Eugene Kowch

Gene Kowch, born June 27, 1924 in Norquay, Saskatchewan, Canada passed away peacefully with his wife at side on Dec 23, 2011. Son of Wasel (Bill) and Helen, (nee Olienick), Kowch. Preceded by brothers Steve (Emily) Kowch; Paul (Emilia) Kowch; Russell and widow Rose of Calgary, Alberta Canada and late sister Anne (Walter) Sapach. Survived by cousins Metro Cherewyk, Calgary and Bill (Audrey) Cherewyk, Norquay and many loving nieces and nephews. Surviving him is his wife of 29 years, Dorothy Dubel Kowch and her four children Dawn (Joe) Hudson; Robert Renneker; Gregory (Kathy) King; Thomas (Ligia) King and three grandchildren Marina, Andrew and Christina. As a young man Gene learned the book-binding trade. One of his specialties was repairing and re-gilding gold-trimmed covers on large church bibles used for the altar. Gene relocated to the US via Columbus OH in 1956 and became a US citizen. He was a sales manager for an advertising company supervising offices in Miami, New York City and Dallas TX. Gene was a professional dancer featured on a weekly TV Dance Hour Show in Columbus. He became a talented violinist and was endowed with an outstanding singing voice. In Miami, Gene served as Cantor for 24 years at St Mary's Ukrainian Catholic Church. In later years, he was a Realtor with the Keyes Company specializing in commercial properties. Gene prided himself on being a member of the Knights of Columbus since 1954. He received many recognitions for his services and volunteerism. "Grampa Gene" and "Mr. Gene" will be sadly missed by his family and friends, remembered for his outspoken ways and his passion for patriotism and Catholic beliefs. Visitation Thursday, Dec . 29 from 6-9 pm Baldwin-Fairchild Funeral Chapel, 90 Weathersfield Ave. at Hwy 436, Altamonte Springs. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial Friday, Dec. 30 at 10 am at Annunciation Catholic Church, 1020 Montgomery Rd, Altamonte Springs. The family will have private burial service at Highland Memory Gardens.