MIKLOS ISTVAN PAUL KOVACS

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

MIKLOS ISTVAN PAUL KOVACS February 1, 1936 - January 3, 2018 It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Miklos Kovacs, peacefully at home with his family by his side, at the age of 81. In death, he is now reunited with his true love, Livia. Born in Budapest, Hungary, Miklos moved as a young boy to Keszthely with his family after the war. It is here on Lake Balaton that Miklos discovered his love of water sports, particularly sailing. In Keszthely, Miklos pursued an agriculture degree all the while playing on Hungary's junior national soccer team. It is also here, at the age of 20, that he met the love of his life, Livia and after marrying in 1961 and having their first child, they immigrated to Canada in 1964. In Canada, Miklos continued to pursue his studies with a M.Sc degree from Guelph University in 1969 and a Ph.D from University of Manitoba in 1974. In 1974, the family, including their second child, moved to Saskatoon where Miklos was offered a post doctorate position with the University of Saskatchewan. In 1975, he accepted a position with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans in Halifax, Nova Scotia. In 1979, when DFO Halifax was closed, the family moved back to Winnipeg where Miklos accepted a position with Agriculture Canada. It is in Winnipeg that he held an adjunct professorship with the U of M, very much enjoying working with post doctorates. In the ensuing years he travelled extensively through work, destinations including Europe, Australia, and China, most often with Livia accompanying him. Although his research and work were important to Miklos, it is not what defined him in the eyes of his family, friends, and others that knew him. A renaissance man, Miklos was an accomplished artist, musician, carpenter, and an avid outdoorsman. He loved animals, always taking in strays that his daughter Edith would bring home. He and Livia, with little financial means in their early years in Canada, realized the importance of exposing their daughters to the world outside their own and would pack up the old VW van and canvas tent and head out across Canada and the US on various camping trips. When his beloved wife, and anchor for his life, fell ill, Miklos' heart broke and never healed. He never stopped caring for and loving those around him but was unable to extend himself beyond his own grief. In the three years after Livia's death, there was a small part of him that began to return, most notably during the past seven months when he was residing at The Saul and Claribel Simkin Centre. The love, care, and understanding of the staff was able to lift him somewhat out of his grief, their daughters better able to connect with him. He is deeply missed and will always be remembered by his surviving daughters, Edith (Joe) and Christina (Daniel), grandsons, Sam and Daniel, and everyone who knew and understood him. A private service has been held and Miklos laid to rest next to his beloved Livia on January 6, 2018 at Glen Lawn Memorial Gardens. "And hand in hand, on the edge of the sand, They danced by the light of the moon", Edward Lear. The family extends their sincere appreciation to everyone at the Simkin Centre, particularly the nurses and aides on W3, for the love, care, and respect they demonstrated during Miklos' stay and in particular during his final days; this love and caring extended to his daughters and friends as well. If so desired, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society or Winnipeg Animal Services Agency. Family and friends may sign a Book of Condolence at www.glenlawn.ca Glen Lawn Funeral Home 204-982-7550

Make a donation to

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 13, 2018