Obituary of RAYMOND NOVOG

RAYMOND EDWARD NOVOG Peacefully on March 7, 2014, Ray passed away at Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg with his loving family by his side. Ray was born in Winnipeg on December 6, 1939. He is survived by his wife Denise and three children; Karen (Daryl), Annette (Tom) and David (Elizabeth) his grandchildren Jenna, Eric, Chantal, Jacob, Evelyn and Charlotte; his mother Cecile; sister Della (Ulysses) and family; and brother Paul (Odette). Ray grew up in St. Boniface and attended the University of Manitoba where he earned a bachelor of commerce degree. Ray and Denise married in 1963, they made a life, raised their children and made a home where all were welcomed. Sunday night family dinners were special times filled with interesting discussions and laughter. Ray began working at Federated Insurance in Winnipeg early in his career, where he rose through the ranks and became Vice-President Human Resources. After a long and successful career at Federated, Ray retired in 1996. A life-long sports enthusiast, Ray grew up playing a number of team sports, including hockey and baseball. He was an accomplished goalie who, during his teenage years, won a provincial championship with his St. Boniface hockey team in the 1950’s. An avid golfer, Raymond was a member of the St. Boniface Golf Club for many years where he not only played golf on a regular basis but enjoyed socializing with good friends throughout the year. Above all, Ray was a dedicated family man and a loving husband. He spent most of his time with his wife, children and grandchildren. One of Ray's greatest joys was attending his grandchildren's sporting events; always a regular in the stands for their hockey, soccer and volleyball games to cheer them on. He was always there to offer them an encouraging word or two and remind them of the life lessons gained through organized sports. Ray and Denise frequently visited their youngest grandchildren in Ontario, even traveling to France once to stay with them during David's academic secondment there. Ray was very proud of his grandchildren, he truly enjoyed each one of them making sure to take the time to play and laugh with them. He spent many afternoons with his mother, whom he visited regularly at Tache Centre in St. Boniface. Ray was a favourite among residents at the nursing home, known for organizing friendly card games and for bringing happiness to the lives of so many people around him. He always maintained a strong connection to his francophone roots and to his catholic faith. He loved spending time at Plage Albert on Lake Winnipeg where he enjoyed many a summer as a boy, later as a father with young kids and more recently as a grandfather, teaching his grandkids how to play crib, playing catch with them on the beach, enjoying time family, his life-long friends and the francophone community that remains there. Ray attended St. Bernadette’s parish regularly for many years, recently becoming a Knight of Columbus and forming new friendships. Ray and Denise recently enjoyed a celebration of their 50th Wedding Anniversary and over the last several years enjoyed spending winter months in Arizona. Ray (Dad) (Grandpa) will be fondly remembered for his good heart and character, his great sense of humour, his acceptance of others and the joy brought to those around him. In his final days, he continued to provide guidance, love and support to his family. We love you and will miss you so much Ray Dad and Grandpa. Your spirit lives on and we will remember you always. Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, March 13 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Bernadette’s Roman Catholic Church, 820 Cottonwood. Interment to follow in Glen Lawn Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made to, National Pancreatic Cancer Canada Foundation. Pancreatic Cancer Canada, 30 Concourse Gate, Unit 27, Ottawa, ON, K2E 7V7.