Bernard (Bernie) Arthur Novark was born on December 2, 1928, to Doris Vickers Novark and Stanley (Bud) Novark in Hardin, Montana, and passed away peacefully at his home on January 14, 2019.
Bernie grew up in Hardin and graduated from Hardin High School in 1947. After graduating, he joined the Navy and served during the Korean conflict. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, he returned to Hardin (favorite story: he told his mother he would come back to Hardin in a Cadillac; as he was hitchhiking home, the last person to offer him a ride into town was driving a Cadillac). He worked as a car salesman at Hardin Auto for thirty-plus years, and eventually became part-owner. (Another favorite story: he was showing a local farmer how roomy the trunk was in a car, by climbing into the trunk. As a joke, the farmer slammed the trunk closed, not realizing that Bernie had the keys to the car in his pocket; the farmer bought the car). He was a volunteer fireman, a layperson at the Episcopal Church, a member of the Elks Club and the Masonic Lodge, and a sportscaster for the local radio station. Bernard contributed so much to the Hardin community, and made many lifelong friends.
In 1952 Bernard married Alice Louise Goller and they were blessed with four children. In 1979 he moved to White Sulphur Springs and bought Meagher Motor, a local auto parts store, which is still in the family today. He married Jackie Carlson in 1981, retired in 1987, and spent many happy years with her on the Sky Ranch. In 2018, Bernie and Jackie were grand marshals in the Labor Day parade, a day they both enjoyed, and it was only fitting that they were riding in the back of a Ford Fairlane convertible.
Bernard is survived by his wife June (Jackie) Carlson Novark; children Becky Novark, Cathy (Bill) Slovensky, Jeff (Marsha) Novark, Kim Novark, and Debbie Anderson; grandchildren Danial (Marvena) Rice, Samuel (Erika) Rice, Sarah (Brandon) Bailey, Will (Sarah) Slovensky, Jonathan (Colleen) Novark, Travis (Laci) Novark, Nathan (Erica) Novark, Heather Novark, and Alicia Novark; seventeen great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild, and close family friend Rick Greer.
He is also survived by his three siblings, Beverly Yerger of Hardin (who was born on his third birthday), Richard Novark of Reno, Nevada, and Cheryl (Bob) Hardt of Hardin.
There will be no services at Bernard’s request. He touched many lives with his wit and honesty, and will be missed by those who were lucky enough to know him.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Bernie.
Service Schedule
Coffee & Cookie Hour
2:00 p.m.
Sunday January 20, 2019
Senior Center
101 1st Ave SE
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
Service Schedule
Coffee & Cookie Hour
2:00 p.m.
Sunday January 20, 2019
Senior Center
101 1st Ave SE
White Sulphur Springs, Montana 59645
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Kathy Moran-Johnston says
Jeff, Marsha, & family – so sorry to hear of Bernie’s passing. He was always so kind and friendly.
Melanie K Novark says
He loved Big Band Music.
He and Grandma would watch The Lawerence Welk Show, a lot.
Greg and Karen Rice says
So sorry for your loss. I remember his big smile whenever we saw him. Our hearts are with all of you.
Francie Fontaine Riemann says
Happy are and were the memories of Curt Riemann, his brothers-in-law and friends with whom Jackie and Bernard shared the Sky Ranch for hunting! Curt also met Bernie at Hardin Auto where their long friendship began! Many stories and happy times were created by those two! My sympathies go to Jackie and the rest of his family! Bernie’s smile was legendary and his stories were cherished! God bless his memory!
Ruth goller says
Jeff and family. Your dad was one of a kind and he surely could sell cars. I am sure you will miss him. Would love some news on your mom too. Sincere condolences.