Thavisakdi "Ted" KOVITHAVONGS
Dr. Thavisakdi “Ted” Kovithavongs
On June 12, 2025, Dr. Thavisakdi “Ted” Kovithavongs passed away at the age of 85 years.
Ted is lovingly remembered by his daughter Kay and his son Carl (Monique). Ted was predeceased by his wife Orranoot Pichairut, who passed on May 17, 1989, two elder sisters and three younger brothers.
Ted’s parents emigrated from China to Bangkok, Thailand. He was the third of 10 children who were all born and raised in Bangkok. He had four brothers and five sisters. Most of the family is back in Thailand--including many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. After completing his medical degree, he moved to North America to do post graduate training. He met his wife in the USA--another Thai physician doing training. They got married in 1971 and moved to Edmonton the following year. He obtained his PhD from the University of Alberta in 1977, where he worked for nearly three decades as a nephrologist, researcher, and educator. He retired in 2005. Ted enjoyed classical music and played the violin. He enjoyed gardening and loved all types of trees and flowers. After his retirement he discovered his love for cats.
Many thanks to staff at Fort Saskatchewan Care Community; Fort Saskatchewan Community Hospital; the Alberta Thai Association; the Senior’s Clinic at the U of A; the Dialysis Unit at the U of A; the Department of Medicine at the U of A and the Department of Psychiatry at the U of A.
Donations in memory of Ted may be made to:
Kidney Foundation of Canada
Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories
University Hospital Foundation
A celebration of Ted’s Life is being planned for:
September 20, 2025
3:00 to 5:00 pm
Riverbend Community League
258 Rhatigan Road East
Carl and Kay please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of your father. Thinking of you and sending love during this difficult time. We are thinking of you ❤️❤️
Carl and Kay, Richard and I would like to send our sympathy to you both. Your father was a wonderful physician with a gentle sense of humour and a caring attitude. He will be missed at the retiree dinners. Take care.
Grateful thanks to and warm memories of your father who supported my husband and myself in the home hemodialysis learning program many years ago. Dr. Kovi was always patient, supportive and encouraging during a very stressful time for our family.
Dear Family of Dr. Kovi. Sincere condolences on the passing of Dr. Kovi. He was a wonderful caring physician who always had a smile on his face no matter the circumstances. My in laws were very fond of him over the many years being under his care. And although they are no longer with us, the memories of his compassionate care will always stay with us. Take good care. Verna Yiu
Kay & Carl..I had the tremendous pleasure of working with your dad for many years. He had such a kind & gentle ,giving spirit & has touched many lives along the way. He will be genuinely missed