JOZSEF (JOSEPH) KOVACS

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JOZSEF (JOSEPH) KOVACS It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father and grandfather, Jozsef Kovács, who died suddenly on Sunday, June 16, 2013 after a brave battle with cancer. He is predeceased by his parents Jozsef Kovács and Margit (nee Zsebik). Left to mourn are his wife of 44 years Rozália (nee Körtvély), daughters; Szilvia Kovács Kalmár (Joe), Eva Kovács (Jeff) and grandchildren; Zakariás, Mátyás, Julika and Lukács, brother; Lászlo (Gizella) in Slovakia as well as other family members and friends in Slovakia and across Canada. Jozsef was born on January 7, 1944 in Körtvélyes, a small village in Hungary (now located in Slovakia). The older of two boys, Jozsef was very independent and curious. As a small child those characteristics prompted his parents to tie a small bell around his neck to ensure he wouldn't wander out of the yard. Those same personality traits led Jozsef to Canada in 1967. It was during that trip spent working on a relative's tobacco farm in Southern Ontario that Jozsef saw the potential for a better life. Two years later, with a diploma in mechanical engineering Jozsef returned to Canada. Together with his wife Rozália, the young newlywed couple stepped into a new world with great hopes - as well as a profound sense of loss having left their families and circle of close friends behind. As he embraced this new life and the challenges that came with it, Jozsef took on multiple jobs washing dishes and apprenticing as a plumber as he learned English. Then in 1973, the opportunity of a new job in his professional field led Jozsef to Winnipeg where he settled down with his wife to raise their two daughters in St. Vital. From the very first days as a new immigrant and throughout the years, the Hungarian communities in both Ontario and then Winnipeg became an integral part of Jozsef's social circle. He was intensely proud of his Hungarian heritage and was very involved in the Hungarian United Church, Folklorama and other events and activities that kept him tied to his Hungarian roots. Jozsef worked at JD Construction and later at Canadian Tool and Die as a draftsman until his first bout with cancer forced him to retire in 2006. He enjoyed work and particularly the connections he made with colleagues and business associates. Jozsef's greatest source of support and strength was his wife and the pride he had in his daughters and grandchildren. A funeral service will be held to celebrate Jozsef's life on Friday, June 21 at 10:30 a.m. at the Hungarian United Church, 732 Ellice Avenue. A light lunch will follow. Those who wish may then join the family at St. Vital Cemetery for the interment. The Pallbearers will be his grandsons; Lukács Mager, Mátyás Daulat, Zakariás Daulat, sons-in-law; Jeff Mager, Joe Kalmár and close friend Géza Nagy. As expressions of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jozsef's memory to the Mager Family Fund at the Winnipeg Foundation or to the Hungarian United Church, 732 Ellice Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3G 0B4. The family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to the paramedics and all the medical staff at Health Sciences Centre and Victoria General Hospital who took care of Jozsef. The Coutu Family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street 204-253-5086 ejcoutu.com
Publish Date: Jun 20, 2013

JOZSEF (JOSEPH) KOVACS It is with great sadness the family announces the passing of Jozsef Kovács on Sunday, June 16, 2013. A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 21, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. in the Hungarian United Church, 732 Ellice Ave. A longer obituary will follow in Thursday's edition. The Coutu family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street 204-253-5086
Publish Date: Jun 19, 2013

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 20, 2013