KENTWOOD, Mich.- Hundreds of Princeton Estates residents and those even from outside of the Kentwood community, gathered for a candlelight vigil in Pinewood Park Tuesday night.
David Bouwman, 81, and his wife Vivian, 80, were found murdered in their Stowevalley Drive home on Saturday, inside Princeton Estates.
Through the neighborhood association’s website, they came up with the idea to honor the couple who were Christians and married more than 50 years.
Luminarias lined the streets and were especially noticeable on Stowevalley Drive.
“We say this is a vibrant community; it’s obviously been visited by an act of evil but we are not going to shrink back and we’re not gonna be afraid,” Lead Pastor for Kentwood Community Church, Kyle Ray said. “That’s part of what the candlelight symbolizes; we honor their lives but we also say light pushes back darkness and we aren’t going to stand for darkness.”
The Bouwman’s two daughters, Linda and Karen also attended the event.
“We actually go to church with the couple so we really found out about it before it hit the news so it was very shocking.” Megan Cowan, who just moved out of Princeton Estates a few months ago said.
David was described as a man who loved to tinker with wood and fix old clocks, not to mention, he had a love for cars. His wife Vivian was known for helping out school kids and preparing Wednesday night meals at Rush Creek Church in Byron Center, according to Pastor Gene Pearson.
This incident has definitely brought the 650 houses in Princeton Estates closer, according to Homeowner’s Association President George Guyott.
“We have a Facebook page and over the last three days we’ve added over 100 neighbors to that page. So I think the communications coming from it is good for the neighborhood, tragic circumstances to bring it together.” Guyott stated.
