Rick Cowgill

Rick Wayne Cowgill was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and faithful friend. He enjoyed having his family around him, and offered his time as a most valuable gift. Working with his hands, he labored as a carpenter. Staying close to nature, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. In his work and leisure, Rick demonstrated that the best things in life are the simplest. Rick was born to Verlyn and Valarie (Gipson) Cowgill on August 19, 1959 in Coloma, Michigan at a time when America was enjoying post-war peace and prosperity. With the Supreme Court decision to desegregate public education, the stance of Americans like Rosa Parks, and the rising prominence of Martin Luther King, Jr. the civil rights movement became a dramatic force in U.S. history. Growing families launched the baby boom era and worked to make the American Dream a reality. Ricks parents were part of that optimism, with his father employed at a paper factory and his mother working as a waitress to support Rick and his younger siblings, Kevin and Kathy. Living in the rural community of Coloma, Rick enjoyed the outdoors, and he retained his love for hunting, fishing and camping throughout his lifetime. After completing his education at Coloma High School, Rick enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served for a few years before returning home to work various jobs in the construction trade. He did siding and roofing, but he also worked at a fruit canning company for a time. Still in his early 20s, Rick was introduced to a young woman who would become his lifelong companion. Rick met Wanda Curl through a friend, and the two began dating. Their relationship grew into love, marriage and family. Rick and Wanda were married in 1983 and their daughter Erin was born in 1985. They had great times together as a family, going on picnics or camping trips all over the state mostly, at KOA campgrounds. Wherever they set up camp, it was usually where Rick could do some fishing. Unfortunately, the marriage fell apart after seven years and Rick and Wanda went their separate ways. Amazingly, they found one another again after many years and a brief second marriage for Rick. In 1995, Rick and Wanda picked up their life together and made a home for themselves and granddaughter Jazlynn, of whom Rick had guardianship. He enjoyed all his grandchildren, and they regularly helped him in the yard or on whatever project he was doing around the house. Work on the house came natural for a carpenter, and Rick was a perfectionist when it came to his work. He was a valued employee at Purcell Home Improvement in Grand Haven, Michigan, however, persistent health concerns forced him to eventually stop working. Still, he did not let problems with his heart and lungs keep him from doing what he loved. He kept close contact with his family, spent lots of time with his grandchildren, and went hunting and fishing on Michigan lakes and rivers with his best friend, Steve Milnickel. Over the years, Rick had suffered a heart attack and had several stints put in. However, he was not able to recover from a most recent heart attack on May 15, 2009, and Rick died on that Friday at the age of 49. In the years he was given, Rick touched many lives, and he will be missed by his beloved family and devoted friends. Rick Wayne Cowgill is survived by his wife, Wanda; daughter, Erin Cowgill; grandchildren, Jazlynn Cowgill, Conner Debner and Riley Schmidt; father, Verlyn (Jerry) Cowgill of Coloma, MI; mother, Valarie Cowgill of Watervliet, MI; grandmother, Ruth Cowgill of Watervliet; brother, Kevin Cowgill of Coloma, MI; sister, Kathy (Robert) Hornbarger of MO; Best Friend Steve Milnickel of Berrian Center, MI; 2 step-sons, Brandon Harris of CA, David Sanchez of OH; 2 step-brothers; Steve (Dlorah) Craig of Watervliet, Larry Craig of Coloma; step-sister, Mary Craig of GA. A service to celebrate Ricks life will be held Wednesday, May 20, 2009, 3:00 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home ~ Grand Haven with Rev. Mark Manning officiating. Memorial contributions to the family are greatly appreciated. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.