GYULA KOVACS

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GYULA KOVACS We are deeply saddened by the loss of a loving husband, devoted father and beloved grandfather. Gyula was born in Berettyo Ujfalu, Hungary, on April 12 1940. Surrounded by his family Gyula Sr. lost the fight with cancer on April 5, 2006 while being treated in the St. Boniface General Hospital. He is survived by his loving wife Irma, son Gyula (wife Jeannelle) and grandson Maxime. He also leaves to morn sisters-in-law, Piroska Holder (John), Margit Mondschein (Tibor) Kelowna, BC, Iren Havalda of Hungary, Rozsi Rozmann of Squamish BC and many nephews, nieces, friends, associates and acquaintances. Gyula immigrated to Canada in 1977 with his wife and son in hopes of providing a better future for his family. In 1978 he started working for Laidlaw Waste Systems as a mechanic. With his energy, honesty and hard work he impressed his supervisors to the point of them allowing him to become a sub-contractor in 1981. at which time he started his first company Kovacs Son Transport Ltd. The company grew and in 1986 with three partners Gyula started his own company Canadian Waste Disposal Ltd and through the assistance of a network of people who trusted and respected him built the company to 58 trucks that were servicing commercial and residential clients in the City of Winnipeg. Against his wishes, but with a majority vote the company was sold to Laidlaw Waste Systems in 1994. Due to the respect of his peers and his knowledge of the industry Gyula re-acquired some of the assets of Canadian Waste and started sub-contracting from Laidlaw Waste through his newly formed company Ko-Ko Transport Ltd. At this time he saw the need for another form of business providing painting and sandblasting services to the owners and operators of heavy trucks, trailers and buses. Thus DGI Painting and Sandblasting was born. Another opportunity presented itself in 2002 with the North American Indigenous Games coming to Winnipeg. With great foresight and business acumen Gyula purchased the portable toilet division of Canadian Waste and started providing a new form of business to the citizens of Manitoba through Throne Portable Toilets. Gyula was a type of man that when he shook your hand you knew the deal was set in concrete and you didn't have to wonder whether or not things would get done. This character earned him the respect of many business contacts and acquaintances. He will be greatly missed. Unfortunately retirement and his dream of returning to Hungary for a well deserved holiday never materialized because Big Daddy as he was affectionately known to his family, could always put his needs aside to make sure that they were well cared for as the love of his family was of utmost importance to him. He will never be forgotten and his memory will always remain in our hearts. The family would like to thank Dr. Stacey of Selkirk General Hospital Emergency Ward along with nurses Sandra, Val and Maria and a special thank you to Dr. Richard Bilos, Dr. Martha Shepertecki, Dr. Singh, Dr. Giannouli along with all the residents and interns and the entire nursing staff, orderlies and support staff of St. Boniface Hospital 5-B Internal Medicine for their kindness and loving care and understanding. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 11 at 3:00 p.m. at Cropo Funeral Chapel, 1442 Main St., Winnipeg with Rev. Geza Szemok officiating. Viewing will be between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Monday, April 10. The family requests that in lieu of flowers a donation be made to the St. Boniface General Hospital Cancer Research Foundation in memory of our beloved Gyula. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 08, 2006