Paul Menyhart Rockwell

Paul Menyhart Rockwell “Bumpie”, age 74, of Grandville, passed away from complications of cancer and Multiple Sclerosis surrounded by family and friends. In 1997, Paul was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and was told he would be in a wheelchair within one year. Twenty-one years later, Paul walked into Metro Health Hospital the week of his passing. Paul was born in Ludington on May 27, 1944, to Harold and Theresa Rockwell. He grew up in Manistee and spent the majority of his childhood free time plotting mischief with the boys in “the shack”.  Paul attended Manistee High School (Class of 1963) and later met the love of his life and best friend, Bridget Cooper. He went on to graduate from Michigan State University with a B.A. in business in 1973. Paul dutifully served in the U.S. Army before moving to Grand Rapids and getting his start in the accounting industry. He served active duty in the Signal Corps during the Vietnam War. He spoke little of his service time, but will be remembered saying, “You never run away from anything,” one of his most admirable qualities. Remembered for his generosity, playful personality, and undying sense of humor, the doors to Paul’s house and heart were always open and unlocked. His accomplishments were many, but his building career and his family were his proudest. In recent years, his great-granddaughter, Scarlett Drury brought him so much joy. He enjoyed showing her off at the “Gon”.  Paul frequented Agon’s Restaurant for over 25 years and enjoyed giving Patti, Andy, the Godwin guys, and all the regulars a hard time. Above all else, Paul was a supportive and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to all. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Bridget; children, Bridget Rockwell and Paul Rockwell; granddaughter, Lauren (Andrew); great-granddaughter, Scarlett Drury; brother, Bruce (Charlotte) Rockwell; sister-in-law, Susie Cooper; brother-in-law, Bill Higman; niece, Holly (Patrick) Irwin; nephews, Steve Cooper, Chris (Carrie) Rockwell, Casey Jensen; best friend, Tony Florshinger; special friend, Marty Skiera; and many “adopted grandchildren” including Erin Martin and Jacob Jeffers. Paul was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law; brother-in-law, Michael Higman; and, of course, his beloved dog, Garbo. Although Paul left too early, the example he set for his family and friends has prepared us all to be better than we were. Paul’s life will be celebrated with friends and family on Saturday, October 6, 2018 at 10 a.m. at Frederick Meijer Gardens in the Hauenstein and Pfeiffer Room (1000 E. Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, 49525).  A lunch will follow in the Foundation Room. His burial will take place at Arlington National Cemetery in the spring of 2019.  Memorial donations may be made in Paul’s name to The American Cancer Society, The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, or Habitat for Humanity.