Collectors across Canada are mourning the recent passing of Dr. Earle Leslie Covert, a towering figure in Canadian philately whose legacy spans decades of research, leadership and community service.
Best known for his work in postal stationery, Covert’s quiet dedication helped elevate the study of this specialized area while also inspiring generations of fellow collectors.
Dr. Covert died on May 3 in Lethbridge, Alta., at the age of 86. While widely respected in philatelic circles, his contributions extended well beyond stamp collecting. He balanced a distinguished medical career in Canada’s North with decades of volunteer work, spiritual outreach, and deep personal relationships across the country. His death leaves a significant void not only among collectors but also in the many communities where he lived, worked and served.
Within the philatelic community, Dr. Covert played a central role in the British North America Philatelic Society (BNAPS), holding multiple executive positions, leading study groups, and co-authoring the seminal Webb Catalogue of the Postal Stationery of Canada and Newfoundland. Through articles, exhibits, and collaborations, he helped shape the way Canadian postal stationery is studied and collected today.
His involvement in philately was never about personal recognition. Fellow collectors remember him as humble and approachable, always willing to share his knowledge or encourage a new exhibitor. Whether giving a talk, contributing to catalogues, or quietly mentoring behind the scenes, Dr. Covert left a lasting mark on the Canadian hobby landscape.
The next issue of Canadian Stamp News (Vol. 50 No. 04) will feature an in-depth tribute to Dr. Covert’s remarkable life, highlighting his influence on Canadian philately, his leadership within BNAPS and beyond, and the personal stories that reveal the man behind the stamps.