Leslie Kovacs

Kovacs, Dr. Leslie, M.D. F.R.C.P. (C.) Quietly at home, surrounded by his family, passed away on July 23, 2008, after a long illness. He was a loving husband of 60 years to Dr. Agnes Bimbi-Kovacs; an adoring father of Dr. Tom, Kathy, Dr. Julie, and Dr. Susie, and an affectionate father-in-law to Dr. Deirdre Anglin, Barry Litman, and Dr. Steven Shadowitz; and a devoted grandfather to Alexander, Sarah, and Trevor Kovacs; Adam, Gabrielle, and Jonathan Kovacs-Litman; and Sam, Jacob, and Ellen Shadowitz; and first-cousin of Agnes Lustigue, who was like a daughter to him. A tireless, respected internist and endocrinologist, with over 50 years of service to the Royal Victoria Hospital and to his private practice; he was Associate Professor of Medicine at McGill University, a clinician teacher to hundreds of medical students and residents, and mentor to generations of physicians. He was the co-founder of the Metabolic Day Centre (for Diabetic Care). He was the Chairman and Treasurer of the Association of Physicians at RVH, and subsequently, the McGill University Health Centre, for 36 years. He was an examiner for Internal Medicine for the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and an elected representative for Internal Medicine to the Fédération des Médecins Spécialistes du Québec. The Fédération later named him as their representative to the billing revision committee at the Régie de l'Assurance Maladie du Québec. He co-authored a significant textbook on Diabetes. His work ethic was exemplary. A great sportsman, Leslie was a Hungarian regional fencing champion, and a terrific skier, skater, tennis player and water-skier. He enjoyed music, fine food, science, animals and nature especially mountains and shorelines. An avid reader, with great expertise in geography, he was an authority on World War II. He was well known for his sense of humor and story telling, always with a Hungarian flair. A brilliant individual who excelled at everything he did, he had a lifelong thirst for knowledge. This wise, kind, and honorable gentleman, a true leader, who has been loved and respected by so many, has requested there be no funeral. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Division of Endocrinology, Royal Victoria Hospital foundation, 514 843-1543, 687 Pine avenue West, Montreal, H3A 1A1.