It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved “Poppa”, Joseph Kovalik of Coleman, Alberta, who was called to be with the Lord on December 2, 2013 at the age of 85 years.
Joseph Andrew Peter Sylvester Kovalik was born on January 5, 1928 in Ghost Pine Creek, Alberta to proud parents, Joseph & Terezia Kovalik. Being raised on the family farm, Joe enjoyed the freedom and responsibilities of country life and he took great pride and enjoyment in raising cattle, fowl and growing crops. In the early 1960’s, Joe fell in love with a beautiful and charming young lady, Patricia Moore. The happy couple were married and further blessed with two precious daughters. Joe and Pat celebrated fifty glorious years as husband and wife always caring and supporting one another.
Joe was always a hard working and devoted husband and father who toiled many long hours to provide for his family. In his younger years, he was employed as a coal miner at Coleman Collieries until 1983 when he and Pat moved back to Ghost Pine Creek for the next twenty years to tend the family farm. He retired to Coleman to enjoy his golden years surrounded by family and friends.
Joe had great faith in God and was very active in the church. He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus and the Royal Canadian Legion in Coleman. Joe enjoyed many things in life including playing bingo and Yahtzee, baking, watching sports, having tea at Chris’ Restaurant and indulging in their delicious coconut cream pie. Although he was known to have “selective” hearing at times, Joe loved nothing more than socializing with family and friends. He was a fixture at his grandson, Derek’s hockey games and watching his granddaughter, Meghan figure skate. In addition to being a hardworking, independent and courageous man, he was very sociable, kind, and his friendly disposition and wonderful sense of humour were appreciated by all who knew him. Joe was an inspiration of courage and strength. May he find salvation in the Peace of Christ and may his memory continue to bless us with friendship and love.
Left to mourn his passing and celebrate his life include his loving children Terri (Lloyd Nash) Kovalik of Marwane, AB and Lenore (Shawn) Tarcon of Coleman; his cherished grandchildren, Derek and Meghan; his extended family as well as the many friends he made throughout his lifetime.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Pat Kovalik; his parents, Joseph and Terezia Kovalik; his brother, Steve Kovalik; his sisters, Mary Davidson and Irene Caswell; and his nephew, Bob Caswell.
The Memorial Mass honouring Joe’s life will be held on Thursday, December 12, 2013 at 1:00 pm at the Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church in Blairmore, AB with Fr. Ben Marino as Celebrant. There will be a special tribute provided by the Royal Canadian Legion and the Knights of Columbus will act as honour guard. Donations in memory of the late Joe Kovalik will be gratefully accepted by the Alzheimer Society of Alberta, 402, 740-4 Ave. S., Lethbridge, AB T1J 0N9. Condolences mat be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca.
Fantin’s Funeral Chapel entrusted with arrangements. (403) 562-8555.