SPC Nicholas Novack

With what should have been decades left in which to compose his life’s song, Nicholas Novack was taken from his loved ones much too soon. Although his time here was far too short, there was no one who met Nick and was left unchanged. Whether it was his fun-loving spirit, his uncompromising character, or his contagious zest for life, he had a magnetic personality that drew others near with ease. Always up for a good time, Nick was the life of the party wherever he went, and he made friends easily. There was nothing that made him more proud than becoming a father, and it was easy to see that the sun rose and set with the son he adored more than life itself. Although life will never be the same without Nick here, the memories he made with his family and friends will never be forgotten.

It was in 1992 that Rhonda Novack was thrilled to welcome a healthy baby boy into her heart and home. She named him Nicholas Armand and he was the apple of his mother’s eye. He was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan and raised in Southwestern Michigan in the city of Portage. From his earliest years Nick was a bustle of activity. He was a typical young boy who loved things like playing soccer and later enjoyed playing lacrosse. Nick attended Spring Hill Camp in Evart every summer where he loved sitting around the campfire, swimming, and especially the zip-line. While he was still living at home, Nick’s house was the place to be, largely due to his mother’s cooking. He enjoyed many different foods but his favorites were bacon-wrapped shrimp-jalapenos and chicken pesto. His adventurous spirit kept him on the move; he loved to travel and take vacations from a very young age and he was always up for a drive to Lake Michigan. Throughout his life Nick was a young man of many interests. He loved rock ‘n roll and heavy metal music, and he was an avid reader who loved war novels and playing his Xbox360.

To those who knew Nick while he was growing up, it wasn’t a big surprise that he ended up in the military. He came from a very patriotic family that was involved in the military, and the events that occurred on September 11, 2001 had an enormous impact on him as well. Although he wasn’t even 10 years old at the time, Nick knew that he wanted to serve his country in the military from that moment forward. He joined the Army in 2010 and completed his basic training at Fort Benning, Georgia. Nick served in Afghanistan for 11 months beginning in January of 2012, and he attained the rank of Specialist in the Infantry. Nick was highly decorated for his service in Afghanistan. Among his awards are the Valorous Unit Award for extraordinary heroism in the military operations against an armed enemy; two Army Commendation Medals, the Combat Infantry Badge, and the Afghanistan Campaign Medal. He knew Jesus, his Savior, and carried his pocket Bible with him continuously during his tour in Afghanistan. He was currently serving in the National Guard.

It was easy to see that the greatest gift in Nick’s life was his son, Carson. He called Carson his best friend, and it was clear that he would do whatever he could for his son. Even in the everyday things, Nick was there as he played an active role in Carson’s care. Nick was there to play with him, bathe him, read him stories, tuck him into bed at night, and to support him and his mother in every way. His family was given such a difficult pill to swallow when he was involved in a car accident this past July, suffering a traumatic brain injury.

All who knew Nicholas Novack would agree that he was truly unforgettable. His generosity was without limit, he would sooner give the shirt off his back than see someone go without. His honesty was one of his strongest qualities, one that he daily sought to teach his son. He had the most amazing manners, and he knew right from wrong with a tender heart and a smile that could brighten any room. In the short time he was here, Nick taught those around him some fantastic lessons such as the importance of loving unconditionally and without expectation, remaining strong, hopeful, and positive in all things, even when circumstances seem impossible. Outgoing, lively, and fun-loving, he had numerous friends and loved making those around him laugh. A gift given to everyone he met, Nick will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know and love him.

Spec Nicholas Novack, of Portage, died on February 11, 2015, in Kalamazoo. Nick’s family includes his son Carson Dion; mother, Rhonda Novack; grandmother, Rosemary L. Novack; aunts and uncles: Alix Novack (John Nattress), Robert G. Novack, Rochelle A. (Dennis) Sabo, Raymond A. Novack, Jr., and Jan Fredette; along with many cousins. Nick was preceded in death by his grandfather, Raymond August Novack, Sr., his "Granny" Fredette, and by 2 uncles, Michael A. McLaughlin and Maurice Novack. Visit with family and friends on Sunday from 2:00-6:00 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler-Kalamazoo, 6080 Stadium Drive, Kalamazoo, 375-2900, where military services will be held Monday 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow in the Life Story Center. Private burial will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Muskegon. Please visit Nick’s personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a favorite memory or photo and sign his guestbook before coming to the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the SGT Eric Lund Adaptable House Build, c/o Malliett construction 5373 W. First St., Ludington, MI 49431 or Wounded Warrior Project.