Michael Kovac

June 3, 1934 - August 21, 2024

How does one really reflect on a man’s life.To us our Dad was one in a million. He passed suddenly, and quickly at Guelph General Hospital. He knew it was time to join his beloved wife Lois (2003). We can see them now towing their old Boler camper off on a new adventure.

Predeceased by his mother Annie and father Michael. He leaves behind his cherished brother Milt (Shirley 2021). The boys were born in Montreal, Quebec. It was the 1930s and the adventures and shenanigans they would get into. The stories …. we would laugh until we cried. They would take the train to St. Ann’s, Ontario to work on their Uncles farm eventually leading the family to settle there. It was there that Dad really began his love for baseball as a player and a fan. He was charismatic, a character never short of a quip. He was a loyal friend. He started working after school at a garage learning to fix cars. This eventually led him later in life to teaching auto mechanics at G.C.V.I Collegiate in Guelph. Dad was instrumental in starting up and coaching a ball team at the school helping the students develop commitment and skills.

While in St. Ann’s Dad met Mom Lois (2003). They married and moved to Guelph in 1958 for Dad to play ball as the Guelph Merchants had taken note of his pitching arm. He participated in ball for many years as a player and a coach affiliated with the Guelph Merchants and the CJoy teams. He got himself a job at White Rose Garage on the corner of Grange and Victoria in Guelph. Long gone now. He fixed cars and in time this led to him racing them. He joined the Royal City Auto Sports Club racing his Triumph Tr3 amongst others in the hill climbs at Rockwood Conservation and in many rallies through the Kitchener and Elora area. He raced at Mosport in Bowmanville, Ontario a place his children Greg(Bernice), Kelly (Narcisa), Duff and Michele still talk about and visit today.

Although life was busy Mike and Lois always found time for family and friends. They would often visit St. Ann’s , Smithville and Beamsville to the delight of their extended families. They left behind many wonderful memories especially for their nieces and nephews. They took pleasure in travelling visiting Livonia New York State, Japan, Vietnam, Newfoundland. Enjoying so many good times with beloved friends. They participated in car shows with his brother and his wife showing their vintage corvettes. They enjoyed the Jamboree in the Hills and many other music festivals as they loved Country and Western music always returning with some great stories.

Dad and Mom spoiled their grandchildren, Carly, Sara, Michael, and Emily taking them on trips in the Boler, to amusement parks, Elvis festivals, camping , family reunions, many days of swimming in their long time neighbours pool. So many good memories. They attended many of the kids sporting and school events encouraging participation in all.

After Mom's passing, Dad sharpened his poole skills at the Real Deal on Thursdays here in Guelph. He played in a league and tournaments enjoying the camaraderie, the challenge and a nice cold beer. His charismatic nature shone through and many grew to love him. We could often find him Tuesday afternoons at the local pub Shakespeare Arms where he would discuss sports and watch his beloved Yankees with his comrades.

Dad’s passing has left a giant void but we were lucky to have had him this long. He was vibrant and active right to the end. He really was one in a million. We are asking for donations to be sent to the Guelph Minor Baseball Association. Send e-transfers to ([email protected]) cheques welcome .. mail donations to Guelph Minor Baseball Association, 100 Crimea Street, Unit 5C, Guelph, Ontario N1H 2Y6. We believe Dad would love that he continues to help kids play.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Gilbert MacIntyre and Son Funeral Home, Hart Chapel, 1099 Gordon Street, Guelph (519-821-5077). We invite you to join us for a Celebration of Life Gathering in honor of Michael on Saturday, August 31, 2024, from 11:00am to 2:00pm. Let us come together to share our cherished stories, celebrate his remarkable life, and find comfort in one another’s company. Casual attire is requested by the family.