories and memories right up until his last day. His family and pets were always on his mind. He is survived by his wife Clara, children Bruce, Garth, Christine, Debbie and Brian, 23 grandchildren and many great-grand children. He is pre-deceased by his parents, brothers Hank and Orville, sons George, Dennis and Danny, grandson Michael.

The Nolan Family would like to extend their sincere thanks and appreciation to Home Care in Watson Lake and to WBP – Bear Lake House staff, for their compassionate care shown to Art during his time there.

“When you get bucked off, you just gotta get back on.” - Art