Long-serving Westside regional district director dies

Len Novakowski, who represented West Kelowna in the days before incorporation, has died.

Novakowski died at home on March 24 following a battle with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, and recently diagnosed heart failure, according to his obituary.

He was a pilot with the Canadian Air Force for 37 years and when he retired served for four years as an alternate director with the Central Okanagan regional district, then 11 years until 2007 as a director before the incorporation of West Kelowna.

The regional district board remembered Novakowski at its most recent meeting saying he will be remembered as a passionate public servant "who always had a calming and thoughtful presence around the board table and he will be missed by all who had the opportunity to meet and work with him."

Novakowski is survived by his wife, Zoria, three children, three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A funeral mass was held Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in West Kelowna, March 30, with 10 invited guests due to COVID-19 restrictions. Interment was at the Westbank Cemetery follow the mass.

Condolences may be sent to the family on the Everden Rust Funeral Services website here.

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