Michael K. Bowring passed away at The Orchards of Big Rapids on July 8, 2026. He was born on August 1, 1962. He leaves behind several caregivers at The Orchards who will miss him dearly. 

Nobody came forward to claim Michael. Knowing him, thats probably because he had already adopted everyone else first. He had no family anyone could find, but you’d never know it from the way he lived. He collected people the way some people collect stamps.

Nurses, aides, housekeepers, therapists and other residents and staff... If you crossed his path twice you were probably considered a friend, whether you agreed to the promotion or not. He had a talent for making people laugh, usually with a sarcastic remark that danced right along the edge of what he could get away with. Somehow, he always got away with it.

In the end there was no long line of relatives - but there were plenty of people that will remember hearing his voice down the hall sharing a laugh or shaking their heads trying not to smile after one of his comments.

Life can be unfair sometimes. The people with the fewest posessions leave behind the most stories.

Arrangements are in the care of Daggett Gilbert Funeral Homes, Big Rapids.