NOVAK, Capt. Ray

The Wickenburg Sun, Wickenburg, AZ April 2, 2003, p.B4 Capt. Ray Novak died at his winter home in Wickenburg, Ariz. on March 16, 2003. He is survived by his wife Mary (Heckenkamp), four sons and three daughters-in-law: Daniel and Anita, Gary and Mary, Robert and Joyce and Mark. He was blessed with six grandchildren; Heather (Bornemeier), Casey W., Sonia, Nicholas, Matthew and Robert; Grandson-in-law Shaun Bornemeier and great granddaughter Kirstin Bornemeier. He also leaves behind sister-in-law Jeannette (Heckenkamp) Curie and two brothers-in-law Vincent (Marita) Heckenkamp and James (Monica) Heckenkamp. Ray had four nephews and four nieces and several great nieces and nephews in Washington state. He was an only child but grew up in Seattle surrounded by many cousins, some of whom still live in the area. His cousins were a joy to his childhood. Capt. Novak held two licenses: U.S. Coast Guard Unlimited Master License and a Panama Canal Unlimited Pilot License. He began his career with the Coastal Geodetic Survey ship "Explorer" out of Seattle to Alaska. This was followed by service with M.S.T.S. and American Mail Line, ending with his retirement '92 after 22 years on the Panama Canal. He also taught at the Radar School at Ft. Mason in San Francisco. Ray was a member of the International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots, the Counsel of American Master Mariners, the American Mail Alumni Club and was a life member of the Elks, Panama Canal R.P.P.N. Lodge No. 1414. Ray enjoyed retirement and divided his time between his home at Pt. Ludlow, Wash., and earlier, Sun City, Ariz., then moving to Wickenburg in 1998. His Arizona life was taken up with working out at the gym, visits to Sun City Merrill Lynch, swimming in his pool, meeting with his friends, football betting, and travel. In Washington he was a well-known jogger on South Point Road. He looked forward to the Pt. Townsend 12K Rhody Run each spring. Washington was time spent with his family and old friends. He was a proud and happy grandfather and great-grandfather. He will be remembered for his sweet smile, generosity and an aura of serenity that made all who met him feel safe and pleased to be in his company. Captain Novak has made his last transit and is in a safer harbor with the Master of us all.