Obituary of Marion Leo Novakowski

NOVAKOWSKI - Marion Novakowski, beloved husband of Victoria of Yorkton, passed away on March 23rd 2016 at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre. He was 81 years of age. Marion was born on July 10th, 1934 on the family farm near Rama, Saskatchewan; the 9th of 13 children born to Anton and Susan Novakowski (Fulawka) and the youngest of 5 boys. Marion attended Boxmore School in the Rama district, Buchanan School, a school in Glencoe Ontario, when his family relocated east in 1946 for a few years then finally Marion attended Badgerdale School in the Tiny area when the family returned west in 1949. As a very young man Marion worked alongside his father and his brothers building many houses, service stations and country elevators in the Rama, Tiny, and Buchanan areas, In 1958 Marion married the love of his life and lifelong partner of 58 years, Victoria Hryhoriw. The couple lived on a farm north of Tiny, Saskatchewan. In 1960, the young couple moved Yorkton and Marion began employment with Logan and Black Construction, now known as Logan Stevens Construction. During this time, the couple was blessed with five children. While remaining employed full time and farming in the Dunleath area, Marion built two houses, the first of which the family moved into with only four walls and the roof being complete. The second house was built next door after working hours, between farming and countless trips to Edmonton, Calgary, Penticton, and Vancouver to visit relatives and friends. The family remained at their Yorkton home until 1973. At this time, they purchased a farm west of Rhein and Marion continued to farm and do carpentry work for Logan Stevens Construction. He eventually became self-employed and took on building and renovation projects to countless houses, garages and shops along with a couple of additions to their own home, Marion loved his new farm and could be seen caring for his livestock or out working the fields from early in the morning to well after the sun had gone down. In 2004, Vicki and Marion sold the farm and moved into their present home in Yorkton. After more renovations to their current home, Marion continued with his love of woodworking well into his retirement years. He used his creativity to manufacture many unique ornamental designs, including his signature barn wood cedar trunks that were for the most part given freely to friends and family. Marion remained busy in his workshop for days on end. Marion and Vicky enjoyed travelling and had the opportunity to do so, crossing Canada from the west coast to the east coast. They were able to watch the sunset in Hawaii, a trip that Pa spoke of often. Marion also enjoyed fishing and had many memorable outings with Peter and Isabelle Yerema and later with family and friends. Marion and Vicky always enjoyed a friendly competition over who caught the biggest fish. Due to poor vision in recent years, Marion was forced to discontinue his passion for working with wood and enjoyed time spent on the deck visiting and reminiscing with his children, grandchildren, relatives and friends. Marion enjoyed reading when his eyesight and proper light conditions allowed him to do so. Marion faithfully listened to his favorite television shows, one of which was a Catholic Daily Mass program, Marion was a religious man attending St Gerard's Church for over 56 years and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He was proud to be involved with building of the Grotto in Rama, SK. Marion will be truly missed and lovingly remembered as a kind, gentle and generous man who never spoke an unkind word towards any of God's creations. Marion did not judge but rather found the good in every situation. Marion leaves to mourn his passing his greatest joys in life; his wife Vicki, who never wavered throughout Marion's most difficult times, his children; Theresa (Peter) Muller, Cheryl (Brian) Neibrandt, Kevin (Jacquie) Novakowski, Darren Novakowski, Shawna (Rod) Dykes, his grandchildren; Evan (Kaely), John (Rebecca Neal), and Adam Neibrandt; Savannah (Travis Christensen), Meaghan (Joanou Deschenes Lacroix)and Lolah Muller (Brandon Henderson); Paige and Sarah Novakowski; Nikki Novakowski (great granddaughter Aliyah); and Roddy, Jacob and Isaac Dykes along with many relatives and friends. The Prayer Service was held on Friday evening, April 1st , 2016 and the Funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday morning, April 2nd, all from St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church in Yorkton. Rev. Fr. Francis Hengen & Rev. Fr. Rudy Novakowski con-celebrated. The hymns for the prayers & funeral mass were led by members of St. Gerard's Parish Choir, accompanied by Lorraine Lysak. The Lector was Jacquie Novakowski. John Neibrandt gave the eulogy. Hymns sung were 'Precious Lord', Psalm 63, and 'Just As I Am'. At the funeral mass the hymns sung were 'Amazing Grace', Psalm 138, 'Peace is Flowing Like A River', 'On Eagles Wings', 'Song of the Angels', and 'How Great Thou Art'. Nikki Novakowski was the crossbearer, the Lectors were Rod Dykes & Peter Muller, Sheldon Adamiak led in the Prayers of the Faithful, and Paige & Sarah Novakowski were the gift-bearers. The interment took place in the Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Evan, Adam & John Neibrandt, and Roddy, Jacob & Isaac Dykes serving as the casketbearers. A reception followed at St. Gerard's Parish Hall. Service Information Friday, April 1st, 2016 7:00pm, St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church Saturday, April 2nd, 2016 10:30am, St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church Interment Details Yorkton Memorial Gardens