Stephen Mcgowan

It is with great sadness that the family of Stephen Michael McGowan, known to all as “Steve,” announce his passing on February 19, 2020 at the age of 78 years after a six -month battle with bladder cancer. His final days were spent surrounded by his family. Born in Cadillac, MI on February 28th, 1941 to Marjorie and William McGowan, Steve graduated from Cadillac High School where he met and eventually married his sweetheart, Sharon, his wife of more than 57 years. At a young age, Steve fell in love with music, learning to play the trumpet and was active in the high school band and marching band. He attended the prestigious Interlochen Arts Academy on a scholarship award. After high school, Steve and his friends formed a quartet called “The Downbeats,” and later, “The Rockin’ Kings,” performing Standards, Jazz, Rock & Pop for weddings, private events and performing at clubs in the Cadillac, Houghton Lake and Traverse City areas. He was also the official “bugler” for the Cadillac American Legion, Post #94, and for 50 years, he traveled to Cadillac to perform “Taps” for funerals of veterans and Cadillac’s annual Memorial Day Ceremonies. Steve began his career in Radio, working as a professional Disc Jockey for radio stations in Cadillac (WATT), Houghton Lake (WHGR), Lake City, FL (WGRO), St. Joseph, MI (WSJM) and Grand Rapids at stations WJFM, WJEF, where he was known as “Cousin Kent”, and WERX where he was known as “the Rock Jock”. In 1969, Steve started a new career with Steelcase working in the plant and eventually moving into Special Engineering and finally ending his career in 2001 as Hazardous Waste Coordinator. In Kentwood, Steve began serving his community as a member of the Kentwood Jaycees, a leadership training and civic organization for young men. He became President of the Kentwood Jaycees, Internal Vice President of the Michigan Jaycees (1976-77) and later awarded the title of JCI Senator, the highest international honor that can be given to a Jaycee. In his later years, Steve, along with his wife, worked as a volunteer for The Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM), ArtPrize and Laugh Fest and eventually became a Certified Tourism Ambassador for West Michigan. As a season ticket holder for more than 30 years, Steve very much enjoyed attending concerts of the Grand Rapids Symphony. He also enjoyed golf, camping and spending time with his friends and crazy family. Steve was preceded in death by his sisters, Virginia Bailey and Donna Simons. He is survived by his wife, Sharon, his sister, Gloria Nelund of Tower, MI, daughter, Sandee (Scott) Singer of Macomb, MI and sons, Michael (Deanna) McGowan and Daniel (Shawn) McGowan both of Kentwood, MI. Also survived by six grandchildren, five great grandchildren and various nieces and nephews. Funeral Mass to be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 29th, 2020 at St. Mary Magdalen 1253 52nd St. SE, Kentwood, MI. Friends and family will be received at 10:00 a.m. prior to start of service. A luncheon at church to follow mass. Per Steve’s request, the family will host an “Irish Wake,” in the evening of the 29th; details are pending and will be announced soon. In lieu of flowers, donations in Steve’s honor may be made to Faith Hospice of Grand Rapids, The Humane Society or the American Cancer Society.