Zsoltan Kovacs

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Zsoltan Kovacs

Information

Preferred title:	Not specified
Their Pronouns:	Not specified
Resides:	Atenveldt
Status:	deceased
Awards:	Visit the Caid Order of Precedence

Heraldry

Sable, a cross potent rebated in annulo argent surmounted of a lion rampant gules.

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Master Zsoltan Kovacs, OL aka Zoltan; Laurel given by William & Donna (West) Being a member of the SCA since 1968 (Calafia), Kirby has the distinction of being a Double Laurel given by both the West and Atenveldt at the same time. In these early SCA years, this was possible before Laurels were recognized as a courtesy outside of the home kingdom.

Kirby has passed on with Thor's hammer in hand this afternoon (9/15/2021). He went with to the sound of bagpipes playing. After battling with Covid caused viral pneumonia for several weeks while in ICU, he took a severe downturn last night. It was time. Kirby has stated many times he did not want to resuscitated and his ashes to be here in the shop. Kirby always considered himself a Calafian since its beginnings. (Kirby joined the SCA in 68) He and Dean (Baron Talanque) were long time friends. He was very saddened when Dean died. For us both, the making of the Trident was a joy and a honor. Let us all raise a horn to his legend and legacy as a Master Swordsmith. ~ Laurie Wise

Associations

Husband to Morgana Swansdottir

Memories

Master Zsoltan (Kirby) broke ground for arms and armor during his time. He took me under his wing for a short while when I was quite young and interested in pounding metal. I learned many things from him and will always be grateful for his tutelage. He was definitely a powerful personality, and not to everyone's taste. But his talent and workmanship, augmented by his family and especially by his lady wife, Morgana Swansdottir was unique and ruggedly beautiful. We shall never know another like him. His family plans to continue his legacy. ~Eadwynne of Runedun

I too share many of the same kinds of memories as my friend Eadwynne of Runedun, Master Zsoltan’s (Kirby’s) influence was also key to the foundation of Dreiburgen Armourers Guild. It was the interest in smithing and the knowledge I pick up from him that allowed me to host Baronial Armory meetings for so many years. ~Malcolm Alberic

In A.S. X, a fair percentage of fighters in Caid were wearing helmets made by Kirby, wearing brestplates made by Kirby, and carrying replica swords and shields made by Kirby. It is a sad loss for all of us. I only met him a few times at Calafian events, because he spent most of his time at his forge in the desert, but he was not the sort of man who is easily forgotten. I don't know how many fighters wear examples of his best work, but Duke Martin, Duke Armand, and Sir AEthelred all wear beautiful broadswords made by Kirby. -- Robear du Bois