Leonard Kovich

Leonard Raymond Kovich

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and uncle, Leonard Raymond Kovich on Wednesday, January 13, 2021. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Lana, son Kyle, daughter Samantha (Jace Cherepak) and granddaughters, Brynley and Blaire; mother Olga, brothers Norman and Clifford, sister Doreen Olafson (Dean), father and mother-in-law Karvel and Judy Karvelson, sister-in-law Lisa Poirier (Bernie), brother-in-law Clayton Karvelson (Karen) as well as one niece, 5 nephews and one great-nephew and numerous aunties and cousins. He was predeceased by his sister Marlene, father John and brother Gerald.

Leonard was born on October 30, 1962 in Gimli and lived in Riverton and Hnausa all of his life. Right after graduation, and missing his grad, he left with a school buddy and headed straight to Calgary to live and work with his brothers, Gerald and Clifford. A lot of funny stories were told about this time in his life! He moved back in 1982 and started working, thanks to big brother Norman, for Manitoba Highways as an Engineering Aide on a seasonal basis then eventually full time. He did many different jobs and travelled all over Manitoba. Eventually he started working in asphalt labs which he enjoyed. Because of his travels with work, he met a lot of people and would tell his family some interesting stories when he got home! He made sure to call Lana every night once he got back to his hotel, and they would each talk about their day and make plans for when he came home next. Everyone liked and respected Leonard, as he was very good at his job, was a straight-shooter, and would not put up with short cuts.

In 1989 he purchased his first commercial fishing quota, after apprenticing with his good friend, Clay Peterson followed by a second quota in 1991. In 1990 he married the love of his life, Lana, and they moved into the log home that he had won with a single $100 ticket at the early age of 22. They renovated and moved in then welcomed 2 wonderful kids Kyle in 1991 and Samantha in 1994. Leonard took immense pride in the property, and worked on it tirelessly. No one but him could make it “perfect”!

He loved rod and reel fishing which became a passion to the point that he ended up with a huge collection of rods and reels and other equipment. He bought a kayak and would enjoy going north of Riverton to kayak and fish. He couldn’t wait for granddaughter Brynley to be old enough to go fishing with “Gampa”. He also fished commercially every winter first in Hecla, then in Hnausa, steps from his home and always did it by himself which earned the respect of other fishermen.

He would always fix things for his mom, either in her home, or outside. He’d haul branches and garbage away for her, and would often call her or stop in to make sure she was okay. He was a great big brother to little sister Doreen, always ready to protect her if needed. His family all says that he was the strong, level-headed one. His older brothers loved their little brother.

He discovered a great love of traveling and made many trips with Lana to the Caribbean, Las Vegas and Vancouver Island, which was his absolute favorite and said that if he ever won money, he and Lana would buy a home on the island.

Kyle and Sam remember a hard-working Dad who always made sure that they were taken care of and would pitch in to help whenever they needed it. He had a quirky sense of humor & they have a lot of memories of his goofiness.

One of his favorite things happened lately when he asked Brynley, “Who’s the best, Brynley?” and she answered, “Gampa the best!!” He rode that one for a long time!

Lana, his children, his son-in-law and his little granddaughters were his life, and he made sure that they wanted for nothing. Everyone liked and respected Leonard as he was a hard worker, generous and loyal to a fault, full of compassion and would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He touched everyone who knew him, and will be sorely missed by all.

A big thank you to all of the volunteers who helped in the search and brought food, and to the RCMP for their compassion and kindness.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

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