Obituary of Andrew Novak

NOVAK - Mr. Andrew Novak of Yorkton, beloved husband of Helen Novak died peacefully with his family at his side in the early morning hours of May 6, 2009 following a courageous battle with leukemia. Andy was born August 3, 1928 on the family farm near West Bend. He attended Colerain School, grades 1-6. Grades 7-12 he attended St. Vlad's in Roblin, Manitoba. After finishing grade 12 Andy spent 1 year in the novitiate at St. Mary's in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. In September of 1948 he began employment at Redeemer's Voice Press as a typesetter and working in the press room. In 1957 he became office manager and in 1962 general manager and remained in that position until 1999. November of 1999 to the end of January 2009 Andy was employed by the Archives of the Redemptorists of the Yorkton Province as an Archival Technician. From 1950-1956 Andy taught Ukrainian dancing. 1950-1954 he lead a touring group of dancers complete with their own orchestra that performed in a variety of locations in Saskatchewan. In 1954 Andy married Helen (Novakowski). This union was blessed with two daughters, Catherine and Caron. Andy was a devoted member of St. Mary's Church. He was a Honourary Life Member of Knights of Columbus, and a member of the Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood. Andy was a faithful supporter of the Yorkton Terriers for many years, both the senior and later junior league. He took his first computer course in the mid 70's and his interest in computers continued for the rest of his life. Andy enjoyed gardening, playing cards and following Blue Jays baseball, pastimes he shared with Helen. He was also kept busy with the never-ending fix it jobs required by his daughters. He leaves to mourn his passing and celebrate his life his loving wife and best friend Helen; daughters: Catherine and Caron (Dave); grandchildren: Tallia, Lindee, Marcus and Nathan; sisters: Olga Popik and Stephanie Kwasnitza; brothers: Gerry (Emily) and Dennis (Irene); brother-in-law: Henry Novakowski; sisters-in-law: Eileen (Dave) Dempsey, and Theresa Yastrub; numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Michael and Maria (Musyj) Novak, step-father Roman Sereda; sisters: Anne, Julia and Stella; brothers: Walter, Michael, William and Joseph, step-brother Emil; and most recently his long time friend Joe Bast. Prayer services were held on Sunday, May 10th at St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church, Yorkton. The rosary led by members of the Knights of Columbus and Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood preceded. Requiem Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Monday, May 11th at St. Mary's Church with Most Rev. Bishop Michael Wiwchar, C.Ss.R. and Concelebrating Clergy. The responses were led by Ed Pindus, Colette Karapita and parish choir members. The crossbearer was Tallia Richards and the epistle reader was Ross Fisher. All those that shared in Andy's life were considered honourary bearers. The casket bearers for the prayers were children and grandchildren and for the liturgy were members of the Knights of Columbus and Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood. A family committal will take place at Yorkton Memorial Gardens. Xpuctoc Bockpec! Christ Is Risen! Donations in memory of Andy may be made to the St. Mary's Building Fund or the Allan Blair Patient Lodge in Regina. Funeral arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Monday, May 11th, 2009 11:00am, St. Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church Interment Details Yorkton Memorial Gardens