Obituary of Bernard Bernie NOVOKOWSKY

March 16, 1952 – February 28, 2012 A five year survivor of a tonsil cancer ordeal led to Bernie saying “I am on my bonus ball.” Bernie died at Foothills Medical Centre on Tuesday, February 28, 2012 from ARDS — Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Bernie will be missed as a husband, brother, uncle, friend, educator, learner, challenger, consultant, author, volunteer, and confidante for hundreds of people. One never left Bernie without a new way of approaching issues. Bernie will be long remembered for his innovative Higher Order Thinking (HOT) executive education sessions. Bernie will be missed by the heartbroken love of his life, his wife MaryJane (MJ). Predeceased by his mother Marie, his father Alfred, and brother Allan, Bernie will also be sadly missed by his siblings, Terri (Gary Chappell), Joan (Allan Folkersen), Ray (Brenda), Barb (Norb Dumanski), Bernadette, Mark (Cathy), and Gary (Kelley); and numerous nieces and nephews. Bernie will also be sadly missed by his wife’s McCullough family, Graham (Eileen), Craig (Bert) and Cam (Marnie) and their children. He was predeceased by “Auntie Margaret” — they loved each other to bits. A special thanks to medical student-niece Sandi Dumanski. Growing up in Saskatoon, after high school Bernie joined the Canadian military as a Private. Over twenty years — much of it in his beloved German countryside — he rose to rank of Major, retiring in 1985. Studying part-time over twenty-five years while working full-time, and co-author of two books, Bernie was the ultimate “self starter” and “life-long learner.” In the 1990s, Bernie gained a Master of Arts in Organization Development and a Ph.D. in Human and Organizational Systems. His academic education complemented Bernie’s military leadership skills; and his practical corporate education was honed at the City of Calgary, Canterra and Husky. Starting his own international consulting business in 1995, Bernie presented at numerous conferences, focusing on helping organizations survive and thrive in today’s business environment. While proud of the honours and awards he attained, Bernie was always more concerned about what he could do to help others. He embodied and sought to role model the personal growth and change he asked of others. In Parkdale Community, Bernie’s intervention and dedication enabled the Community Association to become the thriving place it is today. While Bernie and MJ did not have biological children, this Parkdale family were his children, whom he mentored, taught, scolded, commended and loved. A Celebration of Bernie’s Life will be held on the day he would have turned 60: Friday, March 16, 2012 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m., at Parkdale Community Association (3512 – 5th Avenue N.W., 403-283-5767). Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be directed to the Dr. Bernie Novokowsky Legacy Fund by cheque or on-line at The Calgary Foundation, Suite 700, 999- 8th Street S.W., Calgary, AB T2R 1J5, www.thecalgaryfoundation.org. In living memory of Bernard Novokowsky, a tree will be planted at Big Hill Springs Park Cochrane by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH Telephone: (403) 276-2296.