David John Sowerby

David John Sowerby passed away at home, surrounded by his loved ones on November 13, 2021, after an incredibly brave and long battle with Crohn’s Disease, Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis, and Colorectal Cancer. He was 50 years old. David was born on November 29, 1970, in Detroit, Michigan. He attended Eastern Michigan University, where he earned his Bachelor of Music Education. David was an Orchestra Director beginning in Grand Rapids Public Schools and spent 16 years in Caledonia Community Schools teaching orchestra and coaching numerous sports. He was an avid violinist, hockey fan, tennis player, and all-around good guy. His favorite pastime was riding his bike. He loved to ride daily and enjoyed riding gravel road races and spending time with friends on his bike. He had just joined the Grand Rapids GRIT team before his illness rendered him unable to ride his bike. In 2000, David married Rebecca Anne Crawford. Together they had 3 beautiful children, twins Aidan Crawford and Lydia Mae (age 17) and Cooper John (age 12). David was predeceased in death by his nephew, Collin Sowerby. In addition to Rebecca, Aidan, Lydia, and Cooper, David is survived by his father and mother, John and Linda Sowerby; his brother, Joseph (Carrie) Sowerby; his sister, Emily (Jeff) Young; his father and mother-in-law, George and Cynthia Crawford; sisters-in-law, Kristen (Matt Maurier) Crawford, Caroline (Jamie) Johnson; nieces and nephew, Makenzie Sowerby, Ashlynn and Gabriel Young, Madison and Sydney Maurier, Josephine and Jillian Johnson; and his beloved dogs, Teddy and Winnie. Special thanks to Dr. Rupen Shah, Surgical Oncologist, and Dr. Reena Salgia, Transplant Hepatologist, at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit; Dr. Lia Kaufman, Gastroenterologist, and Dr. Ryan Figg, Colorectal Surgeon, at Spectrum Health in Grand Rapids; Faith Hospice - especially Paul, RN, and Rita, for their loving and expert care of David through his long battle. In addition, thank you to the Caledonia Community School District, his colleagues, friends, students, and the Caledonia Community as a whole, for their support and love throughout his fight. Memorial services will be held 11am Saturday, November 20 at Cornerstone United Methodist Church, 1675 84th St. SE, Caledonia. Relatives and friends may meet the family Friday, November 19 from 4 - 8 pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 616 E. Main Street SE, Caledonia and one hour prior to the memorial service at church. Anyone wishing to honor David is requested to make a contribution to his children’s college fund via www.gofundme.com/sowerby-children-college-fund