Ricky "Rick" D. Bower

He is survived by his wife, Joy (Taylor) Bower; son Nathan Bower; sister, Cynthia Weaver Gray; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by parents Robert and Agatha (Kovalcik) Bower.

Rick grew up in the Hessville section of Hammond.

He graduated from Morton High School in 1969. In 1970 he was drafted into the army. Later he attended IVY TECH.

He was a retired scale operator and worked many years in the metal recycling business.

Rick always loved music and enjoyed playing in the high school band. He was an excellent guitar player. He taught himself to play guitar as a young man and played throughout his life. He also taught others to play. Rick played guitar professionally as a young man and was in several local bands. He also loved tending his garden, woodworking, and birdwatching. Along with his wife and others, Rick was involved in efforts to save Gibson Woods in Hammond, IN. It is now a state dedicated nature preserve.

One of the things he loved most were his pet ferrets, Rufus, Pepe and Oliver.

They were all from a shelter, The Greater Chicago Ferret Association

Instead of flowers please send donations to The Greater Chicago Ferret Association - www.gcfa.com

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Kuiper Funeral Home.

A memorial gathering to honor Rick will take place on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at 2PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.KuiperFH.com for the Bower family.