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Obituary of John Kovacs
September 21, 1934 - Halastó, Hungary
October 22, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta
John Kovacs, beloved husband of Elizabeth Furo, of Calgary of AB, passed away on Sunday, October 22, 2023 at the age of 89 years.
John was born in Halastó, Hungary on September 21, 1934. He graduated from Halastó (Iskola) School and was a proud member of the Hungarian Cultural Centre. He often volunteered at the centre, as well as the St. Elizabeth Church. He worked for forty years as a millwright.
John loved camping, fishing, and reading. He enjoyed cooking and eating, especially Hungarian cuisine. Traveling was one of his highlights in life. John was an artist, sculpting garden art and furniture in steel, creating many whimsical designs. He was an avid gardener for many years. John was proud of his creative welding projects, but also loved marking history with his passion for coin collecting.
His most memorable vacation was his European trip, traveling to Hungary for the first time since he escaped during the1956 revolution. John enjoyed reconnecting with family and loved ones, and later traveled across Europe discovering new cultures. He was a gentle man with a caring heart.
“Make hay while the sun shines”
Besides his loving wife Elizabeth, John is survived by his daughter Helen Kovacs, his three grandchildren, Jeremy, Vanessa, and Valerie; and his two great-grandchildren, Emma and Ella. He is also survived by his sisters, Erzsika, Anna, Margit, Agi, Marika, and Ibolya; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
John was predeceased by his three brothers, Karoly, Gaza and Mihaly.
John’s family would like to thank Agape Hospice for their kindness and gentle care.
A Celebration of Life will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street N, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6) on Monday, October 30, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with John’s family here.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Kidney Foundation.
In living memory of John Kovacs, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.
