Daniel Novak

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Daniel Novak: beloved husband to Siobhan, and loving father to Amy, Alicia, Cameron and Matthew; brother to Kathie (Rick) and Leslie (deceased) and uncle to Thomas. Gone too soon at the age of 70 we are still coming to terms with his absence. He was living his life to the fullest up until he left us suddenly on December 31st after a joyful Christmas season where he connected with so many of his loved ones.

He will be dearly missed by his extended family: Joe (Rachel), Paul, Ben, and Julia Carney, Mary Frances Ellison; Lise Chabot, Harold, Maiya and Kaelan Olney, Jerry Sr., Jerry Jr, and Glen Toth.

An adventurer at heart, one of his greatest passions was the outdoors. He loved spending time in British Columbia at the family cabin on Savary Island and swimming, kayaking, and fishing in Powell River. He delighted in nature and he was preparing for a kayak trip in the days before he passed.

He was also a lifelong fitness aficionado. As a young man, he won an Ontario Championship in Judo and later enjoyed scuba diving and was an avid swimmer. After his retirement, he pursued his interests in advanced physics, biochemistry and philosophy through self-study. His enthusiasm for learning was infectious. He inspired those around him to be curious about the wonders of the world.

Daniel was a gifted special education teacher. After receiving his Bachelor’s of Education from the University of Toronto he started his teaching career at Peter Hall School in Montreal. He then pursued a Masters degree in Deaf Education at the University of Moncton. He went on to teach in Cornerbrook, Newfoundland before returning to Montreal where he spent the last 25 years of his career with the EMSB working in alternative schools and at the Montreal Children’s Hospital.

He cherished time with his family and with his dear friends.

We miss his goofy sense of humour and his unique personality. He was an original; always coming up with jokes, plans and ideas. He had the imagination to dream big and the courage to make those aspirations a reality. His dreams will remain a gift to those he loved.

Dan / Dad: we know that you are watching over us. You will live on in all of our hearts, as you take your epic kayak trip in the great beyond and bask in the beauty of the world. You exist for us in spirit within the trees, the birds, the ocean, the clouds, and everything around us. We love you forever!

For those who wish to do so, contributions in Dan’s memory can be made to the Savary Island Land Trust Society whose mandate is to preserve and protect ecosystems on the island that Dan cherished.

https://savaryislandlandtrust.org/take-action