In Loving Memory of Chris Marek Nowak

April 9, 1946 – November 5, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Chris Marek Nowak, a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. Chris was born on April 9, 1946, in Bydgoszcz Poland. In 1968, with courage and determination, he left Poland to Austria, and a year later, in 1969, he began a new life in Canada.

In 1973, Chris made California his home, where he pursued his profession as a draftsman. Before long, he chose to follow his true passion—martial arts—and began teaching Judo, a discipline that shaped both his life and the lives of many others. In 1989, he founded Iron Olympians Martial Arts School, where he taught countless students and became a positive influence in his community. His students not only learned martial arts but also self-discipline, respect, and confidence under his mentorship.

In 2005, Chris decided the California sun wasn’t quite enough and moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico. There, in retirement, he discovered a new passion—beekeeping. What began as a hobby soon became a source of great joy and connection, as he shared his delicious honey with the local community. Through this work, Chris became part of a wonderful network of friends and fellow beekeepers who admired his enthusiasm and warmth.

Chris was a vibrant, caring, and energetic man who lived life on his own terms. With his quick wit and boundless humor, he could make anyone laugh and always had a way of making others feel truly special. He loved deeply—his family, his friends, and above all, God.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Maria and Witold Nowak, his brother Tony Nowak, and his son Martin Nowak.

Chris is lovingly survived by his devoted wife, Fekerte Nowak, his son Sebastian Nowak, his sister Maggie Cherwick and brother-in-law Johnny Cherwick, niece Jessica Cherwick, nephews Tony Cherwick, Enzo Nowak, Riley Barrie, and Ashton Barrie, his sister-in-law Maria Nowak.

His brother in-law and sister in-law Joe and Meaza Bookout, and his niece Michelle Reese and her husband John Irime. 

He is mourned and lovingly remembered by family and dear friends in Poland, Austria and Canada whose hearts are joined in grief and memory.

Chris’s zest for life, his compassion, and his laughter will be deeply missed but never forgotten. His legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

We will honor his wishes by laying him to rest with his beloved mother and eldest son.