NOLTE, Frank Michael, passed away in the early hours of February 7, 2017, after a mercifully short, but intense, battle with Leukemia. His death was entirely unexpected, as he had been responding well to experimental drugs, and indeed, had experienced a healthy year prior to his last illness. Because the drugs had been working so well, and because he had been so healthy and happy, his passing was a total shock and has been devastating to his family and friends. Michael was born on October 25, 1949, the 2nd son born to Frank and Helen Nolte. He and his elder brother Bruce, and younger sisters, Nancy and Suzanne, all grew up in what was then the small, Richmond suburban community of Bon Air, where they all walked to school and church, and walked home for after-school snacks with Mom. He was idolized by his sisters, and was far and away one of the best-looking guys in his class. Michael was a lifeguard at the Bon Air pool, and routinely cleaned up all comers on the tennis court. He remained an effortless athlete all his life, and was able to pick up any new athletic endeavor instantly. Michael fell in love with boating in high school while water skiing on the James River and a love of all things nautical was his passion. His only problem was determining whether he liked sailing or power boating best. After graduating from Huguenot High School in the Class of 1968, he began Business Management studies at VCU. Mid-way, however, he dropped one too many classes, and 30 days later, his draft notice arrived. Mike spent two years in the Army, assigned to a nuclear missile unit in Germany. At the time, his older brother Bruce had just graduated from West Point, and was assigned to an infantry unit not far away. The two brothers were able to get together often while overseas. Michael returned to VCU, graduated in 1974 and began work in the Management Training Program at First and Merchants National Bank. While there, he had a blind date with a girl from Franklin, Va., Jewel Holt. He never looked back and they were married in 1978. Mike always said there was just something about those Franklin girls. Their marriage was a great success and a great love story. Although they never had children of their own, there were many nieces and nephews to share their love and affection. Michael and Jewel's joint passion was fishing at Nags Head and they spent many happy hours there. He often remarked that finding a fisherman for a wife was an incredible blessing. Mike had a successful business career in sales after his time at the bank. He and Jewel lived in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Tampa and Atlanta, before returning to his home state of Virginia. His last assignment was as National Sales Director for the finance division of Hewlett-Packard. Just as he was a natural athlete, his sales management skills seemed effortless. Mike is survived by his wife of 39 years, Jewel Holt Nolte; his parents, Frank and Helen Nolte of Richmond; his older brother, Bruce Nolte; and his youngest sister, Suzanne Cottrell, both of Richmond; his sister, Nancy Nolte Hicks of Virginia Beach; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, all of whom miss him already more than we can say. We are all thankful that he remained healthy and happy for all but the last 30 days of his 67 years. His legacy is marked by enduring love for his wife, Jewel and family; integrity and a lifelong commitment to the core value of doing what is right in every aspect of life. Michael was a caring, generous and honorable gentleman and will be greatly missed. The sailing team in Heaven is moving up a notch. A celebration of Michael's life will be held March 4, at 1 p.m. at Bon Air United Methodist Church, 1645 Buford Rd., Richmond, Va. 23235. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, P.O. Box 4072, Pittsfield, Mass. 01202, (914) 949-5213, donate.lls.org/lls/donate or Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, D.C. 20090, (800) 272-3900, bit.ly/2luoQIe.