Nolan Richards Obituary

Dr. Nolan Earle Richards
Nolan Richards died Friday June 27, 2025, at home as he had wished, encircled by the loving care of his family and friends and hospice team.
He was welcomed to the world by his parents Sydney George and Esta Richards on October 27, 1930, in Kaitaia, New Zealand. Nolan lived the values instilled by his Carr and Richards families in the rural Far North of New Zealand. He brought these to his life in Florence AL when he immigrated in 1957. Key values included faith in God, focus on family, respect for all peoples, importance of education and life-long learning, stewardship of the earth, joy of curiosity, love of the outdoors, and appreciation of food. Most of all he strove to be a responsive and responsible citizen of the world, contributing to society in any and every way he could. Much of Nolan's ability to contribute in a positive, calm, and joyful manner could be attributed to the steadying hand of his best mate, his wife, Helen, whom he married in 1954. Together they were an adventurous couple who, as a loving team, befriended and helped people from all over the world.
After completing his PhD in physical chemistry at Auckland University in 1954, he was sponsored for postdoctoral work at Pennsylvania University, followed by a fellowship at Imperial College (London UK). He then accepted a job offer from Reynolds Metals Manufacturing Technology Center. Nolan enjoyed working for Reynolds, mentoring staff, growing the research capabilities, and finding ways to improve aluminum production. After retiring in 1993 as manager of the Manufacturing Technology Laboratory, Nolan continued to be involved in light metals production research both as a consultant internationally and as a professor and PhD advisor to students at Auckland University and Trondheim University (Norway). In 1993 he received the Alabama Academy of Science Wright Gardner Award and in 2010 the Renaissance
Award for Science. Nolan finished his professional career with many accolades, numerous publications, and 18 patents.
Nolan's work involved travel to other countries where aluminum production was important; those opportunities reflected Nolan and Helen's love of travel, exploration, and discovery. Counting a final trip to Panama and Costa Rica in 2020, Nolan photographed, enjoyed, and took wisdom from the 62 countries that he visited. Nolan's appreciation of the importance of sharing cultures led to involvement in various student exchange programs, including as a host family, through Rotary International and AFS, and sponsoring professionals in the workplace.
In the community, he served on the vestry of Trinity Episcopal Church and was part of the Outreach Committee for many years. Nolan was a past officer of the Florence Rotary Club and was a multiple Paul Harris Fellow. He was a board member for nine years for the United Way including chairperson of the Professional and Venture Grants committees. Nolan was also a member of the board that established the YMCA in the Shoals and the board of the RSVP.
Attracted to Wilson Lake when they arrived in Florence, Helen and Nolan, with a few other enthusiasts, pioneered the formation of the Muscle Shoals Sailing Club (MSSC) in l961, for which he served as the first commodore. Subsequently, he served as an officer of MSSC in several capacities and spearheaded teaching others to sail. Helen and Nolan raced the Day Sailer "Hinemoa" in local, regional and national regattas with admirable success. Nolan recognized that for mixed fleet sailboat racing, there was a lack of statistical data underlying the prevailing handicapping system. He derived and published, with the input of results from yacht clubs from all over the United States, the U.S. Sailing Portsmouth Yardstick (correlating with the RYA system in the United Kingdom). That system, subsequently enhanced by others, is now used by yacht clubs all over the United States for mixed fleet sailboat racing. For the Day Sailer Association (DSA), Nolan served as regional vice president and National Measurer and contributed to introducing Day Sailors to many others. He was honored by being awarded the Hans Gottschalk award for service to the DSA and being voted an Honorary Member of the DSA. Nolan is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Helen, and his younger brother Beverly. He is survived by his brother Raymond Richards (Nona), son Bruce Richards (Sherrie), daughter Robin
Richards, granddaughters Kim Robertson (Derek) and Kiri Richards (Michael Clarke) and great grandson Isaac Robertson.
The family is grateful for Molly Jones's devoted care over many years, Dr. Eric Santiago's and Dr. Jared O'Leary's thoughtful medical management, and Southern Care New Beacon's hospice support (Kayla, Ian and Nicole).
In addition, the family is grateful for Edwina Clayton's kind companionship, and for Rev. Callie Plunket- Brewton's pastoral visits.
A celebration of Nolan's life is planned for Wednesday July 16, 2025 at 2:00 PM at Trinity Episcopal Church, 410 North Pine Street, Florence, Alabama with a reception to follow in the Parish Hall. The service will be accessible on YouTube.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to United Way of the Shoals, U.S. Sailing, or Trinity Episcopal Church.
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