By Jeremy Sollars
Much-loved thoroughbred industry figure and devoted father of four Basil Nolan Jnr was laid to rest at Eden Gardens Lawn Cemetery after a funeral service at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Warwick yesterday, Thursday 15 November.
Mr Nolan, 45, died as a result of a farming accident on his family property Raheen Stud late on the evening of last Tuesday 6 November.
His funeral was attended by an estimated 2000 people, including racing industry leaders from around Australia, along with former Nudgee College friends and longstanding friends from the Warwick rugby league community, of which he was a stalwart.
The eulogy was given by his lifelong best mate Wayne Carey, and his sister Sally Conn gave her own moving tribute to a man adored by his family and respected in his community.
Both spoke of his love for his wife and “soulmate” Natalie and their four children – Basil, Lily, James and William – and his passion for and skill with horses, along with his generosity to those less fortunate than himself and his happy nature.
His son Basil gave a reading from the letter of St Paul to the Corinthians, while his daughter Lily and son James were among other family members who offered prayers of the faithful.
A huge honour guard formed in the courtyard of St Mary’s as he was brought out of the church by the pall bearers, his son Basil, Vitalijus Klumbys, Daniel Conn, brother Tim Nolan, Anthony Flint and Wayne Carey.
A gathering was held later to celebrate Mr Nolan’s life at the Warwick Cowboys Clubhouse in Queens Park.
