J. Michael Kovach

J. Michael Kovach

Michael Kovach, 57, of Goldvein passed away on Sunday, Aug. 26, 2012.

He was born on March 18, 1955, in Fairbanks, Alaska. Living as a child in France and Germany, he developed a love of travel and other cultures.

His experience as an Eagle Scout paved the way for a lifetime as a world explorer. As a self-taught botanist, he became an expert in orchid species and lectured around the country. With his wife Barbara, he created Southwind Orchids, which led him to explore native orchid habitats around the world. A species orchid from Peru, Phragmipedium kovachii, bears his name.

A true Renaissance man, Michael was a singer-songwriter, artist, visionary, craftsman, lover of flowers, science and history. He was a Presbyterian deacon and a street preacher, ministering to people throughout the world.

Cherishing Michael's memory are his loving wife of 20 years, Barbara Ellison; his parents, Col. James Kovach and Doris Rogers Kovach; sister Karen Kovach (and Isaac Soileau), nieces Katherine and Kimberly; mother-in-law Carolyn Pot; sister-in-laws Trish Kruse and Linda Ellison; brother-in-law Larry Ellison (and Connie); three aunts; an uncle; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He will be greatly missed by his beloved dogs, Jeb, Dixie, Annie and Coco, and cat Blanche.

A celebration of his life will be held in October.

Memorial donations may be made to the Fauquier County SPCA at fauquierspca.com or Box 733, Warrenton, Va. 20188, Goldvein Volunteer Fire Department, 14276 Goldvein Road, Goldvein, Va. 22720 or the Coalition Against Hunger, Box 454, Haymarket, Va. 20168.