John Kovach, Jr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather was born at home on June 5, 1929, in Reliance, Wyoming, the first-born child of Ellen Spence and John Kovach Sr. In his early years, he was surrounded by extended family and enjoyed the freedom of playing on the high desert and learning outdoor skills and self-reliance. A graduate of Rock Springs High School, he attended Brigham Young University, majored in chemistry, and played trumpet with his band in surrounding communities. During school vacations, he worked in the U.P. Coal mines around Rock Springs. In 1950, John received the opportunity to go to Washington, D.C. to work in the office of U.S. Senator Hunt and to continue college. He attended Strayer College during the day and worked for the Senator during the afternoon and evening. During that time, he also served as a Capitol Policeman. As the Korean War was in progress, John joined the U.S. Army, Ready Reserve (Active Status) where he served for three years, attaining the rank of Corporal.

While a student at Strayer College, he met June Elizabeth Walsh, and the couple was married August 22, 1953, in Washington DC. After graduation, the couple drove to Rock Springs, WY to begin their married lives.

While in Wyoming, John was employed as Field Account for the Mt. Fuel Supply Co., and then as Assistant Controller for FMC. His service commitment continued, and he transferred to the Wyoming National Guard in 1953 and rose to the rank of First Lieutenant as Commander of B Battery, 351st Armored Field Artillery Battalion.

In November 1958, John ran for and was elected to the Wyoming State Legislature as a State Senator from Sweetwater County. He served four years in that position and was known for his legislation on the preservation of parklands and wildlife.

In 1962, the family moved to California, where John was employed by U.S. Borax as Controller at the Los Angeles Harbor facility. He was later transferred to the company’s corporate headquarters, ultimately becoming General Manager of Corporate Procurement and Materials Management.

In 1986, John left U.S. Borax and started his own consulting company. Clients included international corporations and S.W. Native American tribes and pueblos. During those years, John was also a teacher of purchasing and material management at UCLA. He served two terms as Chairman of the Energy Committee of the California Manufacturers Association, facilitating the passage of landmark decisions by the California Public Utilities Commission that reduced public energy costs. He will be remembered for his service to The National Association of Purchasing Managers, where, as President of The Los Angeles Chapter, he became a member of The National Committee. During his tenure, he was co-founder of the national Materials Management Group.

In 1995, John retired from business and continued his life of service. John is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in many church callings during his life, including as a Councilor in The Simi Valley, CA, Stake Presidency; Bishop of The Simi Valley Young Adult Ward, and later; as Bishop of The Simi Valley Third Ward.

In 2004, the family moved to McKinney, TX, where John was called to serve as McKinney Stake Patriarch from 2008 to 2017. John died peacefully in his sleep after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease on March 4, 2022.