Anthony Kovac

It is with great sadness that the Kovac family announces the passing of Mr. Anthony Kovac, age 77 of Thunder Bay, following a brief illness. Tony ('Red') was born on October 21, 1926 in Fort William, Ontario. He was the son of the late Anthony and Helen Kovac. As a young man he helped on the family farm in Stanley. He worked for the Simon Day Company as a sheet metal worker for many years and he eventually became plant manager until he retired. Tony was an avid athlete especially in hockey and fastball; playing many years for the Slovak Legion. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, as well as golfing for his recreation, and loved cheering on the Jays and the Leafs with a cold beer! Tony had many friends in town and was best known for his patience, practicality and witty sense of humour. After his retirement, he and his wife Laurie spent much of their time traveling the country, visiting their sons and daughters and six grandchildren. He was a member of St. Patrick's Parish. Tony is survived by Laurie, his loving wife of 54 years, daughter Carol Anne (Ron) Barrett of Manotick, Ontario, sons Larry (Ruth) of Calgary, Alberta, and Robert (Eliana) of Kamloops, B.C. , grandchildren Danny, Jennifer, Michael, David, Angelica and Anthony III. He is also survived by his older brother Peter (Claudine) of Thunder Bay. He was predeceased by his parents Anthony and Helen, sisters Mary, Helen and Margaret and a brother Raymond. Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 24, 2004 when family and friends will gather for the Funeral Mass in St. Patrick's Cathedral at 10:30 a.m. celebrated by Rev. David Gillen. Interment will follow at St. Patrick's Cemetery. Vigil Services will be offered on Wednseday evening at 7:00 p.m. in the Blake Funeral Chapel. If friends desire, memorials to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated. A tree will be planted in memory of Anthony Kovac in the Blake Funeral Chapel Memorial Grove. Annual dedication service will be held Sunday, June 26, 2005."