John Covell

John Joseph Covell age 92 of Belmont died Sunday, July 28, 2024 at Corewell Health Blodgett Hospital under hospice care. John was born on March 11, 1932 in Grand Rapids, MI the son of John and Marguerite (Worner) Covell. John was a teacher for the Grand Rapids Public Schools for many years. John was a life member of the National Rifle Association, Aircraft Owners and Pilot’s Association, the National Education Association, and the International Comanche Society. Sunny continued to be his inspiration and, as a pilot, received his instrument rating in May of 1980. Together they used their airplane, Camanche N5967P, to visit family in California, and trips to Alaska and Da U.P. He and Sunny also enjoyed many backpacking trips through the Canadian Rockies. John’s love of, “Da U.P.” began in 1937, when he was brought to Drummond Island to escape the misery of the “Fall pollens” at that time his family was offered the use of the log cabin owned by Isla Depree and Marion Campbell, on Whitney Bay. It was to become a life-long affair, during which he became a “Yooper Wanna-be,” wrote articles for The Porcupine Press, under the pen name of “Da Yooper From Outside,” and built a small cabin on Big Shoal Bay. That era culminated in John’s appointment as chief tour guide of the newly restored DeTour Reef Light, a job he shared with Sunny. Under the guidance of Chuck Feltner, John put to good use his skills as a woodworker, when he completed a large-scale model of the 1930 crib, which supports the lighthouse. He made a generous donation to the music ministry at St. John Paul II and many woodworking items and gifts, including candle holders, lectern, creche, and tabor. Surviving are his loving wife of 54 years, Sunny (Sonya); nephew, Johnny Trelford; several cousins, friends and their Drummond Island family. He was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Kimmell. The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered 12:00 pm Monday, August 19, 2024 at St. John Paul Catholic Church, Cedar Springs with visitation from 10:30 – 11:30 am. Rev. Fr. Lam Le, Celebrant. Interment St. Margaret Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. John Paul Rectory Fund and Corewell Health Hospice. Arrangements by K.E. Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs.