John Frank Kovacs

John was born on a homestead at Hope Valley AB. In 1938, the family moved to a farm on Hopedale Road in Chilliwack. John graduated CHS in 1951. He worked at Ward’s Appliances and Furniture on Wellington Avenue and was a volunteer fireman, living at Hall #1 for five years. He moved on to Woodward’s furniture in Edmonton, and then to Simpsons-Sears as furniture department manager. He married Fay Hansen in 1958 at Carman United Church, and they had a son and a daughter. In 1967 they moved with Simpsons-Sears to Kitchener-Waterloo for three years and, in 1970, John was happily transferred to stores in the Vancouver area. John’s last ten working years were with Federal Business Development Bank in New Westminster as CASE Coordinator analyzing and assisting small businesses, after which he and Fay retired to Chilliwack in 1990.

Always a hard worker, John loved the challenges of creating a beautiful and productive garden wherever he lived. He enjoyed Chilliwack Garden Club, Chilliwack Museum, ElderCollege courses, and volunteering at the Great Blue Heron Nature Reserve. He loved driving and enjoyed RVing for a few years. John had an innate interest in people and their life stories—he was a great schmoozer! He maintained a keen interest in everything developing in Chilliwack. John’s life was much enriched by long-time friends, fellow Rotarians and Probus Club. Moving to Thom Creek Ranch on Promontory nine years ago began another group of friends.

Survived by Fay, his caring wife of 56 years, son Richard, daughter Patricia (Colin), and two grandsons, Jorden and Colson. Also by sisters, Helen, Elizabeth and Margaret, and brother, Steve, and many nephews and nieces. Predeceased by parents Joseph and Helen Kovacs and brother Joe.

Thank you to Dr. Paul Basson for your care for more than twenty years. We are grateful to Dr. Pippa Hawley of BCCA, and also to other physicians who advised John through the years. Arthritis and severe spine conditions caused John to live with chronic pain, but he maintained a sense of humour. Many thanks to Cheam Village Convalescent Care Unit, their caring nurses and aides, and especially their physiotherapy team, and Dr. L. MacIntosh. Appreciation also to CGH Emergency Department and NU3 staff.

A celebration of John’s life will be held in the Chapel of Henderson’s Funeral Home, 45901 Victoria Avenue, on Friday, December 5, 2014 at 3 pm. Please respect a scent-free environment.

If you desire, donations in John’s memory would be welcomed by the Rotary Foundation, care of The Rotary Club of Chilliwack, Box 28, Chilliwack BC V2P 6H7.

Arrangements under the direction of Henderson's Funeral Homes & Crematorium Ltd., Chilliwack, British Columbia.