Love from the son-in-law, aka "the Ev"

People always asked me why I didn’t call Mr. Nolen by his first name. When I first met, Harry, he came across as a fun-loving guy that was easy going and didn’t stress about too many things. At the same time, he had worked very hard in his life, starting in the Army and later for the VA. He raised a wonderful daughter, and she never went wanting for love or affection from her father. Because of this, I always thought that the man had earned and deserved respect from the man that married his daughter. The reason I always called him Mr. Nolen was because I always knew what a good person he was and always wanted to show him the respect that he rightfully earned.

That’s not to say that we didn’t have fun, get loose, or whatever. We spent lots of time together in NC through some good and bad, but Mr. Nolen was always a fun guy and fun to be around. We had a lot of things in common between our love of sports, 60s music, and definitely Kim. For me, one of the most important things in my life was to shake his hand on my wedding day and let him know that his little girl would always be taken care of.

Harry Nolen lived a full life, was loved by his friends and family, and will be remembered fondly in my heart the rest of my life.

Love ya Harry
The EV

Harry and Rosie

Harry happy to see his sister Rosie on the way into Canada

At Ocean Shores in Washington

Taking a break!

Playing miniature golf together

Brother and Sister

The Younger Years

Harry as the ring bearer

Harry and his sister, Rosie as teenagers

Harry and his father, Jim

Harry and his mother, Mable

Quotes from Friends & Family

"For those whom have had the pleasure of knowing Harry, you know he had a kind hearted soul. His goal was to try to make everyone happy.... Cancer took a toll on him and his body, He left this world hearing the words "I love you."

"My sweet babe..... You are missed so so very very much. I will forever keep you close to my heart and talk to you everyday."

~

Patty Nolen

"I am glad that I was able to meet and share some time with Harry. Especially at the birth of the of the plugs."

~Chuck jFile

"What are we going to do without our Harry... He was known as the "Nicest Guy" because he truly was. He never ever wanted to hurt anyone's feelings so he would AGREE with ALL of us and then we would be mad for a minute...I miss my brother so much. I'm especially going to miss his BBQ's and the holiday's. I wish we could have gotten in one more karokee night, remember that? I think that was one of his most proudest moments, he really thought he was the best ha! Everybody clapping for him, that was so special to him. Thank you for coming into his/our life. You being his wife, I his sister, Kimi his daughter, Ev his son in law, grandma, grandpa, Matt, Dave, Rachelle, Robert, Scottie, Kelly and even Dan and all of our cousins, aunties and uncles and friends and whoever I missed, we are all so lucky to have known Harry and to have spent time with him. Everyone had something to offer to Har in their own special way as he did to us. Har did have a good life and complete life with a real wife and a family. I know that he was happy with that... AND I know that we are going to see him again, I wonder what he will say to us? I wish I could think of something witty now because I know that when we all see him again he will have something very witty to say to each and every one of us when he sees us... "

~Love, Ro

"I can't believe Harry is gone. I have known him 29 years. I remember Harry as a nice guy who never wanted trouble or conflict. He loved his family, dogs, food, beer and sports team. I'll miss our time and discussion on sports because we were fans for different teams and he would always make a joke regarding the teams I rooted for. Also the bowling games with the family. I never could beat Harry! He was an excellent bowler and person. Also the Karaoke night when Harry was the best singer in the crowd. Harry will be missed!"

~

Daniel Smith

"I'm heartbroken and deeply sadden to hear of Harry's passing. I was hopping for more time, more time to be the godmother he deserved. I had hopes of going to see him and spending some time with him. Not being able to do this is a regret I will always carry with me. Harry will always hold a special place in my heart and I was so honored at 17 when asked to be his godmother. Thank you, Patty, for loving and caring for our Harry. Teri"

~

Teri Cornelius

"Bapah, Joshua can't type but he can hit the key board, this is what he wrote....

, ;ljnhbg0'/yc viub .f vrtvym, v4 nbgg vj yvb rt gjmvt mcedbjcvmcv h,dr vm , b b, m,hd, 7 cv bnmk m vv c hmvbgvbggvvlog58u9gtc , , 5 9. 9.

Bapah, Joshua looks at your pictures everyday, he tells me "Bapah" You meant alot to Joshie and I know he meant a lot to you! I remember coming home and Joshuas diaper was only covering one bun, that was Bapahs diaper changing speacialty, and twice not just once when granapa made a bottle he put the nipple right over the bottle with out the ring to hold the nipple. It worked!!! Bapah and Joshua shared a lot and Bapah loved Joshie too much, his favorite saying was "lets move to Alaska and take Joshua with us" ..... they shared so much and no matter how much Gramma did for Josh who did Josh ask for? that's right! Bapah!!! Forever they will have a bond and I will always remind Joshua who his most favoritist Bapah in the whole world was......"

~

Joshua

"WE ARE SADEN BY YOUR LOST WHICH IS ALSO A GREAT LOST OF OUR VARIAN FAMILY GROUP.
ALTHOUGH WE HAVE NOT HAD THE PREVILEGE AND PLEASURE OF KNOWING HARRY AND SOME OF THE VARIAN FAMILY GROUP, WE ALWAYS CONSIDERED THAT ANY LOST OF ANYONE OF THE VAIRAN FAMILY GROUP IS ALSO OUR LOST...GOD BLESS EVERYONE AND WE HOPE THAT ALL IS WELL."

(VIOLET'S SON)
ARTHUR V. BRINGAS & FAMILY
WESTMINSTER, CALIFORNIA

~

ARTHUR BRINGAS

"Aunt Ro, I am so glad to have you in my life. I'm so sorry. You two are so much alike, it's ridiculous. Even though Harry is gone, it's great to know that we all still have you to make us laugh the way he did. Love you."

~

Rachelle Sinor

"I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of Harry. He was much too young to leave this world. I first met Harry when I was in Junior High School. My thoughts and prayers are with you."

~Love, Melinda

"I wanted to tell you how sorry I am to hear about Harry. My heart truly sank... I will always remember such good and fun times with him. Remember how he would drive 55 mph in the fast lane of the freeway and how everybody would give him such a hard time? He really was a good and caring person and he will be missed."

~Jeremy

Always Time for Fun

Harry getting into the spirit of things at the Seattle Seahawks game.

Goofin' around on the merry-go-round!

Singing his kareoke

Jammin out on his guitar

Being silly with Rosie and Patty

Racing on the video game motorcycle

Enjoying the bumber boats

Trying out a new bicycle thing!

Love from Kimberly

When I was growing up, he was always a good Dad to me. We always had fun by going to the park or the drive-in or riding bikes. We loved to ride bikes, especially on the Waterfront of Vallejo. Dad always said that "it didn't matter what we were doing, as long as we were doing it together." Growing up we had our little silly language. Sometimes we made words start with the letter "N" just because. Like marbles were called "narbles" or Kimberly was "Nimberly". I don't

know how it started, it just started and it stuck.

We also liked to visit with family. Family was very important to Dad. We hung out with Auntie Rosie, Grandpa, and Grandma many times and we would joke about every one wearing some piece of Grandma's clothing, whether it be pajamas or sweatshirt or robe.

One year when was little, I really liked the Aladdin movie and he took me to the Cow Palace in San Francisco to see the Aladdin ice capades. I know that he probably wasn't that interested in figure skating, but he knew it would make me happy and that's what made him happy.

My dad was the best Dad I could have ever asked for. He always tried his best and meant well, even if I didn't understand it at the time. We could have reasonable conversations and he listened to what I was saying, even if he didn't understand it at the time. I was always a dreamer and he more realistic... I was independent and wanted to travel the world, and he always wanted me to stay home until I was 65.

That was probably our biggest conflict. He didn't understand why I always had to be the first one to an event and the last one to leave. I liked being where the "action" was and he didn't like a lot of fuss or big parties or anything like that. He liked little family get togethers or just staying home to watch sci-fi. I remember that every night about 8:00 we had to watch some kind of Star Trek show- he would be on the big couch and I would be on the little couch- and we would do our leg exercises to see who could do the most.

He was always trying to make fun events together even if they were as simple as leg exercises or watching tv. He liked to go to Home Depot and get supplies to make a pond or a board game or something. Even if his projects didn't last, he always meant well. He liked to sing kereoke and thought it was fun when everyone sang together.

He did a lot to make sure I was ok. He was a bit of a worrier too. Always worried that something was going to go wrong, that I would fall off my bike, or get sick, or get my feelings hurt. He used to say that he had a full head of hair before I was born, and if you saw him lately, he had hardly any left! :)

It was sooooooo special to be able to have my Dad walk me down the isle for my wedding less than 3 months ago. It's hard to believe that he is gone now. But I have good memories of that day of him standing there waiting for me to come down those rocky steps and for him to lead me to the altar. What a happy day for the both of us! We danced our father -daughter dance and he whispered that he was proud of me. I told him, I was who I was because of him and started crying. He had a worried look on his face and he said, "why is my little girl crying?!" and I said, "because I am so happy"... and then we danced a few more steps before we called it a night...

Dad was a quiet man, and never wanted to be the center of attention. He never wanted a big deal made out of anything...But he always deserved the award for being the person who tried so hard to make everyone happy.

Dad was also quite the joker. He loved to tell jokes and make people laugh. Especially himself! He could laugh at his own jokes over and over. He could just be sitting there in quiet and all of a sudden start bursting out in laughter, from a joke he just remembered or just thought up. He was a silly guy and liked to have fun. He used to tell me, I just want you to remember the good ol' times with the "fun Dad"

I will remember much more than just the "fun" dad. I will remember the worrier, the joker, the peacemaker (or tried to be anyway), the stressed out, the stern, the sarcastic, and the laid back Dad. What I have learned from him is his love for the important things in life such as family, togetherness, nature, understanding, and humor. He was a fighter to the end and I hope that I have half the strength that he had, to endure the mental and physical struggles of his life. Every thing he did, he did for the people he loved... and for that he will always be a hero to me.

I know you are smiling down on all of us. Rest in peace Dad.

~Nimberly

Harry's Sayings

"I might be talked into..."

"I might possibly consider thinking about maybe..."

"I'm not sleeping, I'm just resting my eyes."

"Is it morning already?"

"5 more minutes...."

"Who does the thinking around here?"

"You know what would be fun? Apple pie and whipped cream!"

"Are you picking up what I'm putting down?" (courtesy of Everett)

"You can only do this if you're (x amt taller than you really are or x amt older than you really are)"

A Poem for my Father

(by Joanna Fuchs)

HERO DAD

My Dad was my hero

For my very youngest years;

Dad kept me save and happy,

And he chased away my fears.

I watched in awe and wonder

At each manyly thing he did;

Oh, I looked up to my daddy,

When I was a little kid.

My dad was still my hero,

As the years passed, one by one.

He taught important lessons,

And he took some time for fun.

He was my firm foundation;

On my dad I did depend;

He was always there for me,

My dad, my guide, my friend.

My father is my hero,

Now that I am fully grown.

I love him and respect him,

The best man I've ever known.

I know that when I marry

That my husband had to be

A great man, just like my father,

Dad, my hero you'll always be.

Love you dad... Kimberly

I gave this poem to my Dad for Father's Day 2008

Sinor Love

Words through Patty

He had special relationships with each stepchild:

Robert
Our first couple years together, he would drive from Concord to San Juan Batista to watch a little leaque game. He always encouraged Robert to play sports. Robert played basketball and took up wrestling all of which dad went to the games.

Rachelle

She had a special spot in Harry's heart, as he watched her go from her wildest teen years to a mom. He would let Rachelle paint his fingernails and he even went to work with polish on them accidently. They shared a special bond named Joshua.

David

Harry would always say is the "good son" because he is very gentle and kind and always ready to lend a hand. Harry and David painted our first home together and rebuilt the back stairs.

Matt

Harry didnt get to be around too much because Matt moved out about the time we got together. He attended Matts awards ceromony and was impressed with his scholarship from playing golf. He attended Matt's graduation and got to spend holidays with him. Dad did like Matt's personality, always the funny guy who made him laugh. Harry just had a different bond with each of them.

And of course Joshua, his grandson....
Joshua stole his heart! He got to watch Josh take first steps, say his first words. He would dance with Joshua and play in the sandbox with him. They had a special connection, I remember one morning Harry was coming out of the bedroom and Joshua just got so excited, he ran to him and wanted "bapah" to pick him up... Harry smiled from ear to ear.

Harry's Favorites

Favorite family functions:

In california Patty always had family BBQ's, his parents would come over a lot and they would eat and play rummy. They always celebrated Harry's birthdays with family bbq's! He always enjoyed everyone coming over for the holidays, graduations, birthdays or just because.... Up in Washington he still enjoyed his family get togethers.

Favorite food:

Salame sandwiches, BBQ potato chips, potato salad, steak, mashed potatoes with gravy, bacon and scrambled eggs, crab, waffles, chocolate chip cookies, glazed donuts, vanilla ice cream, vanilla shakes, fried rice, lumpias, and coke. He always liked a dinner with "meat," not chicken! He also loved to make, grill, and eat his shisk-a-bobs!

Favorite outdoor activities:

He liked to go to the parks in Washington as most of them have lakes surrounding them. He liked to take the dogs down by the water and let them run. He enjoyed collecting sand dollars and skipping rocks. He liked to go to the Fall's park and watch the salmon come up the fish ladder, and be in awe at the amount of salmon and the size! The parks and lakes in Olympia are majestic, with evergreen trees and waterfalls. He loved nature and he

was surrounded by it in the Pacific Northwest.

Favorite hobbies:
Harry wanted to learn how to do woodburning and wanted to learn how to water color. He would go to the nursery when they had their special day which was where they sold tree branches and plants to the public. He would buy these sticks, which were trees and bushes, not knowing anything about them. He just planted them around the house and every spring he had these tress and bushes grow with vibrant colors and some where flowering. It's just so amazing how pretty everything is and Harry is the one who planted them all.

He also loved to paint by Bob Ross and liked to paint his "happy little trees."

Favorite media entertainment:
He liked to read his books before going to bed. His favorite was always sci-fi and he read Mack Bolan and Death Lands. He watched stargate atlantis, stargate, enterprise and the movies with aliens. He loved Star Trek, but was definitely not a "trekkie". He just liked watching the the sci-fi shows that had good stories to them. He also liked to watch baseball , foot ball, tennis and golf. He took a new liking to scary movies.

Favorite sports to play:
He played basketball in highschool and was the pointguard for the El Camino Colts. He was an excellent bowler and often bowled above a 200... even on a bad night. He was pretty good at ping-pong and an even better pool player. Below is a picture of his first bowling trophies and a picture of him playing basketball with Robert:

The Grandson

"Where one Journey ends, another one begins"

We always joked that Joshua could be a "Mini-Me" of Harry. They ate bananas together and played trains with each other. He read stories to Joshua and helped him learn by painting and putting blocks together. Together they walked hand in hand as Bapah watched Joshua grow.

With love from Harry's "Babe"

Harry and I met on line almost 12 years ago, I instant messaged him because I thought his screen name (I forget how he spelled it) meant "I'm still single" so right away I started chatting with him. A few months after talking on line and on the phone, we finally met at the KOA camp ground in Watsonville CA. I drove a school bus at that time and one field trip I drove on, was to San Francisco. So Harry met me there (I think he took and extended lunch that day) and we took our own field trip to the Japanese Gardens.

Harry and I spent as much time as possible together, if he wasn't coming with me on field trips he would meet me at the College I was going to and sit in on my classes, one being tennis which the instructor let Harry play too. It wasn't long before he asked me to marry him. One year after we met, we got married on May 30th 1999.

After living in Aromas, CA for 13 years I picked up 3 of my kids since Matt just graduated high school he stayed behind. We moved to Concord, CA close to his family and job. Harry continued working for the Veterans Affairs Regional Office in Oakland, CA until 2003 when he left the VA and we moved to Washington State. Here we lived together in Olympia.

All of our kids lived pretty close by, David moved from Florida with Kristina and Kimberly and Everett moved from North Carolina. It meant a lot to Harry that we were almost all back together again. Matt and his wife Katie live in Santa Cruz, CA but were always close to our hearts and thought of. We took many trips back and forth to California, driving with our dogs, and a couple times with our cat too so we could visit with family. We had a good time visiting with the cousins, aunts, and uncles and the Varian reunion and enjoyed dancing together.

Harry loved Washington, he always enjoyed camping and fishing and would barbecue any chance he got. The snow in the winter was exciting, I'm not too sure he enjoyed shoveling the drive way this past winter though. But he did enjoy seeing Joshua play in the snow. Aside from the snow, we also loved going to the beach together. One time we went to visit Kimberly in North Carolina and they had a thunderstorm that evening. We were lucky that earlier that day we were able to go into the warm water before the rain came down.

At one point Harry decided he was going to have a rock garden so he took pride in his hunt for rocks! We could be driving down a road and have to stop to pick up rocks, it was exciting to run across roads trying to bring big rocks back to the car, we even tried using plastic bags at one point and of course we laughed as the bags broke, then there was the wheel barrel Harry would gladly push. All this hard work and what happened? Harrys Chinese rose bush took off and covered half his garden of rocks and my daisies covered the rest...

Harry enjoyed painting, playing rummy, going to the casino for "work," doing little fix it projects around the house, and taking his dogs for a walk. His favorite dish to make was fried rice, I never could make it like him. He loved to eat spaghetti, and oh can't forget steak!

The very first time we cut down our Christmas tree was a special time for all of us because it was the first Christmas everyone was together.

I could go on with much detail about Harry and our life together but I will close with this: Harry had a gentle soul, he always wanted everyone to be happy and tried with all his might to make that happen... He always put family first and loved everyone of us. Harry loved with all his heart our grandson Joshua and would smile so big when Josh would come up and give him kisses. Bapah is what Joshua called him, they would share banana's, grapes, split tuna sandwiches for lunch and both found out they loved chicken noodle soup!

Harry loved his step children and always had his own way of showing it. July 25th, 2009 Harry got to walk Kimberly down the isle!! He waited for this very happy day for a long time.... I would say that was the happiest day of his life but I'm sure the day Kimberly was born was the happiest!

My love for Harry will always continue, He will always have a special place in my heart. For now I take each day as it comes with great sadness and yet happiness, I never will allow myself to let go. As I see Joshua grow I will always think of Harry and how proud he would be. I will be sad but remember that Harry is at peace, his cancer can not hurt him anymore, and his pain is forever gone! I love Harry and miss him so very much, and I'm glad I can't say that without crying because the tears are welcomed as it's from loving him so much.

My dear Harry, I will always talk to you and love you.