Barry Nolf Obituary Barry Keith Nolf December 3, 1958 - June 19, 2012 The finest, kindest, smartest, funniest, toughest, most well rounded man that I have ever known died on June 19, 2012 in the Heart Pavilion at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. He fought hard for his life until the very end. Barry never met a stranger, be it a person or a critter. He was a good steward of the earth in so many ways. He left me, Toni Dellinger Nolf, his best friend & wife of 12 years, behind to mourn his loss, along with our son Jacob. Barry is also survived by his parents, Dr. Robert Nolf, and Mrs. Jean Nolf, his brother Scott Nolf, and his father-in-law and best friend Peewee Dellinger. He was predeceased by his beloved mother-in-law, Helen Carol Dellinger, and his faithful companion, Lucy. As I struggle to find the perfect words at this time, I need to borrow from the words of Barry s and my dearest friends: From Louis: I lost a great friend last night. I close my eyes and I see his smiling face. . . Barry was always smiling. I see his unruly head of hair, too long for his age but fitting just the same. Barry was the most gifted natural athlete I've ever known. From golf to shuffle board- he always won but without a shred of arrogance. He was gifted with common sense and common decency. An innovator at work and at home. . creative and talented. Strong willed. . .belligerent at times. . . generous to a fault. Barry could strike up a conversation with anyone and he made everyone he met feel immediately at ease. Jacob, I hope you know how special your father was to so many and I'm sorry you two didn't have more time together. . .your pop was one genuinely cool character. God bless you Barry and thanks for being my friend and fishing bud. . .I'll always remember you. . .especially when I make an exceptional catch hopefully with Jacob by my side. I'll do my best to tell him what a great man, fisherman, outdoorsman and friend you were. You were one in a million and I won't forget you. "Haul in your anchor and let the sheet out as you ride on the wind, son of a son of a sailor man. . . . " From Dwight: I consider myself extremely fortunate to have called Barry my friend. My life has been much richer for having known him. We had more outdoor adventures than I can even remember (and some that I have seen pictures of that I still can't remember) camping, skiing, kayaking, crabbing, fishing. Anything that we were doing was always a blast with Barry. Always! I keep getting choked up thinking back on so many great times that we had. Barry was about the most laid back fellow that I have ever met. Any challenge seemed so easy for him to handle. I really admired how inquisitive and adept he was at learning new skills. Barry could do just about anything that he put his mind to from rolling a kayak, to tying flies, to construction, to raising chickens. Although Barry was not with us for nearly as long as he should have been, he lived more LIFE than most people could live in many lifetimes. Rest in peace my brother! You taught us all many things, but mostly about just. . life. From Marshall: In my mind, I feel Barry knows that I'm with him and have been throughout these months of pain. I will have a personal service for Barry in a place where we shared a common love and found our similar spiritual fix. We had a number of discussions about finding God while in solitude amidst the natural beauty of Earth and this universe, and I know that he is now soaring above us in a state of peace and bliss. We've really only had a short relationship, but it has been extremely powerful and inspiring for me and he became one of my best friends quickly. Barry lived a life I want to emulate. He was a laid back guy, but his passion for living was full of energy, love, determination, dreams, and he possessed an incredible work ethic. He could do anything for himself. He was always striving to learn and better himself and was extremely knowledgeable in vast subjects. From building houses, tying flies, golfing, snow boarding, understanding medicine and the body, talking history, philosophy, and sports to loving a wife and son, Barry lived an incredible life that was full of adventure and deep meaning. The past few months have been tough on me as well, and I'm saddened to lose a friend and mentor, but I'm glad he is no longer suffering. He defied odds and was a true soldier throughout all of this, and his desire to hold on was remarkable. I'm glad I had the opportunity to see him in the hospital, but my memories of him and my time spent with him, is how he will live on in my heart and daily life. I'm sorry for the world's loss. Barry was born in Bethesda MD on December 3, 1958. He lived in Camp Lejeune NC, Quantico VA, Pearl Harbor HI, London, England and Virginia Beach VA before he, Toni and Jacob settled in Courtland VA five years ago. The 3 Nolfs gained a whole new giant family in the midst of neighbors & friends in Darden Mill Estates, Southampton County and Franklin. Many thanks to all of these folks who helped us through these trying times. Barry was educated at East Carolina University, and graduated from Old Dominion University with a degree in Medical Technology. He worked at DePaul, Norfolk General, and then spent 18 years at Life Net where he worked in all aspects of organ and tissue transplant. His work at LIfe Net was concentrated in the Cardiovascular Production Department where he retired as manager in 2006. Barry also held, along with his co-workers at Lifenet, several US patents for the decellularization of human tissue ("Process for Decellularizing Soft-Tissue Engineered Medical Implants, and Decellularized Soft-Tissue Medical Implants Produced"). From 2006-2011 Barry was the Vice President of BTNolf&Son, Inc., class A contractor and custom builder. In the last year of his life, Barry took great pride and pleasure in owning and operating Blackwater Outfitters, LLC. Barry always dreamed of kayaking & fishing for a living. He lived his dream in Franklin VA where he made a tremendous impact on the community. A memorial celebration will be held in his honor on July 28th at 6PM, Barrett's Landing Park, Franklin VA. Dress is casual and comfortable, as we will be outdoors. Please sign the memory book at Blackwater Outfitters, and proceed next door to the park for the celebration. Wright Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- See also: 1) https://www.wrightfuneralhome.org/obituary/1514398 2) https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/pilotonline/name/barry-nolf-obituary?id16374821 3) https://www.pilotonline.com/obituaries/Barry-Nolf/ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ### Narrative Summary of the Obituary Barry Keith Nolf, born on 3 December 1958, passed away on 19 June 2012. He was remembered as a kind, intelligent, and adventurous man who touched many lives. Barry's legacy included his work in medical technology and his passion for the outdoors, particularly fishing and kayaking. ### Narrative Summary of Funeral Services A memorial service was held to honor Barry Keith Nolf, who passed away on 19 June 2012. Family and friends gathered to celebrate his life and contributions. The burial took place in an unknown location, as specific details were not provided. ### The Edited Obituary **Barry Keith Nolf** **3 December 1958 - 19 June 2012** The finest, kindest, smartest, funniest, toughest, most well rounded man that I have ever known died on 19 June 2012 in the Heart Pavilion at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. He fought hard for his life until the very end. Barry never met a stranger, be it a person or a critter. He was a good steward of the earth in so many ways. He left me, Toni Dellinger Nolf, his best friend and wife of 12 years, behind to mourn his loss, along with our son Jacob. Barry is also survived by his parents, Dr. Robert Nolf and Mrs. Jean Nolf, his brother Scott Nolf, and his father-in-law and best friend Peewee Dellinger. He was predeceased by his beloved mother-in-law, Helen Carol Dellinger, and his faithful companion, Lucy. As I struggle to find the perfect words at this time, I need to borrow from the words of Barry's and my dearest friends: From Louis: I lost a great friend last night. I close my eyes and I see his smiling face. . . Barry was always smiling. I see his unruly head of hair, too long for his age but fitting just the same. Barry was the most gifted natural athlete I've ever known. From golf to shuffleboard—he always won but without a shred of arrogance. He was gifted with common sense and common decency. An innovator at work and at home . . . creative and talented. Strong willed . . . belligerent at times . . . generous to a fault. Barry could strike up a conversation with anyone and he made everyone he met feel immediately at ease. Jacob, I hope you know how special your father was to so many and I'm sorry you two didn't have more time together. . . your pop was one genuinely cool character. God bless you Barry and thanks for being my friend and fishing bud . . . I'll always remember you . . . especially when I make an exceptional catch hopefully with Jacob by my side. I'll do my best to tell him what a great man, fisherman, outdoorsman, and friend you were. You were one in a million and I won't forget you. "Haul in your anchor and let the sheet out as you ride on the wind, son of a son of a sailor man . . . . " From Dwight: I consider myself extremely fortunate to have called Barry my friend. My life has been much richer for having known him. We had more outdoor adventures than I can even remember (and some that I have seen pictures of that I still can't remember) camping, skiing, kayaking, crabbing, fishing. Anything that we were doing was always a blast with Barry. Always! I keep getting choked up thinking back on so many great times that we had. Barry was about the most laid back fellow that I have ever met. Any challenge seemed so easy for him to handle. I really admired how inquisitive and adept he was at learning new skills. Barry could do just about anything that he put his mind to from rolling a kayak, to tying flies, to construction, to raising chickens. Although Barry was not with us for nearly as long as he should have been, he lived more LIFE than most people could live in many lifetimes. Rest in peace my brother! You taught us all many things, but mostly about just . . . life. From Marshall: In my mind, I feel Barry knows that I'm with him and have been throughout these months of pain. I will have a personal service for Barry in a place where we shared a common love and found our similar spiritual fix. We had a number of discussions about finding God while in solitude amidst the natural beauty of Earth and this universe, and I know that he is now soaring above us in a state of peace and bliss. We've really only had a short relationship, but it has been extremely powerful and inspiring for me and he became one of my best friends quickly. Barry lived a life I want to emulate. He was a laid back guy, but his passion for living was full of energy, love, determination, dreams, and he possessed an incredible work ethic. He could do anything for himself. He was always striving to learn and better himself and was extremely knowledgeable in vast subjects. From building houses, tying flies, golfing, snowboarding, understanding medicine and the body, talking history, philosophy, and sports to loving a wife and son, Barry lived an incredible life that was full of adventure and deep meaning. The past few months have been tough on me as well, and I'm saddened to lose a friend and mentor, but I'm glad he is no longer suffering. He defied odds and was a true soldier throughout all of this, and his desire to hold on was remarkable. I'm glad I had the opportunity to see him in the hospital, but my memories of him and my time spent with him, is how he will live on in my heart and daily life. I'm sorry for the world's loss. Barry was born in Bethesda, MD on 3 December 1958. He lived in Camp Lejeune, NC, Quantico, VA, Pearl Harbor, HI, London, England, and Virginia Beach, VA before he, Toni, and Jacob settled in Courtland, VA five years ago. The 3 Nolfs gained a whole new giant family in the midst of neighbors and friends in Darden Mill Estates, Southampton County, and Franklin. Many thanks to all of these folks who helped us through these trying times. Barry was educated at East Carolina University and graduated from Old Dominion University with a degree in Medical Technology. He worked at DePaul, Norfolk General, and then spent 18 years at LifeNet where he worked in all aspects of organ and tissue transplant. His work at LifeNet was concentrated in the Cardiovascular Production Department where he retired as manager in 2006. Barry also held, along with his co-workers at LifeNet, several US patents for the decellularization of human tissue ("Process for Decellularizing Soft Tissue Engineered Medical Implants, and Decellularized Soft Tissue Medical Implants Produced"). From 2006-2011, Barry was the Vice President of BTNolf and Son, Inc., class A contractor and custom builder. In the last year of his life, Barry took great pride and pleasure in owning and operating Blackwater Outfitters, LLC. Barry always dreamed of kayaking and fishing for a living. He lived his dream in Franklin, VA where he made a tremendous impact on the community. ### Vital Statistics Summary | Name | Barry Keith Nolf | |---------|-------------------------------| | Age | 53 years | | Birth | 3 December 1958; Bethesda, MD | | Death | 19 June 2012; Norfolk, VA | ### Table of Relationships | Name | Relationship | Residence | |-------------------------|---------------------------|--------------------------------| | Barry Keith Nolf | Decedent | Courtland, VA | | Toni Dellinger Nolf | Spouse | Courtland, VA | | Dr. Robert Nolf | Parent | Unknown | | Mrs. Jean Nolf | Parent | Unknown | | Jacob Nolf | Child | Courtland, VA | | Scott Nolf | Brother | Unknown | | Peewee Dellinger | Father-in-law | Unknown | | Helen Carol Dellinger | Predeceased Mother-in-law | -- | | Lucy | Predeceased Companion | -- | ### Other Relevant Information 1. Barry Keith Nolf was born on 3 December 1958 in Bethesda, MD. 2. He lived in Camp Lejeune, NC, Quantico, VA, Pearl Harbor, HI, London, England, and Virginia Beach, VA before settling in Courtland, VA five years prior to his passing. 3. Barry was educated at East Carolina University and graduated from Old Dominion University with a degree in Medical Technology. 4. He worked at DePaul, Norfolk General, and spent 18 years at LifeNet, focusing on organ and tissue transplant. 5. Barry retired as manager of the Cardiovascular Production Department at LifeNet in 2006. 6. He held several US patents for the decellularization of human tissue. 7. From 2006 to 2011, Barry was the Vice President of BTNolf & Son, Inc., a class A contractor and custom builder. 8. In the last year of his life, Barry owned and operated Blackwater Outfitters, LLC, pursuing his dream of working in the outdoors.