David Ray Fowler , November 30, 1947 — December 02, 2018

David Ray Fowler, 71, died December 12, 2018 after a battle with cancer. Dave was born November 30, 1947, in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, the son of Richard and Mary (Boney) Fowler. On September 22, 1967, Dave married JoAnn Cooper in Rockford, Michigan at the Edgerton Baptist Church.

Shortly thereafter, Dave was drafted to the United States Army and served two years in South Korea during the Vietnam War. He returned to Michigan in 1970 and began working as a machine repairman. In 1984 he took a job at General Motors and continued working for them for the next 22 years until his retired in 2006.

Dave and JoAnn were inseparable and loved sharing many activities over their 51 years of marriage. Primarily, Dave enjoyed birding. He and JoAnn would spend countless hours canoeing and walking the woods and shorelines looking for all kind of birds.

Dave became a Loon Ranger, meaning he would build habitats and sometimes even rescue the beautiful birds. In one such instance, Dave rescued a baby loon and named it Lucky. He was extremely interested in birds of prey and especially Bald Eagles, Snowy Owls and of course, Loons.

Dave’s other passion was swimming. He would spend many summer days at the beach, swimming, floating and working on his tan. He loved being outdoors.

He will be remembered for his generosity, his willingness to put others before himself and his deep love for his wife, sons and grandchildren. Dave is survived by the love of his life, JoAnn Fowler; sons, David (Kathy) Fowler and Scott Fowler; grandchildren Ashley Mong, Christian Fowler and Maisie Meyers; three great grandchildren; and his beloved basset hound, Freckles. Private family services will take place at another time.

For those wishing to make a charitable donation in memory of Dave, please consider the Mackinac Straits Raptor Watch (www. mackinacraptorwatch.org). Donations may be made to: Mackinac Straits Raptor Watch Web: www.

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