Obituary of Larry Walter NOWAK

July 17, 1949 – Wainwright, Alberta    
July 1, 2020 – Cochrane, Alberta

Larry Walter Nowak, beloved husband of Terry Nowak, of Cochrane, AB, passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2020 at the age of 70 years.

Larry was born in Wainwright, AB, on July 17, 1949.  He grew up in Edmonton and attended the University of Alberta where he met Terry. Upon completion of his Education Degree, he worked as a teacher and administrator with the Edmonton Catholic School Board until his retirement in 2004.  Larry loved being both a teacher and coach throughout his career. He also had a passion for basketball. He began playing at O’Leary High School and was proud to represent the University as a Golden Bear for four years.  His knowledge and skill of the game allowed him to be both a strong and fair official which he enjoyed for a number of years.  Dad’s basketball community is one that he valued his entire life.  Upon retirement, Mom and Dad relocated to Creston, BC where Larry became an active, contributing member of this welcoming community. Their acreage at the base of the Skimmerhorns brought him great joy.  Just shy of a year ago, Dad and Mom moved back to Alberta to be closer to family.

Larry’s first love and biggest pride was his family.  After marrying Terry in 1972, they began their family welcoming Janet in 1974, and twins Darcy and Doug only eighteen months later. Dad was our champion and biggest fan.  His enormous pride in his children spilled over to his devotion and support of his beloved grandchildren Isaac, Asha, Logan, Otto, and Evie.  Not only was Papa the tallest fan in the arena or concert hall, he was the proudest.  In addition to loving and cherishing these children, Larry was a revered father-in-law to Marc and Scott.

He will be most remembered for being a genuinely good man with a huge heart, ready smile, and boundless pride.

Besides his loving wife Terry, Larry is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Janet and Marc Houle and Darcy and Scott Hanson; son Doug, grandchildren, Isaac and Logan Houle and Asha, Otto and Evie Hanson. Also left to mourn his loss are his nieces, Tracy and Cara McLeod. Larry was a respected and much loved member of Terry’s large family. Missing him are her eight brothers and sisters, their spouses, and his nineteen nieces and nephews from the Gwartney clan.  Dad was considered family by many and his friends, both old and new, were dear to him.

Larry was predeceased by his parents, sister and brother-in-law, Elsie and Doug McLeod, as well as brother-in-law Sam Magee.

A Celebration of Larry’s Life will be announced at a later date. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Larry’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Jumpstart, 2180 Yonge Street, PO Box 770, Station K, Toronto, ON M4P 2V8, https://jumpstart.canadiantire.ca/pages/donate-funds.

In living memory of Larry Nowak, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Cochrane, 369 RAILWAY STREET, COCHRANE, AB T4C 2E2, Telephone: 403-932-4740.