Sad News
Mr. William “Bill” McGowan, age 64, of Grand Rapids, passed away on Friday, November 25, 2011. He grew up on the west side of Grand Rapids, and attended Union High School. Bill enjoyed time with his family and loved attending all of his grandchildren's events. Bill had a passion for auto racing both locally and nationally for 44 years. He was honored with Crew Chief of the Year awards when his team won two ASA National Championships. He worked for the Kent County Road Commission as a mechanic and through years of hard work became Director of Equipment and Facilities. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Timothy Beaver. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Carol (nee Johnson); children, Kimberly (Robert) Koehl of Freeport, and Katherine (Gregory) Doerr of Rockford; 8 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; brother and sisters, Rodney (Diana) Beaver, Cynthia (Steven) Buys, Cathy Jones, and Christy Tanis; nieces and nephews; in-laws, Jerry (Anita) Johnson, David Johnson, Jack (Theresa) Lasley.

The service will be celebrated at 11 am Tuesday at Assumption BVM Catholic Church, 6390 Belmont Ave., Belmont, MI 49306, with Father Peter Vu presiding. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 1421 E. 12 Mile Road, Madison Heights, MI 48071. The family will receive relatives and friends at the Pederson Funeral Home on Monday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. and prior to the Mass at the Church on Tuesday.    Memorials: Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 1421 E. 12 Mile Road, Madison Heights, MI 48071.

Sad News
Rose Mysliwiec, wife of the Berlin Raceway original owner/promoter, the late Chet Mysliwiec, passed away this week. We send our condolences to her family.