Obituary of Ralph Novak
<h1>Ralph Novak</h1>
April 25, 1929 April 6, 2009
Lovingly cared for by his devoted wife Elyse (nee Francois) at 79 years of age, Ralph died peacefully and with dignity at his home in Waterloo on April 6, 2009, after a 14 month struggle with Cardiac Amyloidosis (cancer of the heart). He will be sorely missed by his beloved soul-mate and best friend Elyse, whom he married on August 24, 1979.
A very proud father, he was cherished by his sons Dennis (Kristin) of Cambridge and Bruce of Thornbury and by his loving grandchildren; Lara (Dan) Roberts, Jeremy and Nathan (Chatelle) and his great-grandson, Jamal.
Ralph will be sadly missed by his treasured siblings with whom he enjoyed an especially close relationship, Don (Jean) of Heidelberg, Jerry (Betty) and Jack (Mary) of Kitchener and Audrey Schnarr (Jake) of Brampton. Also lovingly remembered by Elyses siblings, Yvonne Francois-Dietrich of Waterloo, Mary Lou (Denis) Perreault of Kitchener and Gerry (Donna) of Calgary. Many nieces and nephews mourn the passing of their much loved and entertaining Uncle Ralph, who always made a family gathering more fun.
His love and laughter are his legacy to live in our hearts forever!
Ralph was predeceased by his parents, John Novak in l979 and Marie (Draszkiewicz) in 2001 and his parents-in-law, Roland (1998) and Rita (2001) Francois.
He was a lifelong resident of the Kitchener-Waterloo area, working at Kitchener-Wilmot Hydro for 47 years prior to his retirement in 1993 as Overhead Line Superintendent. Ralph was an accomplished athlete in his youth and enjoyed playing on the Hydro baseball and basketball teams. He was the Captain of the Kitchener Greenshirts Junior B Championship Hockey team in the 1948-1949 season and in l951 he played on the Bridgeport Vets Intermediate Championship team. Both the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Boston Bruins were interested in signing Ralph to an NHL contract, but as a man with a young family, he chose the security of a career with the PUC instead.
Ralph was an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting, fishing, golfing and gardening. He and Elyse travelled extensively and had many wonderful adventures together. He was a talented woodworker finding delight in designing and creating special projects for family and friends.
Heartfelt appreciation to all who assisted Elyse in Ralphs care at home, most especially Dr. Jakda, the nurses from Care Partners, Heather, Sandy, Nancy and Jane, and PSWs Kelly and Teresa who never failed to make Ralph smile.
Family and friends are invited to share their memories of Ralph during visitation at the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King St., S. Waterloo on Tuesday, April 7from 7-9 p.m. and Wednesday, April 8 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. A celebration of Ralphs life will be held in the Chapel of the funeral home on Thursday, April 9, 2009 at 10 a.m. with Rev Tim Uniac officiating. Interment at Mount Hope Cemetery, Waterloo. A reception in the funeral homes Fireside Room will follow the interment.
As per Ralphs wishes, memorial donations to the Lions Foundation of Canada-Dog Guides would be greatly appreciated. Ralph supported this organization after he witnessed the comfort and happiness a Special Skills dog named Clementine gave his beloved mother-in-law, Rita in the last few years of her life.
The most beautiful monument that a man can get is
The imprint he leaves behind in the hearts of others.
~Albert Schweitzer~
