Ed’s Story

“I came in for a summer job in 1965… I never left."

Ed Nolley walked through Keswick’s doors as a teenager in the summer of 1965, hoping to make good on his father’s suggestion to find a summer job. What he found instead was a calling — and a lifelong community.

Inspired by his sister, a candy striper at the time, Ed started volunteering and never stopped. From assisting residents to lifting spirits, from helping with outings to guiding through transitions, Ed became a familiar face and a quiet force behind the scenes.

“It doesn’t take much to help someone have a good day. A small visit. A smile. A story.” – Ed Nolley
Over the past 60 years, Ed has given thousands of hours of his time — through changing times, evolving care models, and even strikes — always showing up for Keswick’s residents and staff. His legacy lives not only in what he’s done, but in who he’s been.

Why Ed Stays

“The residents kept me coming back. They energized me.”

‍From the early days when residents gathered for Sunday dining in their best clothes, to today’s Veterans Day tributes, Ed has cherished the relationships that make Keswick more than a place — a family.

He recalls groups of younger residents in electric wheelchairs—Roscoe, Bob, and Bill—who welcomed him as one of their own. He laughs about misadventures in the gift shop and fondly remembers being recruited to help during a strike.

And always, it’s the residents — their stories, their resilience, their joy — who remain at the center of his experience.

‍“I’d like to be remembered as someone who really tried to make a difference in the lives of Keswick’s residents.”
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Ed's Legacy