Condolences
I was just telling my husband a story about High School @ O'leary in the late 90s and how I was always in Mr. Nowak's office. I wasn't a bad kid, I just questioned and cahllenged my teachers tons. It was never disrpectful but some teachers didn't like when a "kid" stood up for what was fair or right so I would be sent to the Principal's office. My Principal for all three years was Mr. Nowak and everytime I walked into the office I would hear him yell out "Marlene, in my office!", I didn't even have to tell the secretaries why I was there he just knew I was there for him. We would always discuss the reasons I was sent to him. I would always explain why I questioned or protested against my teacher. Never ONCE was I "punished". I would be told that what I was expressing views and thought were fair. He would always send me back to class. However it wasn't long before my next visit to see Mr Nowak. After graduation a year or two later I had to go to the school to pick up a recommendation letter from Mrs. Pinces. As soon as I walked in before I could talk to a secretary I heard "Marlene, in my office!". I laughed and made my way behind the counter and had a good chat with Mr. Nowak. I was telling my husband about how miraculously Mr. Ferguson, my CALM 20 teacher never sent me to the office and I challenged him tons. So I decided to Google Mr. Nowak and sadly found his Obituary. I am so sorry for your loss. Just know that it has been 24 years since I graduated from O'Leary and I still have fond memories of my nearly weekly visits to his office.
Dear Terry,
I am so sorry to hear of Larry's passing. My condolences are with you and your beautiful family.
Sincerely,
Vivian Stokes
I remember from my calculus class at U of A, being also from Oleary, he would always lend me his notes for the classes I missed.
Dear Terry and Family,
I had the pleasure of being a friend of Larry's at Rotary in Creston BC. We had lots of laughs and good times at our weekly meeting. I would like to convey my most sincere condolences to you all. Gone to soon. Hold your memories close to your heart.
Heidi Muller- Creston BC
Oh Terry, Bryan and I were so very sad to hear of Larry's passing. Sincere condolences from us both. Hope you are doing OK. Much love, Bran and Anita xxxxx
From Linda Steward ; My dear Terry and family; I was so very saddened when I read of Larry's passing today. My thoughts are with you and your family. Linda
Dear Terry Nowak and extended family of Larry Nowak,
I was so sad to hear of Larry's death at such a young age. But how lucky you all were to have had him in your lives as a husband, father or other family relation! He was truly a very special and inspirational person.
I graduated from O'Leary in 1978, so it has been a very long time since Larry (Mr. Nowak to me, of course) taught me. And yet, I have thought of him with deep fondness many times over the years. He was, hands down, one of the best teachers I ever encountered. He made physics interesting. He was tough and commanded respect - there was no fooling around in his classes! And yet, he was humorous, approachable, fair and engaging. He was so easy to talk to and share stories with. I particularly remember him telling me some hilarious stories about the practical jokes the O'Leary teachers had played on one another and stories about him travelling to various places as a basketball referee.
The photo you have chosen for the obituary is so beautiful - the pure joy he radiates is the feeling I best remember him inspiring in us.
I send you all my deepest condolences for the loss of such a wonderful man.
- Angie Kerr (Dluzewski)
Terry I am so sorry for your loss. I did not know Larry well abut I always appreciated his big smile and his easy ways. He was a big man who seemed gentle and kind. And I know he did much for the community of Creston. I am sad for you and sending you peace and comfort in whatever way you can find it. Alexandra Ewashen
Terry,
I am so sorry to learn of Larry’s passing. We worked together at St Francis of Assisi in the early 90s. I learned much from him and from you. I remember him as a kind, thoughtful, funny and dedicated teacher and administrator.
My prayers and condolence to you and your family.
David Andrews
Terry, Mary and I were so sad to hear of Larry's sudden passing on July 1st. We both came to enjoy our visits with you, either at the Aquatic Cente or at Rotary and the Creston Curling Rink. I so enjoyed Larry's huge smile as we chatted and reflected. You both were ever exceptional in your care of numerous folk in need of a helping hand. When need arose, the Nowaks were there! Rotary's Radio Auction fundraisers had us answering the telephones together. I can hear Larry's routine curling comment, "Line's good! Notably, Larry's generosity was also to our benefit as he loaned and then left his two family 'army cots' for our grandkid visits. We so appreciated our relationship with you both as you gave the Creston community so much of yourselves. God comfort you and yours, Terry.
Sincerely,
Harry and Mary Haberstock
Larry was a super guy and the consummate educator and coach. I have nothing but wonderful memories of Larry going back 40 years. He will be missed as will his sense of humour. Our deepest sympathies to you, Terry, and the rest of the family. God grant all of you peace. God Bless. Warmest thoughts, Ken and Linda Podlubny.
We are saddened to hear of Larry’s passing and know that Terry and all his family must miss him so much. Larry had the quality of energizing and uplifting any room he ever walked into —we should all strive to be more like him.
Maggie & Tim Hogan
Terry:: I was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of your husband Larry. Cherish the memories you made together. Your family, friends and faith will pull you through this difficult time and always. Solange Phelps (nee: Bourasssa). Colleagues at the St Albert office.
Dear Terry and family, Our hearts are broken along With yours. What a gift it was to have Larry in our lives and community. He and dad are probably having a good mischievous giggle about now. I’m going to look for the photo of the two of them posing in the outhouses on that trip you guys took to the fair in the states. I remember the two of them having the biggest grins. Sending you all our love and support ❤️ The Czar Gartland clan xoxo
I am so sorry to hear of Larry's passing. I will always remember the train rides I took with my mom to come and visit her only family in Edmonton. My heart is broken, Give a big hug to all the family in heaven Larry. Rest in Peace. Love your cousin Deborah xoxox
I’m so sorry to hear of Larry’s death. I met him through Terry and her absolute devotion to Cresteramics in Creston.
I found him very helpful and personable and I know he’ll be greatly missed.
Much love to you Terry and your family!
Brenda Loftus
Both myself and my husband Denny Vandeberg(deceased) had the genuine pleasure of being neighbors and friends with Terry and Larry in Canyon(Creston, BC) for years! We often shared in dinners , gatherings and conversations together! Larry always expressed a joyful demeanour, love of his family and a love for the sport of basketball! I know Larry and Denny will have already connected in heaven and are both probably sitting having a smoke together and kibitzing as they often did! Terry, I am here for you in any way needed and I will be lifting the entire family up in prayers for peace, strength and comfort in this most difficult time for you all!
All my love....Theresa Vandeberg(Creston)
Terry and the family. Please accept my condolences on the passing of Larry. He was a gentle giant and great indvidual to referee basketball with. Terry I remember our field hockey days and Larry showing up every so often, there were always good laughs.
Cherish the memories that he has left for you.
Mary Ann "Chuk" Wasylynchuk
Terry and Family
Walter and I are very sorry to hear of Larry's passing. We fondly remember our visit with you the last time we visited Alberta.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Terry and Family...the Dynamic Duo of Kinal and Nowak completed their Masters MEd program in 1983-1984. We both attended O'Leary Boys HS, Ground Floor...the Lovely Ladies were quarantined on the Second Floor. During our 3 year journey 15+ of us became teachers in ECSD; most of us ending up in Admin from Supt to Asst Supt to Principal, Asst Principal to being Incredibly Awesome Teachers. As a bonus, from our teachers at O'Leary, the majority of them went on to ADMIN ROLES.
With the bonds developed at O'Leary, Larry and I built on that tradition and completed our MEd Program in record time, being the first to completion. We developed an even stronger bond though I preferred that we work in seclusion, mainly because I felt strange walking around with Larry, who was 13 inches taller than me.....
Gone far too young, I will always cherish my memories of Larry, also given that he passed away on Canada Day, my Birthday.
Blessings with you all.....Prayers and Love
Met Larry through basketball officiating. Have very fond memories of sharing games with him and really enjoyed his sense of humour. My condolences to the family
Sincerest condolences to all the Nowak family, especially Terry (we worked together at St. Joe's for a number of years), ... I had the pleasure of getting to know Larry at the many basketball games he officiated at St. Joseph High School ... especially those during the Fr.Michael Troy Basketball Classic .... he was a good friend to Fr. Troy and we enjoyed having him as part of the tournament .... I'm sure they are now taliking a little basketball among other sports in Heaven above .... I'd like to offer a prayer, written by Fr. Michael Troy, that he recited daily for all the friends the the good Lord sent his way ... including Larry Nowak .... RIP Larry ....
All Season's Friends
by Father Michael Troy, CSSp
My God, today, I do commend,
To you my dear and cherished friends.
Try name them all by name were vain,
For countless on my way, You've deigned
To send them to me as I passed.
To me they have been kind and true,
Do Thou their hearts with grace renew,
Peace in their minds for e’er remain,
Their faltering steps with strength sustain,
They helped me mightily as I passed.
Return to them a hundred fold,
The cheering love, they me enfold,
Grant that together in Thy grace,
Heart-linked for aye, we' ll see Thy face,
In timeless love that never shall pass.
When tears are o’er and partings through,
Grant that those friends I loved and knew,
May find a place near Thee above,
For through their hearts, My God, to love,
Unselfishly like Thee, I learned at last.
I was very sorry to hear of Larry’s passing. My condolences to Terry and all the family from the Hendersons.
So sorry Terry and family. I have great memories of teaching with Larry at O’Leary and the parties as we were all young teachers.
And also Terry of our trip to Australia in 2002 to visit the Graham’s and biking on the old railway routes. My prayers are with you.
My condolences to the family. I worked with Larry and Terry and have fond memories of laughter and smiles. He will be missed but never forgotten.
Sincere condolences to Terry and the family. I first met Larry at the U of A where we took some classes together. In the following years we would often see each other at basketball games where we had the occasional 'disagreement'-me being a coach and him being a referee (most often he was right). I was fortunate to work and coach for a couple years with Larry at Louis St. Laurent and I really gained an appreciation for his devotion to the craft of teaching. His huge smile will be missed.
Pat McIlhargey
Parksville, BC
Larry taught me physics 10,20,30 at Archbishop O'Leary. He encouraged class participation and made it enjoyable to attend class. A fellow classmate go ahold of Larry's high school picture and posted it at the front of the class and we arranged to have everyone laugh when he entered. When he saw the picture he started to reminisce about his high school days and relating it to our high school experience. So much for that days lecture. While I only knew Larry for 3 years, he left a big impression on me. My condolences on Larry's passing.
Todd
Archbishop O'Leary 1979-1982
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