Steve Istvan Kovacs

Steve Istvan Kovacs passed away peacefully on December 30, 2023 at Soldiers Memorial Hospital in Orillia at the age of 92. Steve was preceded in death by his loving wife Dorothy Kovacs (Millman) and was the caring father of Erica Lovrics, Monika Kovacs (Adam Dunits) and Lea Comission (Chris Comission). He will be greatly missed by grandchildren Mattias Dunits, Kai Dunits, Lauren Comission and Cali Comission, as well as nephew Pista Gruber and nieces Dora Gruber and Emily McComas. He is also preceded in death by his sister Kati Gruber.

Born in Budapest Hungary, Steve had a passion for sport and was a member of the Hungarian Olympic speed skating team. In 1957, he arrived in Canada without any English. Steve’s determination and hard work led him to become a mechanical design engineer. He eventually joined Simpson-Sears, where he dedicated many years of service as an engineer before retiring. Steve's involvement in the Hungarian Engineer's Association, where he served as president for several years, allowed him to build lasting friendships.

Steve continued his passion for speed skating when he first arrived in Toronto. He competed with the Canadian national team after becoming a Canadian citizen in 1962 and went on to become the head coach for the Ontario team as well as the Canadian national coach. Steve's dedication to the sport led him to establish several speed skating clubs in Toronto, including the Toronto Metro Speed Skating Club in 1964. He continued to grow the sport and advocate for better training facilities. His efforts resulted in the construction of a 400-meter outdoor skating oval at Riverdale Park in 1966.

Steve extended his love of sports and the outdoors to his family. Weekends were often spent XC skiing, cycling, fishing, camping and cottaging with his family. He also enjoyed traveling with Dorothy and his family. 

A memorial service for Steve will be held in spring of 2024. Further details will be released by the family at a later date.