Donald A. Rand

Donald Arthur Rand, age 85 of Vicksburg, Michigan, died peacefully on February 19th, 2020. He was born on March 18th, 1934 in Melrose, Wisconsin. The oldest of seven children born to the late Arthur and Veda (Nimmo) Rand. He grew up in the Comstock area and graduated from Comstock High School in 1953. Don served in the United States Army as a Military Policeman from 1956 – 1958. He was stationed in Fort Hood, Texas and in Hawaii. He also spent three years in the Army Reserve, attaining the rank of sergeant first class. Upon his return from service, he married his high school sweetheart Ellen May Curtis on October 11th, 1958. They were married for 55 years until her death in 2014. He is survived by his three children, Lori (Jim) Markus, Wendy (Don) Gillespie, Don Rand Jr., 4 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren, brother Verl (Joanna) Rand, brother Terry (Gail) Rand, brother Keith (Bev) Rand, sister Shirley Rand Wilbert, and brother Jim Rand. He was also preceded in death by his brother Jack Rand and Jack’s wife, Bev Rand. Don worked for the Allied Paper Company for almost 20 years. His love of cars took him into the car sales business where he worked for HJ Cooper and then M&M Motor mall until his retirement. Don discovered running late in life, in his 50’s, and once he started running, he was hooked. If you’re from the Vicksburg area, you’re sure to have seen him running around town. A collector of many things, he would carry a bag while running so he could pick up anything that caught his eye. He loved competing in all the area races and receiving his medals and t-shirts. His highest running achievement was completing a half Marathon. He also enjoyed riding his motorcycle to various places and taking pictures of his adventures. In his lifetime, Don donated 237 units (29 gallons) of blood to the American Red Cross. He was featured in a local newspaper article for that generosity. He first donated blood when he was in the Army. “The only reason we did it in the army was because they gave us free beer.” Don continued donating as an employee of the Allied Paper Company. He recalled they encouraged employees to give blood in exchange for two hours of paid time, if they donated monthly. Taking advantage of that work-sponsored program started him on a lifetime of giving. Don was also an active member of the Vicksburg Lion’s Club. Those who wish, may make a contribution to the American Red Cross. A private ceremony will be held at a later date. Please visit Donald’s webpage at www.mccowensecord.com where you can read his obituary, sign the guestbook, and share a memory with the family. Those who wish may make a contribution to the American Red Cross. The family is being assisted by the McCowen & Secord Funeral Home, Rupert-Durham Chapel, 409 South Main, Vicksburg, MI 49097 269-649-1697.