Nolan A. Dennett

Born in Ontario, Oregon to parents David and Myla Dennett, Nolan passed away on June 6, 2024 in Bellingham, Washington.

Nolan had fond memories while growing up of spending much of his time outdoors where he developed his lifelong love of fishing and camping and witnessed the beauty of nature. He was also introduced to the performing arts while watching his parents dance at church socials and when plays were produced in his town. Nolan liked to explore the outdoors and was inquisitive, an eager student, and a gifted actor. Included among his many talents was a passion for writing stories. He graduated from Brigham Young University and began his professional career. His performance experience includes the Chicago Moving Company, Dance Kaleidium of St. Louis, Repertory-West Dance Company, and the San Francisco Moving Company. His teaching experience began at the St. Louis Conservatory and School for the Arts and went on to include, University of California, Santa Barbara, San Jose State University, and then his final 32 years of teaching at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington. There he is remembered as the architect of the Dance Department while choreographing, performing, and introducing his students to the many styles of dance through his guest artist roster of professional colleagues. His other professional accomplishments include a Fullbright scholarship to Peru where he choreographed and taught for the National Ballet of Peru. Nolan continued his love of writing stories and published his novel, Place of Shelter, as well as writing many short stories and articles for various periodicals. 

Nolan did not leave exploration and being in nature to his youth. He made frequent trips to his favorite camping and fishing spots. He loved traveling. He checked off a bucket list item by riding his motorcycle on a road trip through British Columbia and partnered with his brothers as owners and operators of the Sawtooth Lodge at Grandjean, Idaho. For many years, he cultivated orchids which was a skill he developed from his mother’s love of flowers and gardening.

He will also be remembered by many in Bellingham community for his work offering support for those less fortunate, his mentorship to those beginning their careers or starting over, and for his years long participation as a foster parent with the state foster care system. 

Nolan is survived by his brothers, Garland Dennett (Jan) and Gerold Dennett (Greg), along with his loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother Milton (Michelle) Dennett.

The family will hold a private burial in Caldwell, Idaho and ask that you consider honoring Nolan’s legacy through support of the Arts. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in his name to https://alumniq.wwu.edu/giving/to/dance.

We will miss his creative spirit and artistic passion.