Jeffrey Anthony Edward Kovalik-Plouffe

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved son and brother, Jeff, on May 12, 2026, at the age of 43. Jeff passed peacefully with his mum and sister by his side.

Jeff was born on November 1, 1982, and grew up in the Lord Roberts area of Winnipeg. He attended Lord Roberts Elementary School and Churchill High School, where he formed many friendships that lasted throughout his life.

Jeff graduated from the University of Winnipeg with a Bachelor of Arts in 2009 and a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in 2013. With intelligence and determination, Jeff made a name for himself in everything he pursued. His talents led him into the political world, where he worked in various roles with the Liberal Party of Canada. Some of the positions he held included Director of Communications for the Minister of Rural Economic Development; Senior Advisor to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Infrastructure; Senior Advisor to the Prime Minister’s Special Representative for the Prairies; Manager of Parliamentary and Manitoba Affairs for the Minister of Trade and the Minister of Natural Resources; and Executive Director of the Liberal Party of Manitoba.

Jeff also served as campaign manager for federal, provincial, and municipal candidates, including Jim Carr, Terry Duguid, Terry Hayward, Ann Hogarth and John Orlikow, among others. Jeff was always well respected and held in high regard in his political circles.

Politics was one of Jeff’s passions, but basketball was his true love. Jeff lived and breathed the game, playing throughout his life. At Churchill High School, he played from Grades 7 through 12 and was named to the Manitoba Male 15U Provincial Team in 1997. His love of the sport eventually led him to coaching, where he shared his passion for basketball with others in the community. Most recently, Jeff coached the Corydon Comets WMBA team and served as assistant coach for the University of Winnipeg Wesmen men’s basketball team.

Jeff was big-hearted and generous, always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. He loved spoiling his niece Sophia and nephew Noah — they never heard the word “no” from Uncle Jeff.

Jeff was predeceased by his father, Gordon Plouffe; his grandparents, Tony and Betty Kovalik; and Ted and Isabel Plouffe.

Left to mourn and cherish his memory are his mum, Judy Kovalik; his sister, Julia Kovacs; his brother-in-law, Ryan Kovacs; and his treasured niece and nephew, Sophia and Noah Kovacs. He will also be deeply missed by his aunts and uncles, Linda and Lindsay Watson, Les Kovalik and Lorraine Godin, and Bob and Kim Kovalik; as well as his cousins, Dave Watson (Sam), Elizabeth Watson (Dan), and Chris Kovalik (Joanne). Jeff will also be greatly missed by the many friends and colleagues he made throughout the years.

We would like to extend a special thank you to the close friends who supported Jeff in his final hours and came to say goodbye, both in person and over the phone: Brett Landles, Brad Edmonds, Parker Smith, and Randi Anderson. We would especially like to thank Jeff’s close friend of more than 30 years, Shawn Howe, as well as Julia’s close friend, Carly Raffey, whose presence, love, and support during those final hours meant so much to Judy and Julia.

A special thank you also goes to the many health-care providers who cared for Jeff over the years, particularly Dr. Mike Sochocki and the late Dr. Ken Van Ameyde, who were always there for him. We were also blessed to have Nurse Bob in the HSC MICU caring for Jeff and our family in his final hours. Bob showed extraordinary kindness and compassion, helping to ensure a peaceful passing for Jeff.

There are no words to properly describe the sadness and heartbreak we feel in losing Jeff. Although his life was far too short, it was a life filled with accomplishment, adventure, friendship, and love. We are all better for having had Jeff in our lives.

To honour Jeff’s love of basketball, we kindly ask that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his memory to the Basketball for Life Fund, which helps remove financial barriers for those wishing to become involved in the sport in our province. Donations can be made at BasketballForLife.ca

A memorial service for Jeff will be held on Thursday, May 28, at 5:30 p.m. at the University of Winnipeg Duckworth Gym with a reception to follow. We hope all who are able will attend.