Julian Stephen Kovats

Julian Stephen Kovats

April 4, 1959 - December 2, 2018

It is with great pain and sadness we announce the accidental deaths of our mother Greta May Kovats 88, and our brother Julian Stephen Kovats, 59, who succumbed to fire in their Wetaskiwin home Dec.2.

We are still coming to terms with this tragedy, but have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and compassion from a community we have called home since 1964.

Greta May (Viggers) was born in Widnes England, July 5 1930, and was the oldest of five. She immigrated to Canada with her loving husband Janos József Kovats in 1952, where they raised their own family of five with Julian Stephen being the fourth child born April 4 1959 in Edmonton.

A symbiotic relationship, our mother was ailing and our brother suffered from Multiple Sclerosis, the two provided each other love, comfort and support and was reassuring for the rest of us that they had each other, even to this all too tragic end.

There is so much one can remember of our loved ones. But perhaps the greater realization now is just how many people outside of our immediate sphere is overcome with this loss.

To the Wetaskiwin Fire Department, RCMP and fire investigations for their diligence and compassion – Thank-you.

Greta is survived by four siblings, Barbara, Beryl, Tom and William and three children, Kathie Toohey, Andrew Kovats and Anthony Kovats as well as several grand and great grandchildren. Julian is survived by two sons.

A private family Mass was held at Baker Funeral Chapel on Dec. 7. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to either the MS Society or Touchstone Place.

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