Modris Novickis' Obituary
Modris Karlis Novickis was born on March 20. 1931 in Laidi, Latvia to parents Otto and Anna Novickis. He joined older sisters Valda and Rasma. Mother, Anna, was a teacher in a local school where the family spent its’ winters. The summers were spent at the family’s farm in Valtaiki, Latvia. Modris grew up in relative freedom as a regular country boy. He spent a lot of time outdoors with other boys. Modris had no lack of playmates since both locations were near local community centers. He adored horses and liked to go on horse and buggy rides. His best friend’s (Gunars) father managed a local store and dairy, where buyers and delivery people often came with their buggies. One afternoon, Modris and his friend decided to “borrow” some horses and a buggy and take a ride. They untied the horses and took off down Skepeles Road. However, even in a time without smart phones, the news of their adventure travelled fast. Someone reported that two “munchkins” were seen driving off with the horses and buggy. Of course, after the adventure, punishment followed, as did other mischief. As Modris grew older, he often talked and dreamed about driving a Ford. His sister had read about Ford cars in a book.
Carefree years were interrupted by the two occupations of Latvia. His father became a victim of the first Russian occupation, as did several relatives. When the next occupation by the Germans came to an end and another occupation of Russian’s was imminent, to save the children, his mother, her sister and the three children left Latvia for Germany. When the Russian armies were nearing their temporary residence once again, the family was forced to leave on foot for the west. Their small amount of belongings were piled into a cart hand made by Modris – then 12 years old. The “expiration date” for the cart was not long, so all the family’s belongings (photos, etc.) were to remain on the refugee-filled road side.
Their journey continued on foot following the Latvian army units that the family met while on the road. When the end of the war was announced, the family was still on the road. Life in a displaced person camps in Germany followed. Modris continued his studies at schools in Boernsen, Spakenberg and later agricultural high school in Alterfrade, Germany where he also obtained a driver’s license. He then worked as a driver for the UNRA (United Nations Relief Association) in Wentorf, Germany. He immigrated to the United States in 1950. The driver profession, as we know, was not a popular occupation in the United States, since most people drove their own car.
In 1951, Modris was drafted into the US Army and fought in Korea. After his discharge from the Army in 1953, he worked at the Ford Motor Co. for two years. He graduated from the Cleveland Engineering Institute of Technology and then began working as a structural draftsman for the Arthur G. McKee Co. in 1956. He would go on to work at several other engineering companies over the years. He would work in this profession for over 40 years. In 1961, he married Inta Jansons. Two years later, in 1963, their son, Richard, was born.
Modris was a hard worker, paying attention to detail. He enjoyed doing home improvement and would often volunteer to help others. For several years, he helped oversee the necessary maintenance and improvements at his Latvian church in Lakewood. He was passionate in defending his opinions. He and Inta loved to entertain their family and friends as often as possible. There wasn’t anyone they wouldn’t sit down with to share an evening of good food, lively discussion and good, strong drinks.
Modris was also an avid fisherman and hunter. At times he returned from hunting disappointed that he had not even seen the backside of a deer. He would often fish in Lake Erie, in local rivers, and any puddle of water that might have fish in it. He enjoyed going on fishing trips with his friends and his favorite fishing buddy (and brother-in-law), Art Baumanis. As his health deteriorated in recent years, he was even able to join Rick, Art and several friends on fishing charters on Lake Erie. The most recent trip was a charter this past June for Father’s Day. Although his health was failing him, Modris was so independent that he wouldn’t even allow anyone to help him fight the walleye and was able to reel in several large fish on his own.
Modris loved dogs – there were always dog treats in his pocket and the trunk of his car. His other pocket was filled with candy, which he handed out to anyone that crossed his path. He was very sad when his beloved dog, Prince, went to dog heaven one Christmas Eve.
Since retiring in 1997, Modris was devoted to taking care of his ailing wife whom he lost in 2003. The loss of Inta was very difficult for him. Luckily, he was able to spend time with his grandchildren, Victoria and Zachary, who called him “Poppy”. They brought him much joy.
His health began to take a turn for the worse after an unfortunate car accident in the summer of 2005. He was never the same again and unfortunately battled one health issue after another. The last few years were the toughest and most painful seeing one doctor after the next. He rarely complained, though. He was too busy socializing and telling bad jokes to his friends at the Westlake Village Assisted Living complex he lived in for the last few years. When his friends and the nurses couldn’t find him, they knew where to look – outside by the pond surrounded by dozens of ducks and covered with bird seed and cracked corn.
Ultimately, at the age of 82, complications from his injuries and deteriorating health claimed his life the evening of February 11, 2014. Mourning his loss are his son Rick, Rick’s wife Lori, their children Victoria and Zach, Modris’ sisters Valda Baumanis and Rasma Sockis and their families, as well as many, many friends (and all of the neighborhood dogs and ducks).
Funeral service will take place at 10 AM, on Tuesday, February 18, 2014, at the United Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1385 Andrews Ave, Lakewood, where family will receive friends for one hour prior to service. Modris’ family will also receive friends on Monday, February 17, at Sunset Chapel, 6245 Columbia Rd, N. Olmsted, from 3:00-7:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Modris Novickis to the Cleveland Metroparks Fishing Fund, or the United Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church of Cleveland, 1385 Andrews Ave, Lakewood, OH 44107.
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