Another snowmobile fatality

Funeral services will be held this week for a Sault Ste. Marie man who died after being struck by a snowmobile in Red Lake.

John Kovala, 41, was hit inside the town limits while skiing, the Thunder Bay Source reports.

The driver of the snow machine was 16 and is said to have suffered serious injuries.

Kovala was a geologist associated with Goldcorp's Red Lake Mine.

The following is his obituary, as supplied to SooToday.com by Arthur Funeral Home and Cremation Centre:

*************************************** KOVALA, John Michael

Sunday, March 07, 2004

Tragically, while skiing, on Friday, March 5, 2004 in Red Lake, Ontario at the age of 41 years.

Beloved husband and best friend of Judith (nee Lewis).

Cherished and devoted father of Stephanie and Andrew.

Loving son of Aarne and Anja Kovala.

Dear brother of Tom (Carita Lanner) of Indianapolis, Mark (Kelly Reilly) of Sudbury and Anna Liisa Kovala (Michael Jensen) of Sudbury.

Dearest son-in-law of Maitland and Kathryn Lewis. Dear brother-in-law of Brent Lewis (Vicki) and Robin Lewis-Palmer (Gary).

Uncle John will be sadly missed by his nieces and nephews, Julia, Benjamin, Jillian, Mia and Kieran of Sudbury and Alana, Christopher, Nadia, Rebecca and Laura of Sault Ste. Marie.

John is also survived by his aunts, uncles and cousins in Finland and Canada.

John was a devoted husband and father, a dedicated Geologist and an avid outdoorsman who lived life to the fullest.

Friends may call at the Arthur Funeral Home and Cremation Centre Thursday, March 11, 2004 from 2-4 p.m. and 6-9 p.m.

Funeral service will be celebrated on Friday, March 12, 2004 at Central United Church at 11 a.m. Rev. Don McKay officiating. Interment Greenwood Cemetery.

Memorial contributions to the Voyageur Trail Association (Trans Canada Trail) or charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.

We invite you to share with the family during the visitation by bringing a unique picture, memento, or writing about a special occasion that will be placed in the “memorial of life book” for a family keepsake.

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