William George "Bill" Gowin's Obituary
Mr. William George “Bill” Gowin, age 62, passed away very suddenly on Thursday, October 29, 2009 at a local hospital. He was born November 13, 1946 in Muskegon to William V. and Berniece (Ferguson) Gowin and lived his entire life in the area. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and was disabled from the Vietnam War. On June 7, 1969, Bill married the love of his life, the former Sandra I. Fortier, and she remained at his side as a loving and devoted wife, having just celebrated 40 years of marriage this summer with a trip to Hawaii. He received his bachelors of business administration from Western Michigan University. Bill was currently employed as a purchasing manager for Center Manufacturing the past 10 years. He had previously been employed for Michigan Wheel and Neway Anchorlock. Bill was an active member of St. Jean Baptiste Catholic Church and was also involved at Knights of Columbus Council #706. He was a member of the Vikings Linne Lodge No. 57, Lincoln Golf Course and the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 11. Bill enjoyed golf and carpentry work in his spare time, but his family was always his first priority. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who will always be cherished by his loving family. SURVIVORS include his loving wife, Sandi; 3 children, Kimberly (Michael) Buckingham; Geoffrey (Jennifer) Gowin, Bradley (Kelly) Gowin; 7 grandchildren, Aubrey and Ian Buckingham; Ali, Emily Ann, Elizabeth and William Gowin; and Reese Gowin; 1 brother, Robert Gowin; and 1 brother-in-law, Randy (Paulette) Fortier. He was preceded in death by his parents, 1 sister, Barbara Scheuneman, and his father-in-law, Donald Fortier. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be celebrated 10:00 AM Monday, November 2, 2009 at St. Jean Baptiste Catholic Church with the Rev. Fr. Matthew J. Barnum as celebrant and the Rev. Fr. Michael P. Olson as concelebrant. INTERMENT will take place at St. Mary’s Cemetery. VISITATION with Bill’s family will be 2-4 and 6-8 PM Sunday at The Walburn Chapel, Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc., 1547 W. Sherman Blvd., (231) 759-8565. MEMORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS may be directed to St. Jean Baptiste Catholic Church Building Fund or the Muskegon County Catholic Education Foundation. Sign the guestbook on-line at www.sytsemafh.com
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