Obituaries

MICHAEL (MIKE) NOVAK On Wednesday, November 30, 2011 Mike died at Seven Oaks General Hospital, at the age of 65 years. A longer obituary notice will follow.MICHAEL (MIKE) NOVAK It is with a profound sense of loss that we announce the passing of Mike Novak on Wednesday, November 30, 2011, at the Seven Oaks Hospital at the age of 65 years, after a courageous battle with cancer, with his family by his side. Left to forever cherish Mike’s memory are his beloved wife of 44 years, Linda; his children, Terri (Derrick) and Tracy (Darren); three grandchildren, Joshua, Noah and Payton; his mother, Janina Nowak; brothers, John (Pat) and Henry; sisters, Mary, and Hania (Ray); sister-in-laws, Evelyn (Roger) and Bernice (Dave); and brother-in-law, Sam (Kathy); several nieces and nephews, Shannon (Peter), Kristen (Rob), Garry, Lisa (Art), Hailley, Todd, Curtis and Dustin. He was predeceased by his father, Boleslaw Nowak. Mike was born in Schweinfurt, Germany, on March 12, 1946, and was the oldest of five children. He was an extremely kind, giving and well respected man, who always went out of his way to help others. He was an active member of the St. Anthony of Padua Knights of Columbus Council #10569. Mike was a very creative artist, singer and songwriter. He touched people in many ways with his musical talent. He loved his cabin at Nutimik Lake, and enjoyed fishing and caught several master anglers over the years. Mike was a season ticket holder and avid fan of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers for 30 years. He loved his casino trips, travelling to Barbados, Hawaii, and Punta Cana. His dream was to go back to Barbados with his family, especially his grandchildren, whom he adored and would do anything for. They will miss him immensely. Mike had been an active member of the Operating Engineers Union for 35 years, during which time he spent many years as a heavy equipment operator. For the last 20 years he was recognized and highly respected for his skills as a crane operator with Litz Crane Rentals. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. David Reimer, who went above and beyond, as well as the 4th floor Nursing Staff and special Caregivers, Iloysa, Cindy, Karen and Raymond at the Seven Oaks Hospital. Pallbearers are Kevin McGleish, Richard Dudzinski, Dave McMillan, Justin Kelsch, Dave Balamatowski and Wally Montgomery. Honourary pallbearers are Frank Rogowy, John Spak, Rob Scharf, Peter Placido and Lawrence Weselak. Funeral Liturgy will be Celebrated on Wednesday, December 7, 2011, at 11:00 a.m. in St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church, 250 Burrin Avenue, with Rev. Fr. Mark Filips and Rev. Fr. Sam Argenziano presiding.MICHAEL (MIKE) NOVAK Funeral Liturgy was Celebrated on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. in St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church, 250 Burrin Avenue with Rev. Fr. Mark Filips and Rev. Fr. Sam Argenziano presiding.   As published in the Winnipeg Free Press on December 03, 2011