Harvey Ray Cowham

Harvey Ray Cowham, age 86, of Alto, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on February 1, 2021.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 66 years, Shirley (White) Cowham; children: Doug (Mary) Cowham, Michelle (Jim) Boynton, and Greg (Nel) Cowham; grandchildren: Jason (Deanna) Cowham, Nina (Steve) Wiersma, Zach Boynton, Scott (Shauna) Cowham, and Alison Cowham. He is also survived by seven great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren; brothers: Ed Cowham, Chuck (Loita) Cowham, and Jim (Darr) Cowham; many nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandchildren, Courtney and Christopher Boynton; great-granddaughter, Mia Cowham; daughter-in-law, Lupita Cowham; and sister-in-law, Shelby Jean Cowham.

Harvey was the heart and soul of his family. He shared many life lessons about the importance of unconditional love and living life to the fullest. He loved nothing more than creating wonderful memories and sharing stories of his life with those around him. He made sure to spend quality time with all of his loved ones and establish truly meaningful relationships with everyone he met.

He was an amazing and loving grandfather; adored by his beloved grandchildren. Family traditions were very important to him and they will live on through his children and grandchildren. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He had a passion for gardening, canning, and listening to music. He loved golf, enjoyed traveling the country in his RV and spending winters at his home in Wauchula, Florida.

He was a lifetime member of the Freemasons ascending to the title of Past Master. He also belonged to the Independent Order of the Odd Fellows and held the position of Noble Grand.

It is hard to sum up the life of such an extraordinary man in only a few words. He was truly bigger than life and will be dearly missed by all of his family and friends.

A celebration of life is being planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, Attention: Processing Center, P.O. Box 863765, Orlando, FL 32886 or online at www.lovetotherescue.org.