Richard Thomas Kovar, Jr.

RICHARD T. KOVAR JR., 60, of Toledo, Ohio and Manistee, Michigan, passed suddenly on July 2,2022 at Munson Hospital in Traverse City, Michigan. Rick was born October 11, 1961, in Toledo, OH. He was the son of Richard T. Sr., Marilyn A. Kovar and Linda Malott-Kovar. He graduated from Libbey High School class of 1980 and worked many years at RALCO in Toledo and The Anderson's Fabrication Unit as a welder, semi-truck driver and a wide variety of trades. He also enjoyed the challenge of his hobby, in "urban recycling!" Rick absorbed nature; the beauty and peace provided him great joy and fellowship with God. He celebrated this in various ways: long walks; wading in the great Muddy Maumee to get his Walleye limit, and heading up north to claim Chinook Salmon. He enjoyed hunting and trapping, adventuring to the isolated Canadian wilderness, accessible only by float planes! He loved gathering with family and friends for competitions of Risk, Pass the Pigs and UNO. No matter who won, these gatherings always ended in rolling laughter by all. He was a skilled poker player, attending various festivals to win the jackpot! He was an avid fan of The Ohio State Buckeyes. His love of music included various artists, attending many live performances, especially in the 1980's and 90's. He played both acoustic and electric guitars. Rick initiated and assisted in organizing Toledo's first years of Battle of the Bands, which featured many of Toledo's local artists and groups in concert. Ticket sales from these events went to assist Toledo's homeless population. Rick was indeed a people person, making good friends wherever he went, always quick with a smile. He enjoyed helping others, even during times when he had little himself. Always a great listener which endeared him to many. He was able to continue to help others per his wish to be an organ donor. These wishes were enabled by the dedicated work of the Gift of Life organization in Michigan. Richard is survived by his children: Richard T. (Joan) Kovar III, Christine (Tim) Taylor Jr., Erick Kovar, all of Toledo, Ohio, Christopher, Daniel, and Caitlin Rowland and Matthew Rowland- Kovar of Manistee, MI; grandchildren, Gracie and Grant Taylor; mother, Linda Malott Sabby (Greg); siblings, David (Cathy) Ferris, Cindy (Bruce) Janis, Vicky Paul (Ted), Bethanne Adamczak, Thomas Kovar, Steve (Jenny) Kovar, Barb (Don) Curtis, Bruce Sabby, Nicole Sabby; many cousins, nieces, nephews and their families; girlfriend, Maycee Cox and special friend/former spouse, Patricia Wolniewicz Kovar. He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard T. Sr. and Marilyn A. Kovar; spouse, Stacey Barton Kovar; grandparents, aunts and uncles. A celebration of Richard's life will be on Tuesday, August 2nd, 2022. We will gather for the Funeral Mass at 11:00 am at Rosary Cathedral Catholic Church on 2335 Collingwood Ave., Toledo, Ohio. Rite of Christian Burial services will follow at St. Ignatius Cemetery, Oregon, OH with Rev. Ken McKenna O.S.F.S. officiating. Luncheon celebration to follow; details available day of Funeral Mass. Flowers/arrangements may be sent to the Cathedral a day prior to the mass. Memorial contributions may be considered to the family or to the charity of the donor's choice. Thank you to the Cremation Society of Toledo.