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Glenn Kovas Obituary
Glenn was born in Roslyn Washington, grew up in East Palo Alto, and spent most of his life in Redwood City. He was a graduate of Sequoia High School, Menlo College, and San Jose State University, participating in football, wrestling, and baseball, as well as academics.
He taught at Carlmont High School in Belmont from 1957 to 1999, specializing in business law and business math. In honor of the many years coaching swimming and water polo and earning several water polo championships, the Aquatic Center at Carlmont bears his name.
In 1992, Glenn was named Coach of the Year by the California Coaches' Association. He was a long-time president, active player and supporter of the Redwood City Señors, the senior softball team. He was also an avid reader, an enthusiastic traveler and a lover of American and British history, country music, and musicals. He was respected and loved by hundreds of former students and could not walk down the street or enter a restaurant without being greeted by a friend. His was a life well-lived.
Glenn's wife of 49 years, Mary, died in 2002 and their son, Jim, in 2001. He is survived by his wonderful daughter Kathleen Williams of Elk Grove, California, six adult grandchildren, and his loving companion, Merren Carlson of Redwood City.
At Glenn's request, there will be no memorial service, but you are welcome to donate to the Glenn Kovas Scholarship Fund, Carlmont High School, 1400 Alameda de las Pulgas, Belmont, CA 94002, Attention Pat Smith, Athletic Director.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Glenn Kovas
Linda (Spear) Pace
May 28, 2023
Glenn was my swim coach both as a pre-teen and during high school. I was his student secretary in school as well. He was a terrific person and a personal friend. I think of him often and will miss his warm smile and soft demeanor.
Lisa Bluford
September 24, 2016
Omg! I always thought about Mr. Kovas all these years. I ran into Mr. Kovas a couple of months before his passing not knowing that I would not run into him again. It was a Happy Reunion. He was my favorite teacher. Economics, Football, Life and the most Important, How to be a Loving Giving Human Being to All. I would run into Mr. Kovas not only doing his wonderful purpose in school but giving, helping and volunteering outside of school. He will be missed. May God Bless Him as he journeys through his new life and May God Bless his Family and Friends. I Thank God for allowing me to know him. (Carlmont Student of Mr. Kovas Class of 1977)
June 30, 2015
He was a real nice guy.
Schlaefer Brian
June 1, 2015
I only found out from a friend & former classmate this past weekend that Kov had passed away. He was a wonderful teacher, always making the class (economics) fun yet having you learning at the same time. He was very nice & effectionately called a typing divice I used "the woodpecker." I will never forget the Carlmont Scotts t-shirt he gave me a couple days before graduation & hug from him upon me recieving a scolarship for CSM. In the years after that, we had periodic phone conversations about life & everything in general; I last saw him at Dr. Hunter's service; we looked across the room at one & other. A friend, teacher, counselor, listener, kind, fare, & firm describe him; he was nover a strict teacher, but would not let you get away with a lot.
March 11, 2015
I just found out about Glen's passing. He was like a second dad for me for many years. What a man. I met him in the early sixties and he was my coach until 1966. So much bigger than life. I visited every year or two at his home in Redwood City. It was like going back in time. He remembered everyone and every thing.
He will be greatly missed. We were lucky to have him among us.
Gordon Gallic
Sandy Meitrott
January 20, 2015
I just learned of the passing of my friend and teacher, Glenn Kovas. I have fond memories of him and to this day value his approach to teaching. He was both a counselor, teacher, mentor and friend. And -- he even acted as matchmaker when he tried setting me up with his son, Jim. *LOL* He remains one of my very best memories of Carlmont High School. He will be missed, but his teachings live on in each of us who were blessed to be one of his students.
Edward Evans
December 10, 2014
No other teacher/coach made a bigger impression on my life than Kov. He and I butted heads a few times but that was only when he wasn't making me laugh. He had a fantastic sense of humor and he was a great motivator. I know from experience that he didn't quit on anybody. I'll never forget him.
michelle wright
November 30, 2014
My condolences to Kathleen, Merren and the grandchildren. . Glenn had a "open garage door" policy that welcomed friends and neighbors to stop by and chat. Rest in peace dear friend
Greg Boyer
November 25, 2014
He really understood "his kids" at Carlmont. He was and is a great man. One couldn't help but learn about life in general from the coach. I certainly respected him for who he was and what he stood for. Miss you Coach.
Michelle Harrington Feller
November 16, 2014
Best wishes to the Kovas family.
I took a marketing class from Mr. Kovas in 1975. That sparked an interest in marketing; I went on to get a B.S. in business management with an emphasis in marketing, and then an MBA. Mr. Kovas at the start of all that.
I loved his class and he was such a great guy. He made everything more fun. He asked me to be a scorekeeper for his water polo team; I loved doing that and getting to know him and the water polo players better.
God speed Mr. Kovas! I'll never forget you. Thank you for all you have done for us! Sending love to your family.
Dean Angelides
November 16, 2014
Mr. Kovas demanded the most from all of us individually. He also taught us something very special -- how to contribute above and beyond our expectations to be even better as a team. These are lifelong lessons that have served me well personally, and now I do my best to pass these lessons on to others.
November 16, 2014
A true "giant" of a coach, teacher, and friend! You will be truly missed, but never forgotten. RIP Glenn.
Mark Stovall
November 16, 2014
What a guy. It was never Mr. Kovas, or Glenn, it was "Kovas". I had him for 2 classes and swam and played polo for him. Saw him off and on throughout the years. Attended a San Jose Giants game a few years back, and above all the cheers and whistles, one booming voice was recognized, hey, that sounds like Kovas. It was, and he never forgets a name. Even now as I swim twice a week, I still hear his voice booming over the pool...."kick it out, and I want to see flip turns!"
See you Kovas....
Always With A Smile
B G
November 15, 2014
Daniel Bobay
November 15, 2014
You were a giant to us swimmers who taught us more than how to compete. You were a friend, a mentor, a father who lives on in the things we do and in our hearts with much love
Karim Michael Tahir
November 15, 2014
Was a great coach, was a great teacher, tough and fair....Condolences
Reunion, Belmont, 2007
Gary Tjader
November 13, 2014
With one hand, he lifted me off the ground by my shirt and bellowed, "You're not going to quit! Get in the pool!!" 1969
Gary Tjader, Class of '71
Paul Sagers
November 8, 2014
Mr. Kovas was our business/typing teacher and water sports coach, and just attended our 50th class reunion in September where he, as always, was warmly welcomed by all. He left an indelible imprint on his students and became life-long friends with a number of us from the Class of 1964. We were especially pleased when we learned of the Aquatics Center at Carlmont being named in his honor. He had a bigger than life personality and definitely will be missed!
Paul Sagers
Carlmont Class of 1964
Claude DeMoss
November 8, 2014
The Glenn & Mary Kovas Family
Wonderful parents
Wonderful son & daughter
Wonderful grandchildren
Now
Wonderful memories
Glen was a long time friend & confidante
He was my buddy
I wil miss our "monthly chats", his smile & unique laugh
I will miss him
I will share & cherish the memories!
Kindest personal regards,
Claude
Garey Hurn
November 7, 2014
Mr. Kovas was my typing teacher in 1962. He sure was patient! Never made it to 60 WPM but his class sure helped me in later years on the P/C. He was truly a teacher for the students and we learned from him.
R.I.P.
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