Michael Nowak

In 1978, Mike and I were traveling in a Zodiak inflated boat, doing site survey at the south end of Uganik Island, Kodiak, AK. Mike was at the helm. We cruised at 35 mph, through a narrows between islands, as pair of Orcas were also going through the passage heading towards us on a potential collision course. The two orcas, side-by-side, dived under our Zodiac, resurfaced behind us and continued on their way. Mike had adventures in Alaska. I continued working with Mike with the Colorado...

Michael was a "Once in a lifetime" partner. His devotion to family and his four legged friends, were very important to him. His local grandchildren were a priority. Most days, after school, he would stop over and read to them until they could read on their own. He attended their events, sports and practices. And, always supported their causes. The way he chuckled at himself when he would make an amusing comment... priceless! He made our life interesting. Hiking, traveling, help in...

Ekim had such a huge influence on my career in so many ways, from the years on the Baca project to paying me to paint his house and let me crash in an extra room. I'm sorry to hear of his passing, but what a life well lived!!

Ekim was a gentle and humorous soul, with a great appetite for all things anthropological! To think someone taught cultural (the Alaska class), biological (his primatology course) AND archaeological (almost everything else)! He was the last generation of anthropologists so broadly trained. I will be sorry to miss the memorial (with a CC class in Azerbaijan)--and Ekim himself all the more.