Obituary of Michael Kovacs

It is with great sadness that we announce the quiet passing of Michael “Mihály” Kovacs on March 30, 2020 at his residence in Toronto, with his beloved wife Mary by his side. Mike battled worsening health problems for many years with his usual stoicism, but in the end succumbed to a short illness. He is survived by Mary, his sweetheart of 70 years, his children Susan (Todd) of Martintown and George (Heather) of Georgetown and grandchildren James, Nick, Michael and Annie. Miska bácsi is also lovingly remembered by his dear niece Liz (Steve) of Cambridge and nephew Joe (Ildiko) of Calgary, dear friend Tony of Toronto, and extended family in Canada and Hungary.Mike, as he was best known, the youngest son of a large farming family in Ják, Hungary, left at fifteen to help his brother in the army. He spent some time as a young POW on a French farm, afterwards returning to work many jobs for his brothers until he was officially drafted. Just before leaving for his border guard duties he met his beautiful future wife, both vacationing at Lake Balaton with friends. She wasn't so sure of this handsome charmer, but he, smitten and determined, set out to woo her. Very much in love, they married in 1953 and started a family. A few years later they escaped from Hungary suddenly in the midst of the 1956 uprising, with not much more than a suitcase, a couple of links of dry Csabai, and a dream of a better life of freedom.Even though a former materials manager, his first job in Canada was as a janitor at the Ottawa Civic Hospital. Mike was a well-liked and valued employee and his initiative, hard work and mastery of English took him ever further until settling in Toronto as a data processing manager. His usual savvy helped him to succeed in the insurance business, earning himself several accolades along the way, but he always wanted to be his own boss. Ultimately he was able to achieve his final goal of owning his own business, a small downtown grocery store where his improvements doubled the profits in less than a year with the help of Mary and Susan. He was so proud of that store, and loved the camaraderie with customers and suppliers and even the local cops who knew where the best coffee was! A few years after selling it, he bought another store that he and Mary and George ran successfully until finally retiring to enjoy travel and their condo overlooking the Don Valley. Except he still couldn't stay home, and became a concierge for several years!Worth noting is that Mike played the piano by ear, while friends and family gathered around to sing along or dance. And he was a very fine dancer too! He really enjoyed music, good food and a fine cognac. He'd say jokingly that a daily shot was his secret to a long life. He always splashed wine in his cooking, and grilled a helluva T-bone steak. He was a keen gardener and swimming enthusiast, instilling his love of the outdoors in his children. Skating, skiing in winter. Hockey! Summer camping trips to provincial parks, fishing (including frogs ;) hiking and canoeing, and even sailing. It was a rare birthday or Father's Day card that didn't have a sailboat on it; he always dreamed of having one. And he loved all animals, even bringing an ailing pigeon home to nurse back to health, but especially loved his dogs Buksi (a cocker spaniel) and Morzsa (a border collie). He also loved his grandchildren very much (James, Nick, Michael, Annie) and always indulged them with playtime and cuddles when they were little. He was very proud of them, as he was of his children Susan and George. He was generous and supportive of all their efforts through the years. While he loved to regale us with stories of his adventures, in his last years he was given to reminiscing about old songs and long poems from his youth that he would recite at remarkable length. Even as so many other memories became vague, he always remembered his loved ones and they could still coax smiles and giggles from him with silly jokes. He peppered every conversation with heartfelt “I love you”'s and he most surely felt loved too right to the end. He will be cherished forever and missed by all his family and friends.BÜSZKE MAGYAR, DRÁGA KEDVES ARCÁT, KEDVES MOSOLYÁT, EMLÉKE SZÍVÜNKBEN ÉL!As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations made to the Georgian Bay Land Trust or the Alzheimer Society of Canada would be warmly welcomed.We are very saddened that we have had to postpone our memorial service due to family illness. We will notify everyone with new details when we can go ahead with this Celebration of Life. Thank you for reaching out with your kindness, thoughts and prayers through these difficult times.