We Remember
NOVAKOWSKI, Van Walter
June 21, 1928 — May 29, 2026
On May 29, 2026, Van Novakowski passed away at the age of 97, in Kelowna, BC.
He is survived by his children, Valerie (Hugh) Jarvin, Gary (Lois) Novakowski, and Brenda Abbott; grandchildren Marc (Judith), Trent (Samantha), Paul (Kaitlin), Melissa (Pauraic), Alex, Scott (Montana); and nine great-grandchildren Owen, Robert, Kennedy, Paityn, Mae, Layla, Oliver, Jude, and Andi. He was predeceased by his wife of 73 years, Flo, in 2023.
Van was born and raised in Alberta. He worked for the Department of National Defence as a firefighter in Wainwright, AB. He was very involved with the Catholic School Trustees Association and also served on the Honor Guard as a Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus.
In 1984, Van and Flo retired to Vernon. Later, they moved from there to Kelowna in 1994. They loved their bus excursions to casinos as well as many other trips and adventures. He was fortunate to enjoy 42 years of retirement.
Van spent his final years at Hawthorn Park, where he was very well taken care of and loved by everyone.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, June 19, 2026, at 9:30 a.m., located at Dormition of the Mother of God Ukrainian Catholic Parish, 1091 Coronation Avenue, Kelowna, BC.
Family and friends are invited to an informal gathering to celebrate Van’s life on Saturday, June 20, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., located at 615 Glenmeadows Road.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Service
Friday, June 19, 2026, at 9:30 am
Location
Dormition of the Mother of God Ukrainian Catholic Parish
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Service Information
Service Details
The service for NOVAKOWSKI, Van Walter is scheduled for Friday, June 19, 2026, at 9:30 am. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.



Sending our deepest condolences Gary, Lois and family.
Patty and Peter Geldart