Donald Andrew Kovach

Donald Andrew Kovach: December 21, 1942 - February 3, 2023

preceded in death by parents Andrew Kovach and Theresa G. Kovach (Szabo). Survived by children Kimberly Ann, Jennifer Ann (Thomas A.), Jonathon Andrew, and three grandchildren Amelia, Winnie and Dalton.

"Life is hard, kid." was one of the things dad would say while we were growing up. He said that and then had a couple of good lectures complete with diagrams about the "wanna's and the hastas". What we want to do and what we have to do are two very different things. What we have wanted to do for most of our lives is spend time with our dad, but sometimes life is complicated. And what we HAVE to do is accept that truth we were taught so long ago… "Life is hard, kid."

Dad was a first generation American. His first language was Hungarian. He was the only child of child immigrants who came over through Ellis Island from the "old country". He was a star football player in highschool, a tool and die maker by trade, a graduate of Northern Michigan University and a dedicated Ford man. "Dockem Don" was hard, fair, consistent and respected. He had a sense of humor and people liked him. As a kid you don't appreciate the pats and accolades that work colleagues tell you about your dear old dad. He always seemed to be there, but a little bit out of reach. As an adult you become grateful for the stories and the lessons. He spent 27 years with Ford Motor Company before a heart attack at work resulting in brain injury forced a medical retirement that ended his career and his life as we all knew it.

Dad's parents were child laborers, farmers and autoworkers. They worked. They taught dad how to work, and he in turn taught me and my siblings. We all have a story or two from under a boat hull with the sander and red paint. Or out in the yard or wherever he informed us was our next apprenticeship. We were children in the eighties. He was divorced for all intents and purposes three times. And by today's standards, our dad would not win any father of the year awards, but he was wise and he took his job as provider and teacher seriously. And, he loved us. Hungarian was his first language, and in a way you could say work was his love language.

You didn't argue with dad. He would firmly advise that he didn't have to do anything but die and pay taxes. When he got sick he lost his executive function, and we lost the man whose last email closed. "Catch me if you can! Love, Dad."

We never could catch you, dad. And, I think that probably pleases you. We want you to know that we have felt your love. And, our children know you.

They know you through me as I promise to keep your lectures going, and your first grand-daughter gives me an A+ on my keeping those lectures alive. I will be forever grateful that you taught us how to work. I love the water because of you.

They know you through our sister, who has your tenacity and drive. Your second grand-daughter has it too. They know you through our brother who looks like you, tells stories like you and takes crap from no one just like you. They know you through your son-in-law because he is the kind of dad and provider that you perhaps aspired to be.

Your grandson loves to fish. He says you are a bluebird because bluebirds are rare. Well, dad, you are rare and it HAS BEEN HARD, kid! In a million years we wouldn't have expected things to go the way they have, but we love you more than you will ever know!!

Rest in peace daddy. Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon him. May the soul of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.

Memorial Donations can be made in lieu of flowers to the American Heart Association www.heart.org or the Brain Injury Association of Michigan www.biami.org

For Service details, please reach out the family.