Dr. Boris Marx NOWAKOWSKY
Dr. Boris Marx Nowakowsky
It is with much sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father, grandpa and friend, Boris Nowakowsky, (91) on July 3rd, 2024. Boris is survived by his wife of 71 years, Alice Nowakowsky (Pirzek); their children, spouses and grandchildren, Peggy and Terry Wynveen (Alexandra, Katherine, Roy), Leslie and Dwight Sarabin (Allison, John), Alan and Sherry Nowakowsky (Tyler, Josh), Blair and Mary Nowakowsky (Amy, Ryan), Lisa and Mike McFadyen (Jennifer, Victoria, Daniel). As well as 3 great grandchildren, Ayanna, Natalia, Mateo, Boris is also survived by his two brothers, Ed Nowakowsky and Tom (Nancy) Nowakowsky.
Boris is predeceased by his parents, Tony and Mary Nowakowsky, his brother, Terry Nowakowsky, his sister, Dorothy Troyer and a son, Daryl Mark Nowakowsky (2mo).
A celebration of life will be held at The Ridge Community League, 2111 Haddow Drive NW, Edmonton on Saturday, July 13th 2024 at 1:30 – 4:30pm.
Boris was born at home on August 24th, 1932 in Smoky Lake, Alberta. He was the 4th child of Tony and Mary Nowakowsky. His earliest recollections are of playing in his backyard and at his parent’s garage that they owned in Smoky Lake. Although struggling in school, he learned that education and knowledge were important and he was a lifelong learner for 91 years.
Boris attended school in Smoky Lake. In high school he met the love of his life, Alice Pirzek. Boris and Alice were married on June 6th, 1953 at the young ages of 20 and 19 and moved to the big city of Edmonton. Boris worked at a lumber mill for several years before deciding to attend the University of Alberta pre med program. It is there he decided to pursue a degree in Dentistry. He graduated in 1961 and bought his first practice located in the Tegler building in downtown Edmonton. Besides focusing on his career, Boris and Alice had started their family and had 5 young children. Boris’s drive for further knowledge made him decide to continue his education and in 1969 moved his family to Seattle to attend the University of Washington to obtain his Masters degree in Dentistry. In 1970 Boris was asked to join the new dental program at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon as the head of Restorative Dentistry and the family was on the move again. After a couple years, the call to be closer to extended family made them decide to move back to Edmonton where they purchased a house in Riverbend. Boris started a new practice in the Baker Center where he was fondly known by his patients as “Uncle Boris” although he preferred to be called “Doctor” as he had to work very hard for that title. Boris practiced at the Baker Center until retiring in 1991.
Being newly retired and finally empty nesters, Boris and Alice purchased a house in Sun City, Arizona. Boris was happy to improve his golf game and painting techniques and take up new hobbies such as ceramics and silversmithing. What he enjoyed most was the experiences he gained with old and new friends and family. They spent the next 25 years enjoying the Arizona winter and returning to their home in Riverbend for summers. They sold their house in Arizona in 2015 and returned to stay in Edmonton near family. There were many days of dinners, game nights and just relaxed visiting in the Riverbend home that Boris put so many hours of sweat into maintaining, a family home he was immensely proud of.
Boris touched many people’s lives with his wisdom, humour and love. He was an honourable, trustworthy man whom many people relied on. We will remember his calm demeanor in trying times and the easy smile he often wore. And of course, he always had a hug for everyone. Boris will be remembered with much love.
Blair, so sorry for your loss!
Lesley Latimer
To the family of Boris Nowakowsky:
Please accept my sincere condolences and sympathies for your loss.
I knew Boris very well growing up in Smoky Lake . We were next door neighbors. Have ever lasting memories of his early days.
He was a good athlete and a mentor for us younger boys. He especially excelled as a goalie for the Smoky Lake Senior Beavers in the mid 1950s.
R.I.P. Boris.
To Alice & the entire family,
Larry & I extend our deepest sympathy to you all.
We were patients of Boris for many years. Me starting in 1962 in the Tegler Building downtown & then both of us once the office moved into First Edmonton Place. We have fond memories of Boris & you, Alice, every time we visited the office. Always friendly & welcoming and we received excellent care over many years. Happy to say we both have all our teeth to this day (75 & 77 years old).
We’ll remember fondly Boris’ chatter throughout every procedure & especially his silliness of asking questions when he knew full well, we couldn’t answer.
The visit you treated us to one year long ago in Sun City. You both were such excellent hosts.
And of course, you all know that Boris left his practice in very good hands when he turned it over to Rob McCullough. That boded well for the way Boris wanted his patients & future patients to be left in good hands.
Again, our deepest sympathy & very high regard for a life well live.
Sue (McCullough no relation to Rob) & Larry Wilson
To the family of (Dr. Boris) & Mrs. Alice Nowakosky
Firstly, I would like to express my utmost heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your Husband, Father, Father-in-law, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, Friend and more.
I just wanted to say Dr.Boris was my 1st dentist as a young girl while he was at the Teglar Bldg. He was the best one i ever had through out my life and I compared them all to him. After my mother passed in ’73 we had no way of returning to Edmonton. He never left our thoughts.
May the memories you all share surround you 🕊peace🪽 love 🤍💞🤍 and comfort 🫶🏻 🫳🏻🤲🏻🫴🏻 .
Vichnaya Pamyat
Memories Eternal
Maxine (Kozub)Gamble
formerly of Smoky Lake.
Lethbridge, AB.
No words,just hugs.
Most children are apprehensive about going to see the dentist but some of my fondest childhood memories are of going to see Uncle Boris! Not only getting to see the view of downtown from his dentist chair and a mountain of paperwork on his desk but he’d always let you pick the best toy prizes after your check up. ( birth stone colour rings )
Pina colada and bubblegum Fluoride should never be flavour choices no matter what your age is.
Dignified , Respectful ,Compassionate & genuine are all words I’d use to describe and remember Uncle Boris.
Gods speed and thank you for all the kindness shown to my family over the years !
Alice and family,
We are sorry to hear Boris passed away. We are thinking of you and we extend our deepest sympathy to all of you.
Dear Alice and family,
We wish to extend our sincerest sympathy. It’s never easy losing a loved one.
Van, Valerie and Hugh