Farewell John Noveske, We Are Diminished…

Many of you are already aware, but it’s with a heavy heart that I share the news here of John Noveske’s passing on Friday. He was involved in a fatal vehicle accident and will be greatly missed. A true pioneer of this industry and a tremendous innovator. Fair winds and following seas, John.

John is survived by his wife and three children. Rob Curtis of Gear Scout spearheaded an online memorial and we encourage you to donate so that his family will continue to be provided for and taken care of.

 [Click here to donate to the Noveske Memorial Fund]

Those interested in learning more about the history of John Noveske and Noveske Rifleworks, here is an excerpt from their  catalog:

My Father, John Noveske Sr., raised my brother and I to honor God, to understand fundamental American principles, and to use and respect firearms. As children, we had access to firearms at all times. Our dad trusted us, and we never let him down. At age 13, I was issued a rack grade M1 Garand with 88 rds per week from the DCM and began shooting High Power Rifle matches. This was my only sport growing up, and a private one. I soon realized I probably was not going to be an Astronaut, and decided the best place for me was in the Army.

After the Army, I thought hard about what to do for a living, and figured making rifles was the best thing for me. A seemingly intangible dream was quickly realized when Chris Dichter, owner of PAC-NOR Barreling in Brookings, Oregon, hired me and I began making rifle barrels. The passion went into overdrive. I had a great time there and learned a lifetime of information. In the spring of 2001, I moved back to Grants Pass, Oregon, started my business in my Dad’s garage, fixed up our 80 year old house, married Lorina at a shotgun wedding, and she had our first baby shortly thereafter.