Nolan Hanford Lee, 76, of Mount Vernon peacefully went to be with the Lord on October 15, 2017. Nolan treasured every day that he lived after his diagnosis. He enjoyed spending his days doing the two things he loved the most, working with his cattle and enjoying the time with his family, namely his five grandkids who were the light of his life. He felt so fortunate for every day that he had and lived each day to the fullest. Even on the bad days, those were the two things that would always perk him up and get him out the door.
Nolan was born on January 16, 1941 in Burlington, Washington to Noble and Nina Lee of Mount Vernon. Nolan grew up on Fir Island, eventually taking over the farm from his parents. He graduated from MVHS in 1959. He was married to Shirley Anne Iversen on May 28, 1965 in Mount Vernon. They had four children Greg, Nels, Darcy and Allison.
In 1961-1962 he was an "IFYE" (International Farm Youth Exchange). He was able to travel around the world, but spent most of his time in Australia where he met lifelong friends who have come over the years to visit him and his family. Nolan also travelled back many times to visit them as well. His memories and experiences with his Australian friends were definite highlights of his life.
He was very diverse in his farming ventures growing raspberries, strawberries, cucumbers, cauliflower, squash, broccoli, potatoes, seed crops and on top of all that never missed a milking of his prized Holstein cows until they were sold in 1986. Later
on
when his son Greg came into the business, he spent more of his time working with his beef cattle, "never ending fencing", sorting cattle, and most of all making some beautiful "Ice Cream" hay.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Nina and Noble Lee, his in-laws Merrill and Anne Iversen. He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Shirley, children: Greg (Kim), Nels, Darcy (Troy Olsen) and Allison (Jeff Boon). His adored grandchildren Austin Lee, Shelby Lee, Anna Olsen, Ryan Boon and Jacob Boon. Also by his two sisters,
Nila
(Jose
Laguana
), Bonnie Mullen and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A thank you to Dr.
Kojouri
for his special care and
perserverance
with Nolan's battle with cancer.
There will be a celebration of his life at Maplehurst Farm at 18495 Dike Road Mount Vernon, WA
at 2
pm on Thursday, October 26, 2017.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Skagit Valley Hospital Regional Cancer Care Center: PO Box 1376 Mount Vernon, WA 98273-1376, Hospice of the Northwest 227 Freeway Drive Suite A Mount Vernon, WA 98273 or Seattle Children's Hospital and Research Foundation M/S S-
200 PO
Box 5371 Seattle, WA 98145-5005
