Allan Novak

 

1938 – 2022

Today a good man was taken on the wings of Angels, to be with his beautiful wife and son once again.

Allan lost his very brief battle with cancer, and couldn’t heal his broken heart from the loss of his wife Christel and son Steven.

He was a man of honour, a mentor and the matriarch of the family.

He was our father, son, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather…he was also a respected soldier, peacekeeper and paratrooper and a private veteran.

Allan grew up in a large family from Cape Breton, NS. He left home at 16 and joined the Canadian Armed Forces, where he rose quickly to becoming one of the youngest Sgt’s at that time.

During his next 27 years he was able to travel the world, where he met the love of his life Christel, while posted in Lahr Germany.

They loved life, and were inseparable. His life was broken when she recently passed.

His biggest gift was his family…it was his pride and joy. He always worked two and three jobs so his family could have a better life.

After returning to Canada he was a member of the Canadian Airborne Regiment where he had 186 jumps in places like Australia, Canada, Alaska and Cypress.

He was a Recruitment Officer in Regina Saskatchewan, where he travelled the province, welcoming new solders to the Canadian Armed Forces. He was so proud when running into them years later.

His final posting was to the PPCLI in Victoria BC, where he was the RSM at the 11 Medical Company for 11 years, and RSM to the Nanaimo and Vernon cadet school.

He attended the University of Brisbane, where he was a career counsellor and studied jungle warfare. He lived in extreme weather conditions in Australia.

After retiring from the Canadian Armed Forces Allan worked at VIRCC for 13 years. His final and most recent workplace was Bear Mountain Golf Course. He started as security while the course was being built, then became one of the Marshalls. The staff and members quickly became like family. He just loved to make people smile and laugh, sharing stories of his life. He always spoke his mind ,was respectful of everyone and he was also very well respected by his family, friends and communities.

He taught us everything we know, and we still learned something new everyday…he was patient and kind. He was a true gentleman.

Allan is survived by his children David (Shannon) Michelle (Jason) late son Steven who was taken too early.

He shared so many outdoor adventures with his grandsons who were like his sons…he was beyond proud of the men they became today.

Torsten (Emily) Clayton (Kori). His precious great-granddaughter (Zella) who was his greatest treasure. He was so excited to see her grow up. And finally his newest love and family addition, star. His eyes lit up from the moment she was born. This little dog will now be our little Star.

Thank you to his doctor and friend Anton Rabine. His close friends Ken, Raoul, Bill, Larry and his favourite ladies #6 and #7 Dennis and Kelly. His family, Norma, Allan, Donna who he recently visited with and got to say goodbye…he loved you all dearly.

The amazing friends that made his day when you came to visit. It meant the world to him. He was such a proud man and didn’t like to ask for anything…but your time with him was priceless. Your visits day and night made us more proud of the man we all loved so dearly.

Dad, Papa, Al, Allan…you will never be forgotten and forever in our hearts. Go rest high on that mountain.

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Condolence Messages

  1. Mike and Kathy Boustead.

    Rest in Peace old friend. We will miss you.
    VP

  2. Sorry to see Al’s passing. I golfed with him at Olympic View. He was a real character I enjoyed his sense of humor.

  3. Sorry to see Al’s passing. I golfed with him at Olympic View. He was a real character I enjoyed his sense of humor.
    Ray Barrett

  4. Al was a true gentleman. He will be missed by many.

  5. Rest In Peace brother in arms, you will be missed but well remembered. You were a special friend to me and many others.

  6. I worked with Al at VIRCC for about 10 years and have many fond memories both at work and during our hunting trips. Al was a very trusting friend who always had your back. His sense of humor is what I loved about Al. My deepest heartfelt sympathy goes out to Al’s family during this time.

  7. David, Michelle & Family:
    I’m so sorry for your loss. I worked with Al at the Blue House and VIRCC. We spent many hours gathering up prizes and organizing his golf tournaments for VIRCC. He was full of life and fun to be around. I have lots of fond memories & stories working with Al. He always spoke of his family with love and pride. Al will be remembered by many.
    Rest in Peace Al.

  8. The Novak Family –

    I write to express to you all the sincere condolences of the Patricia’s on the passing of Allan Novak. His service was a long time ago now, but as he extended his service with the years at VIRCC, he made a significant contribution to Canada.

    The Regiment remembers Allan’s service, and the Regiment is glad that you are proud of that service. His name will be read in this year’s list of the lost when we read that out on November 11th, 2023 in the Sacred Space in Beechwood, the National Military Cemetery, Ottawa. His name will also be listed in the 2023 edition of the Patrician’s Last Post section, published in March 2024.

    Thank you all.

    Brigadier-General Vince Kennedy (Retired)
    Past Colonel of the Regiment
    Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry

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