We are sad to announce that Peter Bowman Spring died on Friday, November 11, 2022 at the age of 82. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Yagiela; his daughters, Kymie and Jolie Spring; grandsons Alek and Tom; his sister, Marge Ferguson; his first wife, Jeanne Spring; his sister-in-law, Ginnie Spring and numerous nieces and nephews. He passed away peacefully at the hospital surrounded by his wife and daughters.

Peter was drawn to music and played saxophone in his high school band. He switched to bass which became his principal instrument and later explored gamba. He earned both a Bachelor of Music and a Master of Music at the University of Michigan.

His music career took off in 1967, teaching string bass at Interlochen Arts Academy. Pete's kids remember their dad inviting students and colleagues over to the house They recall their Dad's humor and silliness with regulars like Alan Nagel, Tim Staudacher, Joel Levin and David Holland.

After 10 years, Peter realized that he wanted to switch paths and focus on performing. He landed the Principal Bassist position with the Grand Rapids Symphony Orchestra. He was also an adjunct instructor of double bass at the University of Michigan. He served 36 years in the orchestra before retiring from the GRSO.

Pete loved bicycling, hiking and cross-country skiing with his wife Nancy, though he slowed down these past few years. As he became less physically able, he and Nancy would put together seemingly impossible and beautiful puzzles. He read a voluminous number of books. He supported environmental causes.

Peter's quirky and playful sense of humor was well matched by that of his wife, Nancy. The two were both playing in the symphony when they married in 1984, celebrating their 38th anniversary this past September. They loved to travel, loved a good meal (especially pie and ice cream), going to the ballet and Actors' Theatre. They were madly in love, and grateful every day that they found each other and made a wonderful life together.

There will be an Open House for friends and family on Saturday, December 10, from 3pm-5:30pm at Rosebud
1264 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505 https://www.rosebudvenue.com/

In lieu of flowers, if you are inclined, please consider giving to an environmental organization or to any of the arts he supported:
GR Climate Coalition https://www.grclimate.org/ (not tax deductible)
MI United https://www.miunited.org/ Service Details. Open House Saturday, December 10th, 2022 |
When: Saturday, December 10th, 2022
Location: Rosebud
Address: 1264 Plainfield Ave. NE Grand Rapids, Michigan 49505

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