Thomas Nolan Bullerdick Memorial Bench

A year ago May 30th, we lost our beloved Nolan, at the age of 27. In the time he shared with us, Thomas Nolan Bullerdick’s love and vigor for life abounded. An ever keen and kind companion — quick to a smile, and ready with a laugh — he brought joy to those fortunate enough to have known him. A dear and loving son, an older brother of warmth and nurture, and a friend of timeless, unabashed spirit, where he was not immersed in kinship and camaraderie, he was so enthralled with the natural world around him. 

On any given day you could bet to find Nolan out fishing rivers or lakes across Nebraska, tirelessly perfecting his golf game, coordinating a pick up soccer game, or camping alongside friends under starry summer sky. He immersed himself in the outdoors at every turn.

From its sweeping, expansive golf course, to its long green lawns and secluded creek beds, a short stroll from where he grew up, Elmwood Park gave Nolan his first tastes of the richness of the natural world around us. It remained one of his favorite places all his life. To honor Nolan’s love for the outdoors and to cherish his memory, his family and friends have decided to commission a memorial bench in this place he was so often found.

Where his spirit so lives on in each of us, we hope this bench will give space to those that knew him to be with him in mind’s eye — to remember the man that he was and to remind us all to live life as he did, filled with love for those we hold dear, embracing the beauties of the outdoors as often as we can.

Until the time we may again cast our lines or take out our drivers, swim warm waters or kindle campfires, we’ll sit beside each other in this place, sweet Nolan. We miss you so.


If you feel so inclined, donations to this project are greatly appreciated by his family and friends. Any amount raised above the cost will be donated to the Northstar Foundation in Omaha in Nolan’s name.