William Kovac

July 4, 1935 - December 14, 2024

In loving memory...

Born in former Yugoslavia, he fled the country at age 18, spending a number of years as a refugee in Salzburg Austria before emigrating to the United States. He arrived in New York on December 16,1955 and lived with an uncle Tony in upstate New York while learning the trade of upholstery.

In 1958 he moved to Denver Colorado with his first wife, Patricia Louise Riley. To make ends meet, he took on various jobs, from hospital orderly, to waiting tables and teaching upholstery in the evenings at The Emily Griffith School of Opportunity. He worked for years honing his craft at Al's Upholstery eventually purchasing the business. With Bill at the helm, Al's Upholstery was a standard for honesty and high-quality workmanship in Denver for many decades.

After his marriage ended, Bill shouldered the sole responsibility of raising his 3 children. He married a second time to Ingrid Musick, expanding his family with the addition of Ingrid and her daughter Petra Musick. After selling his shop, Bill moved to Glenwood Springs, CO where in semi-retirement he became a prominent upholsterer in the tri Valley area. His upholstered furniture still graces the lobbies in some of the finest hotels and resorts in Aspen and Vail. After his second divorce he continued to live in Glenwood Springs which was his forever home.

Bill had a creative and entrepreneurial spirit. In his spare time, he enjoyed cooking, entertaining, gardening and even home wine production. But Bill was best known for his love of family and his superb craftsmanship and furniture design.

He spent much of his time the last 19 years with his dear friend Cecilia Hadley, traveling and making lasting memories.

He is survived by his 3 children, William Daniel Kovac, Karen Kovac Norman and Judith Susan Kovac and 5 grandchildren, Bailey Justine Kovac, Cameron Joy Kovac, William Daniel Kovac Jr., Sydney Ann Norman and Georgina Scott Norman, as well as his extended family in Slovenia.

He was a loving father and friend who will be missed and never forgotten.

Please join us for a celebration of life on June 28, 2025, 4 pm -7 pm.

Veltus Park, South Shelter, 901 Midland Ave. Glenwood Springs, CO 81601

Please visit legacy.com for more information.

In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to Hospice of the Valley, Glenwood Springs and Emily Griffith School of Opportunity.