[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 94 (Friday, May 28, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E589]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE LIFE OF MR. NELSON ``RED'' BERKELEY NOLAND

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                           HON. DOUG LAMBORN

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 28, 2021

  Mr. LAMBORN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. 
Nelson ``Red'' Berkeley Noland, beloved husband, father, grandfather, 
veteran, and philanthropist.
  Red was born February 3rd, 1927, in Richmond, Virginia, to the late 
William Churchill and Mary Bleeker Noland. He was the last of three 
children, and at an early age, developed a love for adventure.
  Red was a man of faith and a lifelong member of the Episcopal Church. 
He attended St. Christopher School in Richmond, VA. Red attained the 
rank of Eagle Scout at 14 years old and attended President Roosevelt's 
1941 inauguration as part of the Eagle Scouts Honor Guard.
  During World War II, Red joined the U.S. Navy, reporting for duty on 
his 18th birthday. Following an Honorable Discharge after the war, Red 
studied at Princeton University, earning a degree in International 
Relations.
  Automobiles were a life-long passion for Red, moving him to ``Motor 
City'' Detroit, Michigan after graduation. Red began working as a lathe 
operator in a production line, building Cadillac transmissions. Because 
of Red's work ethic and interest, it did not take long before he was 
moved up to work in sales. He became the youngest new car salesman in 
the Cadillac factory's store in Detroit.
  In Detroit, he met the love of his life, Eloise ``Bunny'' Day. Red 
and Bunny were married in 1953 and had three children: Tom (1959), 
Betsy (1961), and William (1964). Earlier this year, the couple 
celebrated 67 years of wedded bliss.
  In 1974, the Noland family moved to Colorado Springs, Colorado, and 
purchased the Silver State Cadillac store. Soon after, Red's 
appreciation for cars grew exponentially, and he acquired multiple 
franchise rights and expanded to numerous stores and a state-of-the-art 
collision center.
  Over the years, Red grew the Red Noland Auto Group dealerships from 
less than 20 employees to over 150.
  Red appreciated every one of the employees, keeping up with each 
birthday and family event. He was a true family man and considered his 
employees to be part of his family.
  Living and raising a family in Colorado was an ideal situation for 
Red. Not only was he able to work in the industry he loved, but he also 
found a place that let his hobbies thrive. Red owned and flew planes 
and gliders in Colorado and came close to breaking distance records 
with his gliders. He was an outdoorsman hiking many Colorado 14-ers and 
trails. Skiing was his favorite winter sport. Often he was found on the 
slopes of Vail up to his 90th birthday.
  Red had many joys in his life, but none more than his family and 
faith. Red is survived by his cherished wife, Bunny; loving children, 
Tom (Yingnan) Noland of Boulder, Colorado; Betsy (Stan) VanderWerf of 
Colorado Springs; and William of Leadville, Colorado; his adored 
grandchildren Erik, Carolyn, Katie, James, and Matthew; and his 
wonderful nieces, nephews, and friends.
  Red leaves behind a legacy of generosity, friendship, adventure, and 
faith. He lived his life with enthusiasm and purpose, and his deep 
commitment to his community and passions will transcend generations to 
come.

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