William (Bill) Kovacs

February 26, 1927 to January 13, 2011

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of our father and grandfather William (Bill) Kovacs on Thursday, January 13, 2011.

Bill was predeceased by his parents Margaret and Louis, brother Louis, and beloved wife Dorothy. He is survived by his sisters Margaret and Barbara, brother Jim, sons William (Val), Wade (Penny) and Brian, daughter Karen, grandchildren Athena, Brenna, Cassie, Jordan, Lorie, Alexa, Dominic and Ethan, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dad was born in Montreal, shortly after his family immigrated from Hungary-the first in his family born a Canadian. After moving around as families do, he left his mother’s home in Toronto to enlist in the army at age 17. Little did he know he would return home to meet his future wife – in his own bed! They married on August 24, 1946.

Dad and Mom called several places in Ontario home – Toronto, Kitchener, Orillia & Deep River – until they answered the call of the west and moved out to Pinawa, Manitoba in the summer of 1964, putting down new roots.

Although a tool and die maker by trade, Dad would do whatever it took to earn a living. He was a cab driver, a chauffeur, a partner in a machining business, a machinist and a research machine shop technician and retired as the 300 Machine Shop Supervisor at the AECL Whiteshell Labs.

In his leisure time, Dad enjoyed bridge, bowling, hunting, fishing & camping. His pitching was renowned as being the slowest in his slo-pitch league. He was an active member in the Legion and the Lions Club. He was particularly proud of being the very first member of the Pinawa Club where he loved golfing and curling. And of course we would be remiss if we didn’t mention his enjoyment of the countless hours he spent with his buddies at the PMI, trying to force the VLTs to do his bidding. Dad was also really into live music – enjoying and sometimes instigating jam session and solo performances by anyone who would play for him. We all remember his enthusiastic (if not always rhythmically correct) accompaniment on the spoons.

The family would like to thank all of the wonderful friends who kept an eye on Dad and offered him help when he needed it. We also thank the wonderful staff of the Pinawa Hospital and Whitemouth Personal Care Home for the care and compassion they’ve shown.

No formal service will be held.

According to his wishes, we are having a celebration of Bill’s life on Friday, January 21, 2011, at 7:00 p.m. at the Pinawa Club. The family extends an open invitation to all of his friends to join us in remembering all the good times.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pinawa Foundation.

Condolences for the family may be offered at www.SoberingFuneralChapel.com.

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