GORHAM – Nolan Knapp Irish, 22, passed away unexpectedly on April 30, 2024, as the result of a motorcycle accident. He was born March 13, 2002, in Portland, the son of Lester Irish and Lisa Taylor. He was born at 24 weeks gestation, weighing only 1 pound, 2 ounces. After spending 100 days in the NICU at the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital, he went home with his parents: one week before his expected due date. He proved over the next 22 years that he could be as stubborn as he was when he was born.

Nolan grew up in Gorham, graduating with honors from Gorham High School in 2020. He continued his education at Maine Maritime Academy with a dream of traveling the world as captain of his ship, with his OWN stateroom. He was very proud to be a part of the Maine Maritime family. He had just returned from a 12-week internship on a tugboat in the Gulf of Mexico, where he bunked with three others and left the ship only for groceries when in port. He handled the experience with his usual grace, style, and persistence with only a little cabin fever near the end. The president of MMA, Jerry Paul, shared that Nolan was exactly the type of student they wanted; dedicated and hard-working. When he put his mind to something, there was no stopping him. He was right about that.

Nolan was friendly with all that he met, from children to seniors. He brought a smile, conversation, and laughter to any situation. He was known for his respect for others, can-do attitude, tenacity, and the bright smile on his face. During a summer of door-to-door sales, strangers welcomed him into their homes and invited him to visit, play games, and meet their pets.

He made everyone feel at home in his presence. He loved being on the water, downhill skiing, target shooting, motorcycles, and exotic cars. He shared his mother’s passion for animals (but not chickens), helping her foster rats, rabbits, guinea pigs, cats, and dogs throughout the years. Nolan made life better and brighter. We will miss his light with all our hearts and feel him with us every second.

Nolan is survived by his mother, Lisa Taylor and her husband Ron Stephan, his father, Lester Irish and his wife Dorene; his bonus siblings, Grey and Ronny Stephan, Kate Clark, Colby and Chase Hunter; his Gram, Barbara Cousens who inspired his love for travel and adventure, step-grandmother Carolyn Taylor; his great uncles and aunt, Ben Taylor, Lyman and Doris Cousens; many additional aunts, uncles and cousins and his godparents Terry and Kathy Davis and Joe Gallant.

He was predeceased by his grandfather, Bob Taylor and grandparents Lester and Shirley Irish. There is great comfort in knowing that there are so many loving arms to welcome him to his next journey.

Nolan was adored by so many, even before he was born. Our families are eternally grateful for the overwhelming outpouring of love and support from family and friends and to the first responders who cared for Nolan after his death with kindness, patience, understanding, and great care. A special thanks to the many doctors and nurses who were involved in his birth and care at the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital who were instrumental in his survival and allowed us to have him for the years that we did. By all rights, he was a miracle.

To all of you motorcycle riders out there: Please slow down, ride defensively and stay alert.

Visiting hours will be held at A.T. Hutchins, 660 Brighton Ave., Portland, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 9, and from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Friday, May 10, with a service to follow at 11 a.m., with Father Tim Higgins officiating. After the service, we welcome you to celebrate Nolan at one of his favorite restaurants. Please join us at the Sebago Brewing Tasting Room, 616 Main St., Gorham.

In lieu of flowers, we encourage you to donate in Nolan’s name to

Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital, the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, or extend a sincere act of kindness to someone

in his honor.

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