NOVAKOWSKI, Frank

September 26, 1936 — October 29, 2026

Frank Novakowski passed away peacefully on October 29, 2026, at Hospice House in Kelowna, with his daughter by his side. He was 90 years old.

Frank was born on September 26, 1936, in the family farmhouse five miles from Hazel Dell, Saskatchewan. He was one of sixteen children born to Walter and Annie Novakowski.

Frank is survived by his daughter Brenda (Pat Kryski); daughter-in-law, Michelle; five grandchildren, Jason, Justin (Vicki), Jeff (Jill), Victoria (James), and Chelsea (John); and four great-grandchildren, Preston, Dawson, Joseph, and Deegan. He is also survived by his brothers, Steve, Joe, and Edward; his sister, Pauline; and many nieces and nephews. Frank was predeceased by his beloved wife of 65 years, Marie, in 2022, and his son, Frank Jr. in 2018.

Frank left the family farm at an early age. He later met Marie, and they were married in Vernon, BC. Their life together took them to Squamish, BC, where Frank worked at the Britannia Mine before it closed. The family then moved to Kamloops, BC, where Frank worked for Noca Dairy. This marked the beginning of an entrepreneurial journey for Frank and Marie. Their ambition and hard work soon led them to become the owners of the Monte Creek Chevron, which they operated until 1976. In 1979, Frank and Marie moved their family to Trail, BC, where they became owner-operators of MacLeod’s Department Store. In 1987, they moved to Chase, BC, where they owned and operated the Home Hardware store until their retirement in 2000.

Following retirement, Frank and Marie settled on Sunset Dr in Kelowna, where they enjoyed their retirement years together. They enjoyed driving to Jackpot, Nevada, in the winter. They travelled to South America, China, and vacationed in Honolulu, where they would stay for an extended period of time.

Life was good.

A man to never sit still, Frank had many interests. However, if there was a baseball, hockey, or football game on TV, it was a different story: “I’m just going to sit back and relax” with his smokes and coffee at hand… Or a rum and Diet Coke!!

He enjoyed life to the absolute fullest. He was an avid golfer, often spending time on the course with his good friends John and Peter. He also had a lifelong love of sport fishing and especially cherished the days spent fishing on the West Coast with his son, Frank Jr.

Frank was very active with the Knights of Columbus for 50 years. He served one term as Grand Knight and was the chairman of the charity appeal. Frank spent time in the community, where he sold tickets and hosted breakfasts for the Knights of Columbus. He was always willing to lend a hand and be involved in his community. Frank made many friends easily with his stories, and some friendships (like with  Carol and Leo Holland) lasted a lifetime.

Frank always looked forward to phone calls, photos, and visits from his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was proud of them all.

Frank lived life on his own terms. He worked hard, took chances, built businesses, and made many friends along the way – though his stories were, perhaps, a little questionable. And he made the most of the opportunities life presented him. He had a truly blessed life, and he lived his life fully and on his own terms.

He will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a donation to Diabetes Canada or the Canadian Cancer Society in Dad’s honour.

I would also like to thank the Northwoods Retirement Home staff for welcoming Dad during the past seven months; Doreen and Pat H. for keeping an eye on Dad; and Adrianna T., whose special friendship was a true blessing in Dad’s life till the end; as well as the Hospice Staff and Dr P. Hart, I will be forever grateful – thank you for the compassionate care my dad received.

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