David Michael Nolan, 66, of St. Anthony Park, died July 16, of complications from heart disease and lung cancer. Known fondly as “Hippie Dave,” he was an icon of St. Paul and an independent spirit who lived life with exuberance, accumulating few possessions but many friends.
The classic Volkswagen micro-bus he drove around the country three decades ago was a familiar summertime sight along Como Avenue, and it was displayed in the Minnesota History Center for the 1968 exhibit in 2009.
Independent filmmaker Lucas Langworthy produced a short documentary film about Nolan, The Stories of Hippie Dave, which chronicled Dave’s reflections as both a Vietnam War veteran and participant in the counter-culture of the 1960s cultural revolution.
A memorial gathering was held at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory in the Rainforest Auditorium on July 29.
