Obituary of Gary Michael Nowazek

NOWAZEK: Dr. Gary Michael Nowazek (DMD, retired), passed away peacefully in his home on Monday, August 17 2020. Born on September 21, 1941 in Flin Flon Manitoba, Gary was the eldest of six children of his parents Michael Emil Nowazek and lngelief Gudrun Bjornson Nowazek. His early years were spent in Flin Flon, where he was involved in Sea Cadets and spent his 17th year on naval maneuvers in the Pacific, aboard the HMCS Skeena. He played hockey with the Flin Flon Bombers, and was subsequently drafted by the Detroit Red Wings; upon this crossroad Gary chose instead to pursue a career in Dentistry. Gary moved to Winnipeg and graduated Dentistry in 1966 from the University of Manitoba. He proudly practiced dentistry in Brandon, until his retirement in 2014. Gary's community and professional involvements included President of the Manitoba Dental Association (1977/78); involvement with Kinsmen, Lions, and Rotary Clubs of Brandon. He was also the President of the Parent Council Brandon Navy League Sea Cadets, HMCS Swiftsure, in the late 1980's. Gary's favourite times were spent hunting, fishing with his sons and brother Ken, enjoying his family, and the countless hours he spent walking with his dogs Buster and Zeus. Gary was predeceased by his parents and his brothers Kenneth and Brian. Gary is survived by his wife of 53 years Irene Rivest of Windsor, Ontario. They have three children: son Dr. Michael Gary (Kristin Ahi – children: Bianca; Thomas; Jaida and Martin) of Edmonton, Alberta; daughter Vicki Elin Nowazek (aka Ketch – children: Jon and Kristine Salita) of Brandon, Manitoba; son Nicolas Gary (Victoria Barsness- children: Gary; Dylan; Elizabeth) of Minto, Manitoba. His sisters: Elinore Frederickson (Whitehorse, Yukon) and Vivian Nowazek (Houston, Texas) and brother Terrance Nowazek (Flin Flon, Manitoba). The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to PMH home care attendant Starla. Starla brought compassion, empathy and dignity to Dad; she ensured she connected while providing care, this did not go unnoticed - thank you Starla! Cremation has occurred and a family memorial is planned for summertime 2021 at his cottage at Clear Lake. In lieu of flowers, a message of condolence for Gary's family will bring them comfort at this time.