Patrick Joseph Nolan

Patrick Joseph Nolan (2009 in Alaska)

Patrick Joseph Nolan, born on December 1, 1953, in Detroit, Michigan died peacefully on August 31, 2025, in Seattle, Washington, at the age of 71. He lived a life rich in dedication, adventure, and unwavering love for his family and community.

To us, he was Pat, Papa, Dad – a man whose presence was a constant source of strength, joy, and inspiration. He faced his diagnosis of Corticobasal Degeneration (CBD), a rare and progressive neurological disease, with extraordinary courage, grace, and dignity. Though the illness gradually took away many physical abilities, it never touched his spirit. As an always present fixture at Nolan and Josie’s sporting events, school functions and family get-togethers before and during his battle with CBD, his resilience was a quiet testament to the strength of his character and the depth of his love for those around him.

Patrick’s life was also a testament to his adventurous spirit and his incredible work ethic. A master electrician and the proud owner of Greenwood Phinney Electric for over 30 years, he left his mark on the infrastructure of Seattle and beyond. Prior to owning his business, he was part of the crew that wired many significant projects in Seattle, Washington State, and Alaska, including the Seattle bus tunnel and serving as the primary electrician for St. John School and Parish. He received his electrical apprentice training at North Seattle Community College and also attended Wayne State University. His passion for learning extended to woodworking, which he honed at a specialized school in Norway.

Beyond his professional achievements, Patrick was a true outdoorsman and athlete. He was a dedicated marathon runner, completing the Seattle Goodwill Games, Portland, and Seattle Marathons. His love for the mountains led him to successfully climb Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, and Mt. Baker. He was also a passionate coach for basketball, cross country, and track and field, guiding and inspiring young athletes. His hobbies included fly fishing, woodworking, softball, and basketball, and he was an avid sports fan, cheering passionately for both Seattle and Detroit teams.

More than his accomplishments, Patrick will be remembered for his extraordinary character. He was devoted, dedicated, reliable, kind, loving, and fun. He truly put family first, always, and was focused in the moment on what was important. He was adventurous, a true role model, resilient, fair, and deeply empathetic to others. He was a friend to anyone he met, and his quiet strength and unwavering integrity left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

Patrick is survived by his wife, Lynn Kelly Nolan, who stood by him with unwavering love and support. He was the cherished father of Kelly Daniels, and her husband, Joel Daniels. His legacy lives on through his adored grandchildren, Nolan and Josie Daniels, who knew him as the most amazing Papa, always ready with a smile, a quiet word of encouragement, or an adventure.

He was a loving brother to Bernadine Nolan, Colleen Nolan, Frances Nolan Jackson and Michael Nolan. He was preceded in death by his parents, Francis Xavier and Kathryn Nolan, and his brother, Mark Nolan. Patrick was also a beloved uncle, cousin, and a mentor and friend to countless others whose lives he touched.

He was, quite simply, the best and most devoted dad and grandpa one could ask for. His guidance, his humor, and his unconditional love shaped us into the people we are today. We will miss his quiet presence, his wise counsel, and his infectious smile more than words can say.

A memorial service to celebrate Patrick’s remarkable life will be held at St John’s Catholic Church on November 8th at 11:00am with a celebration of his life immediately following in Egan Hall.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Pat Nolan Memorial Fund at St. John Catholic School, benefiting student athletics in his memory.

St John Catholic School
120 N 79th St.
Seattle, WA 98103
st-johnschool.org/giving/give-to-st-john

He may be gone from our sight, but his spirit, his love, and his incredible legacy will live in our hearts forever.