Van Coevering, Jack, 1900-1978

Born in The Netherlands on March 12, 1900 to Nick and Jennie Van Coevering, Jack Van Coevering came to the United States with his parents, settling in Grand Haven, Michigan in 1908. His three siblings, two sisters and a brother, were all born in Michigan. A graduate of The University of Michigan, Jack began his newspaper career in 1926 as assistant outdoor editor of The Grand Rapids Herald. He became wildlife editor of The Detroit Free Press in 1931. There, he wrote numerous articles and columns, specifically "Tips & Tricks" and "Woods & Waters". He was also a professional photographer, and won numerous awards for both his writings and his photos, among them the Michigan Outdoor Writers Association "Oscar" in 1947 and 1949. Van Coevering retired from The Detroit Free Press in 1965. He later became adjunct professor on the faculty of The U-M School of Natural Resources, where he helped set up a course in conservation communications for the school's Journalism Department. He was married to Lucina Ryskamp of Grand Rapids and they had two children. Mrs. Van Coevering died in 1965, shortly before her husband's retirement from The Free Press. Jack Van Coevering died in Arizona on May 24, 1978.