Richard “Rich” Allan Nolen, beloved husband and father, passed away on Tuesday, September 22, 2026. He was born September 6, 1947, in Klamath Falls, Oregon to William L. Nolen, Sr. and Lucy Dot Andrews. They lived on Darrow Avenue for many years where he grew up with his three brothers and his beloved dog Ginger. He attended Mills School, Fremont School, and Klamath Union High School. In April of 1964 he met Beth Anne Bailey, his future wife. Rich graduated from high school in June 1965 and joined the Navy on November 8, 1965. He went to boot camp in San Diego, Company 660. Rich served aboard the USS Manley DD 940 from February 1966 - August 1967. He toured Vietnam and sailed around the world visiting 17 ports. His favorite port was Hong Kong where he happened to have a drink next to Jack Palance.

After his military service ended, he returned to Klamath Falls where he attended Oregon Institute of Technology. Rich and Beth married on September 14, 1968, and moved to San Francisco. He graduated from City College of San Francisco with a degree in Transportation. Through his career, he worked for the City of San Francisco, Trans World Airlines, Freco Vending, US Moving Services, and the Santa Fe Railroad. In 1977 Rich and Beth moved back to Klamath Falls where he worked for the Southern Pacific Railroad and was also very active in the Masonic Lodge. In 1982 they relocated to Eugene and moved out to Veneta in August of 1983. In October 1990, he began working for Forrest Paint Co. in Eugene where he served as Traffic Manager until he retired in June 2014. He was an avid Duck Fan, photographer, reader, soccer coach and swimmer. He loved River Road Parks and Rec and swam there for more than 40 years and made many friends. Music was a very special part of his life. With his guitar in hand and a song to share, he could bring people together and turn an ordinary moment into a memory. His guitar playing and singing were a way to express the love he had for others. Above all, he will be remembered for the love he gave, the people he encouraged, and the countless lives he touched. His laughter, lessons, music and love will remain with us always. Survivors include his daughter Jenny La Duca (Sam) of Celebration, FL; his son Mike Nolen of Veneta, OR; grandson Anthony La Duca (Stella) of Redmond, OR; granddaughter Elizabeth of Celebration, FL; brother John Nolen (Sheila) of Sherwood, OR; many wonderful nieces, honorary sister Jana Lilly Wood and special friend Percy Franklin of Eugene, OR and shipmate Bill Mullis of Virginia. He is preceded in death by his wife Beth Anne, his brother William L. Nolen, Jr., his parents, and his brother Michael Eugene Nolen. A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, October 30, 2026, at the Central Grange in Veneta, Oregon. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Rich’s memory may be made to the Shriner Children’s Hospital shrinerschildren.org. Guests are encouraged to wear their favorite Oregon Duck or tie dye t-shirt.