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Michael Kovell Obituary

Michael Keith Kovell passed away Sunday, November 14, 2010 of paraplegic and heart consequences under the care of Sutter North Hospice. He was born November 13, 1944 in Seattle, Washington. Michael completed High School and some College. He served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army. In 1967, he incurred a Paraplegic injury. Michael worked with the Human Rights Commission of the State of Washington as a handicapped specialist. He volunteered with the Governor's Committee for Handicapped, Washington State; was an inspirational speaker at children's camps and churches; and was a Christian Counselor in his local church. Michael was married to Sherry Sorensen in Garden Grove, CA on March 20, 1970. Their children are Heidi Aline Kovell (currently of Las Vegas, NV) and Bonnie Kristine Kovell Bender (currently of Suffolk, Virginia). He is survived by his wife; his two daughters; his son-in-law Curtis Bender (of Suffolk, Virginia); his sister, Irene Wentworth (of Tacoma, WA); and several nieces and nephews. A Memorial service will be held Thursday, November 18, 2010 at 1:00 pm at The Rivers Foursquare Church, 1548 Poole Blvd., Yuba City. A Graveside service will follow at Sutter Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made instead in Mr. Kovell's name to Yuba Sutter Gleaner's Food Bank, Yuba City. Send Condolences at www.appealdemocrat.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Appeal Democrat on Nov. 17, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Michael Kovell

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Anne and Gary

November 21, 2010

Mike has always been a wonderful friend and like a big brother. We appreciated his sensitivity, wisdom, hugs and caring ways.

Michael chose to ignore his physical disability, to see no limitations and to succeed at the highest level.

We happily picture Michael gleefully running in heaven now, without any restraints.

Suzanne Reed

November 20, 2010

Mike has always loved my husband like a son, and he and Sherry have been a second set of parents for us. He has always thought I'm so much better than I am.

We will miss the puzzles and great times hanging out with him for a little while. By God's mercy we will see him again soon.

One thing among many I will remember Mike saying: "The most important thing in life is to love and to be loved." He lives that.

Linda Hamilton-Oppegaard

November 19, 2010

What can I say about a man that was like a big brother to me. His wisdom,laughter,and hugs(that would double as a Heimlich!) will be missed until I see him again. Love you.. See you there, or in the air!

Pat Bennett

November 18, 2010

My heart goes out to you.

Margaret Hart

November 18, 2010

Mike was an amazing person. He was a great friend and mentor to me as well as many others. I will always be grateful for everything he helped me through and for all the time we got to spend together. So thank you Mike for being my friend and mentor...You will be truely missed by all...

Robert & Paula Sillas

November 18, 2010

Michael we have met you several times and each time you we friendly and talked to us like you knew us forever. I knew that you were a big part of my children lives and I want to thank you for being there for them. I knew that you had accepted them into your family. I want to say that you were an inspiration on Christian love and acceptance. We will see you again someday.

Diane Leahey

November 17, 2010

Mike was a great friend and neighbor. We learned so much from this man of God. He had a great sense of humor. Until we meet again Mike.
We love you and your family.
Prayers and Love forever the Leaheys

Patti Savage

November 17, 2010

Mike was truly a great man and a great friend. His smile lit up a room, and his hugs filled you from the inside out. We spent hours and hours talking about anything and everything, and my life is richer from having known him. Thank you for sharing him with us all, Sherry, Heidi, and Bonnie. I'll see you again someday, my friend. Dance with Jesus.

Tamsen Perry

November 17, 2010

He was Intelligent, Humerous, and strong in his faith. Everybody loved him and looked forward to his wisdom and Bear Hugs... My Mom used to call him (Bear in a Chair) because being hugged by this man was almost like being hugged by God himself... he carried with him Authority, Respect, Gentleness & Peace, His love was truly unconditional!!! I am so Thankful & blessed just to have known him:)

Ken Manies

November 17, 2010

Mike sacrificed so much for others
and no matter how long you talked with
he would have a really great insight. Mike had a way of bringing out the best in people.

Jennifer McNeely

November 17, 2010

Mike was an amazing man of God. An inspiration to all...His memory lives on in the people he has impacted...

TnH Walker

November 17, 2010

We will miss you Mike, your hugs, wit and intelligence. We feel honored to have spent time with you and I will never forget our Psych talks. Troy loved talking about your muscle car and manly things..we love you and know you are not in pain anymore..

November 17, 2010

We were saddened to hear the world has lost another fine man. He will be missed.
Anita and Garron Riechers

Amy Walker

November 17, 2010

When Mike left this world we lost a shining light, a living example of what Christ can do and does in the hearts of his believers. There is no one like Mike and can never be again. Those who had the blessing of knowing him are forever changed. I will always remember his wisdom, his love and his wit. I look forward to seeing him again one day, complete and whole, shining with the glory of our savior. It is not good-bye but until later...

We love you Mike forever and always.

Yolanda Sillas

November 17, 2010

My friend and my brother. we have been through so much you me and Sherry. from ripping a house apart to putting it back together and all the stuff in between. I have never felt less than a member of the family . the the three main lessons you have helped me to achieve are trust in the Lord because he knows you better than you know yourself. love because it will never return void, and forgiveness it might not mend a broken relationship but it will mend your broken heart. Hope to see you again someday!

Michael Kovell

November 17, 2010

My friend and my brother. we have been through so much you me and Sherry. from ripping a house apart to putting it back together and all the stuff in between. I have never felt less than a member of the family . the the three main lessons you have helped me to achieve are trust in the Lord because he knows you better than you know yourself. love because it will never return void, and forgiveness it might not mend a broken relationship but it will mend your broken heart. Hope to see you again someday!

Laura Martin

November 17, 2010

Mike Truly was an amazing Man of God. He continually shared the Love of the Lord through his life. He has touched my life and I am changed because of it. Thank you Mike for being such a great listener of the Lord and serving the Lord in all you did. You will be missed.

November 17, 2010

Thank you Mike for being my friend and accepting me as I am. We had some great times together with you and Sherry. You are an amazing example of Christian love and how to grow in God. Thank you for all the teaching and wonderful conversations. Mostly thank you for the friendship. Well done good and faithful servant.

Esther Dahm

November 17, 2010

Mike was an amazing man I am thankful I was able to know him. His impact on my life will alway be remembered.

November 17, 2010

Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
~ The Appeal-Democrat Family

Mike Walker

November 17, 2010

Mike touched the hearts of so many people. His words of wisdom have had an incredible impact on my life. His love his Lord and Savior, Jesus was evident in the love he showed for all who knew him. His was a life truly worth celebrating and now his eternal life carries on and that is something to celebrate to. I love you my friend.

angel chance

November 17, 2010

Mike you were such a special person. Thank you so much for sharing your life experinces with me and sharing your love of life. While I am sad that you are gone, I am happy knowing that you are dancing and singing in the presence of the Lord. Have loads of fun being with our Saviour. we love you.

angel chance

November 17, 2010

Mike was always there for everyone and always enjoyed being there. I will miss him so much. Thank you Mike for sharing your life experiences with us and your boundless love. Everyone loves you and while we do miss you, we know that your dancing and singing with our Lord right now, Enjoy your time with him.

Greg Chance

November 17, 2010

I'm honored to have known Mike Kovell. He'll be sorely missed.

Richard Neault

November 17, 2010

Mike was a great guy! I will always treasure the time I had with him and will miss him dearly. Thank you my friend! You gave us so much!

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