Dr. Roland Scott Nolan, of Aptos, CA, died January 25, 2025, at the age of 77, while in hospice in Santa Cruz, CA. Nolan, his preferred name, was born in Goodland, KS on March 4, 1947, and lived with his parents, Roland Orn Scott Jr. and Marion Louise (Graves) Scott, on their ranch near Mount Sunflower in Wallace County, KS.
Nolan’s birth name was Roland Orn Scott, III. His father, Junior Scott, was killed in a mid-air collision with another plane while 3-year-old Nolan and his mother, Marion, watched as he was flying over their Wallace County ranch, attaining solo hours to acquire his private pilot’s license, on April 30, 1950.
Marion married William “Bill” Nolan, a few years later, following the tragic death of Bill’s family. After marriage they opened a grocery store in Sharon Springs, KS; Bill was elected Wallace County Sheriff and Marion was elected County Superintendent. The family moved to Lawence, KS, where Marion and Bill received degrees from the University of Kansas, later becoming professors at University of Western Kentucky.
Nolan received a B.S. in Zoology, with honors, from University of Kansas in 1969. He received a Ph.D. in Marine Biology from Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California – San Diego in 1975.
Nolan specialized in coral reef ecology, building artificial study reefs in the lagoon of Enewetak Atoll in Micronesia. He conducted Post Doctoral Research at University of Hawaii and was a Research Associate in Computer Engineering and Biology, at University of California – Santa Cruz. A visionary, a futurist and a dreamer, after completing his degree at Scripps, Nolan founded an environmental consulting firm on the Big Island of Hawaii and an advanced technology marine shrimp hatchery and farm on Molokai, which led to the formation of the Island Shrimp Shop in Encinitas, California and the North Shore Seafood Company in Ketchum, Idaho. He conducted numerous environmental studies and impact statements; produced a national educational TV series on salmon populations. As an author, Nolan wrote a series of novels, including the Metamorphosis Chronicles that explore the impacts of technology upon human longevity, the environment and society; and the Seacliff Chronicles, that documents the dynamic nature of Seacliff Beach in Aptos. Since 1994 Nolan lived near the sunken ship at the end of the pier in Seacliff Beach, his favorite place in the world, where he loved to spend his days working out, running, and writing. When growing up, Nolan was very fond of his Grandma Scott and would visit her in Goodland, KS when he was in college.
Nolan was preceded in death by his parents, his grandparents, his uncles and aunts – Roy & Bernadine Scott and Virgil Allen & Berna Scott, and three cousins. He is survived by his cousins, Dorothy (Scott) Brison and Anita (Scott) Ray in Missouri, Paula (Scott) Korbe in Kansas and Rebecca (Scott) Coleman and Virgil Scott Jr. in Colorado. Nolan is also survived by his forever friend, Julie Adams, who gave him love and support. Gratitude is expressed to Susan Gomon for her support and to Glynis Marcantel, Director of Nursing at Redwood Grove, for her very kind care of Nolan.
Nolan will be remembered for many things, especially his desire to improve the world where we all live.
Memorial contributions are requested to the facility where Nolan was in hospice: Redwood Grove Post Acute, 2990 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz, CA 95062.
“Larger than life, and even bigger in heart.” Leon Edward Schneider, age 67, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2025. Leon was born on August 28, 1957, in Denver to Paul E. and Evea (Petty) Schneider and raised in Sharon Springs, Kansas, where he was confirmed in the... [More]
Former Sharon Springs, KS, resident, Tyler Ray Theron Chaney, 28, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at the Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs, CO. Tyler was born on January 2, 1997 to Theron R. Chaney and Tammy L. Duraso. He was one of two children born to... [More]
Norva Jean Kriegh was born August 11, 1931 to Jesse Louis and Myrtle Bell (Alumbaugh) Hickman at their home in Sharon Springs, KS. She was welcomed by brothers: Ivan, Earl, twins Lynnel and Lyle, and sisters: Vada and Audrey. She passed away at the Good Samaritan Home, Oberlin,... [More]
Joseph Lee Fuentez, 52, of Windsor, Colorado, passed away unexpectedly on March 21, 2025. His passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of all who knew him. Joe was born on November 12, 1972, in Cheyenne Wells, Colorado, to Oscar and Bonnie Fuentez. After graduating from Sharon... [More]
Lifelong Wallace County resident, Jim Bussen, passed away on March 20, 2025 at Greeley County Hospital in Tribune, KS. He was born on October 3rd, 1946 to Leo Bussen and Dolores (Basgall) Bussen in Goodland, KS. He was the oldest of six: Twins Butch and Johnny, Kenan, Trina,... [More]
Dixie Anne (Chain) Schemm age 87 of Sharon Springs, passed away Sunday, March 16th, 2025. Dixie was born December 13th, 1937 to Ralph and Mamie Chain of Haven, KS. Her journey on this earth was marked by unwavering faith in God, and a love of her family and life on the farm.... [More]
Larry Dean Smith, 72, passed away on Friday, March 14, 2025. He was born on February 13, 1953, in Garden City, Kansas to Elmer and Luella (McIntyre) Smith. A devoted son, brother, stepdad and uncle, he lived in Sharon Springs, KS. He graduated from Weskan High... [More]
Robert Eugene Arnberger, 90, of Winona, died Friday, March 7, 2025. He was born on July 14, 1934, in Modoc Kansas. Robert was born to Karl and Adel (Wemmer) Arnberger. He was the second oldest of six children. He attended Little Eagle elementary school south of Russell Springs... [More]
Briggs Fischer hangs on tight as he shoots out of the gate for the Mutton Bustin' Event last weekend. Photo by Peggy Fischer. Rodeo results to follow in an upcoming issue of The Western Times.
Smiles and laughter filled the dining room during Muffins with Mom, an event held in honor of the lovely Mothers at Hope Springs. Pictured (top left) Debbie Summers and her mother Bonnie Mitten, (top right) Marsha Johnson with her daughters, Gina Johnson Hoffman and Jana Gfeller,... [More]
On Monday, May 12, 2025, Tyler J Willis, 33, Sharon Springs, made his first appearance in Wallace County District Court for case number 2025 WA CR 00006. The Hon Judge Steve Unruh presided. Willis has been charged with the following four counts: Count 1: Rape; Sexual... [More]
Third through fifth grade students from Greeley and Wallace County gathered in Tribune on Wednesday, April 30, to take part in an Agriculture Safety Day. The event, which was sponsored by Greeley and Wallace County Farm Bureaus in partnership with Greeley County FFA, featured... [More]
On Sunday, May 4th, Nicholas Hartman will walk across the stage to accept his diploma, making him the first to be the fifth generation of his family to graduate from Wallace County High School. In 1919, Hartman's Great-Great Grandmother Mabel (Kyner) Jennings was... [More]
On April 7th, Governor Kelly signed SB114 into law, authorizing nonpublic and virtual school students to participate in ancillary public-school activities and making it unlawful for the Kansas state high school activities association and school districts to discriminate against... [More]
Weskan High School sophomore Karsyn Wright recently broke the school record in the 400m with a time of 50.86 -and- the 100m with a time of 10.96. The previous 400m record was set in 1977 by Kevin Cox, Wright’s grandpa’s cousin, with a 51.3. Von Hoss had... [More]
It's official, Staci Hennick has become the newest agent for Farm Bureau. Hennick has been working for Farm Bureau while she was preparing for the testing process. As of April 1st, she is officially an agent for Farm Bureau. She is located at 204 N Main, in the building... [More]
Peak travel season may be over, but that doesn't mean that we are closing up shop at the Fort Wallace Museum! We have re-vamped winter hours that are already underway - you can visit Mon - Sat 10-4 MT this winter, weather permitting. If there is questionable weather, you can... [More]
It’s that time again in Wallace! It’s Rodeo Time! This year’s 70th Edition of the Fort Wallace Rodeo is shaping up to be a special one! There are again two performances; Saturday May 25 at 7 pm MDT and then on Sunday May 26 at 5 pm MDT. Admission... [More]
This past weekend, the Fort Wallace Museum had record-breaking attendance at the annual Symposium, and an equally successful Fundraiser Banquet. Around 90 people were in attendance at the day’s lectures and presentations, with attendees from all over Kansas, as well as... [More]
The Guardians of the Fort Wallace Museum will host their annual symposium and banquet on Saturday, March 16, at the museum, with symposium beginning at 8:30 am MDT and Capt. Keogh’s Emerald Banquet at 5 pm MDT. The theme of this year’s events is “The Moccasin... [More]
The Christmas Season approaches! Our annual Candlelight Christmas Service will be held on Sunday, December 3rd at 5:00 MT, starting at the 1888 Bethany Lutheran Church located on the west side of our Museum grounds. The traditional Swedish Lutheran service in the historic atmosphere... [More]
On Thursday evening, Nov. 2nd, come on over at 6 pm to hear a most talented musician, mandolinist and singer/songwriter John DePew! We will be hosting John inside the 1888 Bethany Lutheran Church. John Depew is a Kansas-based musician, songwriter, and traveler with a knack for... [More]
The fall travel season has featured strong attendance at the Fort Wallace Museum, with many retired couples and international travelers coming through. Our RV Park has also been busy, with many people staying to experience the local flavor of Wallace County. Our summer hours... [More]
This past Friday and Saturday, the Fort Wallace Museum grounds once again sprang to life -this time with the sights and sounds of a Native American village. 10 traditional tipis glowed in the sun, as well as military tents and a complete 1800s chuckwagon set-up. During Friday’s... [More]
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