Ronald Sean Melvin Novak

Ronnie has been in the hospital since July, battling one ailment after another. The end result was pneumonia, which his Doctors at Michael Guerin just couldn't eradicate.

Turns out that just like everything about Ronnie, it was hard to handle, and tough to beat.

He certainly put up a good fight, as all he wanted, was to get back home to his family.

Ronnie will be tremendously missed by his children, Katelyn, Noah and Alex, as well as Kevin and Tommy

Ronnie was pre-deceased by parents Lorne Novak, and Dorothy (Dody) Novak, nee Frobel, his loving wife Melissa (Marsh), as well as siblings Kim Novak and Michael Longmuir.

He is survived by sister Donna (Robert) and brother Shane (Christine).

Who knew that having a spouse would be the key to longevity in this family?

He also has a grandson Jacob, as well as many nieces, nephews, and great nieces/nephews.

Ronnie came into this world as a tiny 5 pound 4 ounce preemie. Who knew he would grow into such a large, intimidating hulk of a man.

In his youth, we had a great Uncle Ronnie, as well as my Dad's best friend, affectionately know as Uncle Ronnie.

Obviously, we needed some way to differentiate between the three of them. Since our Ronnie had already developed a penchant for mischief, he became affectionately known as Rotten Ronnie, a moniker which stuck his entire life.

He quickly learned that if he got 'lost' at Towers dept store, he would get treats at the courtesy desk. That kid was always up to something.

Like the time the whole house stunk of sulfur, because he put an egg by the heat register, in the hopes of hatching a chick.

On another occasion, he stood at the corner of Broadview and Danforth in mid July, in our Dad's Santa Claus suit.

With one of Mom's pots, he stood there collecting change. He did really well, until caught by a very embarrassed sister.

I like to think he originated Christmas in July, almost 50 years ago.

His mischievous streak stayed with him his entire life. He loved pranking people on the phone.

Despite many run-ins with the law, Ronnie was a very good man and excellent father. He truly had a heart of gold, and shared his love freely. I think the only reason he broke the law, was to add to his collection of tattoos, which were numerous. I saw tats I didn't even know existed when he was in hospital.

We now see the benefits of having tattooed jewelry, like his necklace, bracelet, and wedding ring, as we learned that you cannot be cremated wearing real jewelry. Guess he knew what he was doing all along.

Ronnie was very much a mini-me to his Dad, Lorne.

Both had a penchant for storytelling, and fabrication.

You never knew quite what to believe. He was incredibly funny, and laughed openly and freely.

He could be intimidating with his loud voice, and gruff persona, however, he was a marshmallow on the inside.

Ronnie will also be greatly missed by many cousins, friends and neighbors. Even with mobility issues, he was always available to lend a hand with snow shoveling etc. He was such a good man, and was loved by all.

The family would like to extend our sincere thanks to the nursing staff at Michael Guerin hospital. He touched many of their lives as well, as witnessed by their tears and sentiments at his passing.

Per Ronnie's request, there will be no service. Instead, there will be a Celebration of Life on Weds Dec 7th, from 1 til 3pm, at the Giffen Mack Funeral home, located at Main and Danforth.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that charitable donations be made to the Canadian Diabetes Assoc.

Words cannot properly express our sense of loss.

We are truly heartbroken.

Rest easy big guy.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.giffenmackdanforth.com for the Novak family.