Alexander Jerome Kovis began his life on the first day of summer, June 21st, 1990, and he brought that warm summer day with him everywhere he went. He was a force that drew people in with his infectious smile and laughter. His smile was the definition of love, matched only by the goodness of his heart.
Alex was born in Boise, Idaho, to Thomas Kovis and Maite Narvaiza. He grew up in Battle Mountain, Nev., and attended Battle Mountain High School, where he excelled at everything he put his mind to. He wrestled for 14 years and in 2008 was the State Heavyweight Champion, but he was most proud of pinning his long-time wrestling coach, Mitch Domagala, during practice.
He began working at Eklund Drilling his first summer out of high school and left in the fall to attend college at Boise State University, where he quickly followed in his father's footsteps and left after one year, preferring the early mornings on a drill rig to an early morning math class. After emptying a water truck in a most unconventional way, he gathered himself up and traveled to Spain, where he studied Spanish and immersed himself in his Basque heritage, making friends from all over the world.
He returned to Nevada to work underground with SMD at the Midas Mine, where he enjoyed his work but ultimately left in search of something more forgiving. It was during this search that Alex lost his life. It was taken from him in an auto accident after a hot summer day of swimming near Battle Mountain, Nev.
He is survived by his parents, of Battle Mountain, Nev.; his sister, Arantxa Kovis of Los Gatos, Calif.; Aunts Jayone Fitzhugh (James) of Burley, Idaho, Begona Peck (Duane) of Battle Mountain, Nev., Mary Watson (Glen) of Fairbanks, Alaska; Uncles Aitor Narvaiza (Krissy) of Elko, Nev., Charles Kovis (Erika) of Deary, Idaho, Jerome Kovis of New Meadows, Idaho; his grandmothers Maria Narvaiza of Battle Mountain, Nev., and Florence Kovis of Elko, Nev., and numerous cousins who he loved and adored.
He can never be replaced. And his beautiful smile will never be forgotten.
A viewing will be held on Tuesday, July 2, 2013, in Elko, Nev., at Burns Funeral Home and a memorial service will follow the next morning, Wednesday, July 3, 2013, in Battle Mountain, Nev., at 11a.m. at the Catholic Hall.[[In-content Ad]]
