Gary Kochin

On April 28th 2024, our beloved Gary Michael Kochin (better known as "Koch"), a man whose ambition was as large as his ever-growing library, has retired from the grand hustle and bustle of life. Born in Muskegon, MI, on November 8, 1950, Gary embarked on a journey that would take him all over the country after graduating from Muskegon High in 1969 he went onto getting his Master's in Material Management from Michigan State. Some of his stops included Goodyear, Amstore, IVC, Arrow Door, Jeld-Wen, and Meijer. His career would make even the most decorated locomotive engineer blush. From Jackson, MI to Long Island, NY, and a few whistle stops in-between, Gary's life was a whirlwind tour that eventually brought him back home to his beloved Muskegon where he was involved with the UFCW 951 and Planned Parenthood. Gary, an empathetic soul with a heart as vast as the Great Lakes, had a knack for turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. Whether he was managing materials at Arrow Door or walking along the boardwalk, he was always the conductor of his own train. His retirement in 2015 was less about hanging up his hat and more about transitioning from one adventure to another. With a wit as quick as a steam engine, Gary navigated life's twists and turns with grace, humor, and an uncanny ability to find the silver lining in any situation. As Mark Twain once said, "Humor is mankind's greatest blessing," and Gary was indeed a blessing to all who knew him. His family mattered most to him, and he was always there for them. He always said being a father was the greatest gift he could be given. He loved solving the world's problems and his reliability was as dependable as a Swiss train schedule. Whether it was his ex-wife or his daughter bringing home injured animals, Gary was always on standby, ready to lend a hand. Gary unofficially "adopted" many friends of his daughters and was surrounded by his chosen family when his train came to station. Gary is survived by his daughters Katrina and Anna, his grand daughter Kahlan, ex-wives Elsie Owings and Debra Kochin, nieces and nephews Jennifer Kochin Sickels, Steven & Jessica Kochin, Beth Kochin Powers, Kristen Cooper, Polly Jo Green (Cooper), their children, and his aunts and uncles. He is preceded in death by his parents, Stephen and Helen Kochin, his brother Thomas Kochin, and his sister Nancy Cooper and brother-in-law Jim Cooper. A celebration of Gary's life will be held on Sunday, 19 May 2024 at 2:00pm EDT at 1851 Calvin Avenue, Muskegon, Michigan, 49442. After services the immediate family will spread his ashes per his request. As we remember Gary, let's keep in mind his favorite quote, "You have nothing to fear but fear itself.” ~Franklin D. Roosevelt. We encourage you to share your stories, laughter, and love for Gary by leaving your memories and uploading photos to the memorial page. In lieu of flowers Gary would have wanted donations to Planned Parenthood or the ACLU. The station may have changed, but Gary's train will forever roll on in our hearts. To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Gary's online guest book, or to share a favorite memory or photo, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006 To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gary Kochin, please visit our flower store.