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Guardsman Neil "Tony" Downes
Guardsman Neil "Tony" Downes
Obituary
Guest Book
Neil Downes Obituary
183 Entries
judy
October 15, 2023
Comfort 2all your loved 1s . Rembering u this Nov 11th RIP couragious Soul
judy
August 9, 2023
Prayers 4 u evermore RIP u brave soul
Tony P
November 20, 2016
Theres been a cadet reunion page put up on facebook its brought back so many memories of Tony. Still thinking about you mate. RIP mate sadly missed
Simon Buchanan
January 8, 2013
I just saw a documentary "Guarding The Queen" about the Grenadier Guards that was made a few years ago. I'm a retired Brit living in The States and only just watched it today January 7th 2013. The piece on Tony grabbed my heart and after the tears I felt compelled to write to his family. So I went searching and found this site. Mr.Mrs.Downes, Your son was and still is a bright light for us all young and old. I'm 68 yet once again I have learned something of value from one so much younger than me. The kindness and wisdom in his lettter will stay with me, it was a lesson in pure love and I am honoured to have been able to listen to it. As your son believed so do I and that is that we'll all meet again in The Lord's light. To meet him will be a blessing and a privilege. I send love and comfort to you both and all your family. I will always be grateful to the wonderful young people who put themselves in harm's way in order that we should come to no harm. Tony's sacrifice will never be forgotten, men like Tony ARE England and all that England stands for.
Simon
How you can show support
denise fogg
April 30, 2011
tony we will never forget you,love and miss you forever xxxx auntie denise uncle alan xxx
zoe woodall
March 16, 2011
Never forgotten always in our hearts love zoe xxx
Tamara Page
March 14, 2011
I didn't know you very well but my mum did. I hope you are ok where you are and we all miss you millions. Your our hero and everyone is so proud of you. I am doing a speach in school ffor you so I hope you look down and enjoy it :) lots of love Tamaraand class
Joy Hart
November 16, 2009
May your family be so proud and know that they were loved greatly.
the Mills family
October 27, 2009
We are very proud of you and all the men and women in the armed forces. God be with your family in their hour of need.
Gillian Collinge
October 8, 2009
my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. God bless
val green
August 24, 2009
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
jacki taylor
August 20, 2009
We are proud of you and our armed forces, thoughts and prayers to your family & friends.
August 4, 2009
my thoughts and prayers are with you and family
joan batey
August 4, 2009
my thoughts and prayers are with you and family
michelle pyatt
June 25, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
EUNICE JENNINGS
February 5, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
kimberley jones
November 15, 2008
i have only just found out about this tragedy i met tony on holiday in salou when we was 14 and he was one of the nicest people i have ever met, we still stayed in touch even when he was in iraq, my heart goes out to his family, i know he will be watching over you and be as proud as you are of him!!! he will be truely missed!!! xxxxxxx
MIKE MACDOWLE
June 16, 2008
TO ALL THE FAMILY AND FRAINDS OF NEIL TONY DOWNES MY HEART GO'ES OUT TO YOU ALL AND NEIL WILL BE SMIELING DOWN WITH ANGLES HE WILL BE PROUD OF YOU ALL BUT STAY STRONG AND KEEP YOUR CHINS UP. R.I.P NEIL TONY DOWNES X
Bex Egan
June 11, 2008
Tony, it has been a year since you were taken away from us and everyone still misses you so so much. I still look at your picture and think why you, and I can only think that god needed an angel to look over your family. It still makes me sad, but I am also so proud at the same time. Your family must be bursting with pride for you. I hope you look after yourself and whoever you may have met where you are, you are at peace and we all look up to you in more ways than one.
Take care fellow cheeky V drinker!
xx
A friend from "that day"
June 9, 2008
1 year on.....not a day has passed that i dont think about your loss, best wishes on this day xx
carmel woods
June 9, 2008
Thinking of you today mate, a year gone already!!!
Love you loads, always on my mind.
Sleep Tight kidder! x
liez fletcher
June 5, 2008
well mr i cant believe a year has almost passed, its been such a long time since we last spoke! but no mata how much time goes by you will always be tony downes my old friend and always my hero.where ever you are u light up each life you touched.keep safe smiler x x x
Charlotte Mellor
May 16, 2008
Dear Sherlyl and Ronnie i'm very sorry for the loss of your son but though i am only 12 i can understand what your going through. All i can say is don't be sad because Tony is wacthing down on you and would not of wanted you to be sad for his death because he loved you very much again very sorry for your loss, my thoughts with you always.
Joan and Gray
April 16, 2008
Sheryl and Ronnie, I am always thinking of you and your sad loss.
I remember how proud you were when you spoke about 'Tony' both when when he was at school and him being in the grenadier guards.
Carol Jones
April 6, 2008
I taught Tony Maths at Middleton and he was such a great student. I was saddened by this news and send best wishes to all the family. Living in America there is news every day about the unnecessary loss of such young lives, but I know it was Tony's wish to serve his country. You must be so proud of your son, he died a hero doing the job he loved so much. My thoughts are with you all.
Amy
March 21, 2008
Even though i didn't know Tony, everyone at middy tech was deeply saddened on that tragic day, the school had changed, But now it makes us proud to be british also especially proud to be a middy tech student. Middy tech salute you ...x
Louise Holland
March 19, 2008
I would like to express what an honour it is to write in your guest book - RIP Tony - due to soldiers like yourself I am proud to be British
louise talbot
March 13, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Alix
March 6, 2008
RIP tony i used to like our msn chats u made me laugh many a time. Shine like a star angel.
xxx
david langham
February 21, 2008
To you and all our heros r.i.p. you brave men and women.
marina schofield
February 18, 2008
our thoughts are with you and your family you are one of our contries heros god bless you
Steve Davy
February 7, 2008
R.I.P. Tony,didn't know you,but would have been proud to have served with you,Ex Lsgt 1st Bn.save a place in the ranks for me
Jodie Downes (His lil sis)
January 27, 2008
tony i miss you so much, i wish you was still here but i know your always around hope you are okay where ever you are, you made me so pround to be your little sister you mean everything to me, i miss yah smile, and all your lil comments you always sed to me lol missin you forever and always x x x love you x
Hayley
January 2, 2008
God bless you Tony and thank you. To your family, as a Mother of a squaddie myself. You will always be in their thoughts and forever in their hearts. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
mark h
December 20, 2007
your gave the ultimate sacrifice so others can have a chance and for that i commend and salute you rip tony ex middleton tech soldier and falklands vet my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family godbless a real hero
elizabeth
December 13, 2007
God Bless you Tony, people like you make me proud to be british.
Tara Butler (best friend of your cousin)
November 10, 2007
Tony we will all be think of you tomorrow. You will always be in everyone's hearts.the poppy's we buy are always for you. T no everyone will be there with you tomorrow and forever so i no you will never be on your own.xxx
Emma Fogg
November 10, 2007
Tony, our nephew and cousin. Thinking of you on remembrance Sunday and will be wearing our poppies with pride.
Miss you and Love you Loads.
All our Love
Auntie Denise, Uncle Alan,Vicky and Emma-Dawn
xxxxxxx
jess bramah
November 9, 2007
tony ....my cousin .. i wil always miss yoo an yoo wil be forever in my heart...love yoo lots an lots xoxoxox jess
Penny
October 22, 2007
You'll never be forgotten nor will your service to your country. God bless you and your family and thank you from all of us for the ultimate sacrifice you made.
SHARON MOULT
October 21, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.TONY IS A HERO ANYONE SERVING IN THE FORCES ARE ALL OUR LOVE TO YOU HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS XXXXXXXXXX
denise fogg
October 14, 2007
TONY OUR NEPHEW AND COUSIN Remembering you always,we take comfort in knowing you are with nana and grandad, with their loveing arms around you. LOVE AND MISS YOU ALWAYS AND FOREVER auntie denise uncle alan cousin vicky and emma xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
denise fogg
October 13, 2007
tony our nephew and cousin you will always be OUR HERO love and miss you forever .auntie denise uncle alan vicky and emma xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
sarah power
October 5, 2007
godbless you and thankyou for everything xx
Liez Fletcher
October 2, 2007
I know you are no longer here with us Tony but i will not rest until i have been able to say goodbye- you are one in a million and even though it has been a long time since we were friends-i never forgot you and i know as i am one of many-i never will. your a diamond that stands out beyond all others...
i wish you peace love and happiness.
never above you
never below you....
but always but your side.
You will be in my thoughts every day until we meet again xxxxxxx
ryan shaw
September 28, 2007
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Ben Lynch
September 21, 2007
Tony i will never be as good of a soldier as you! i thankyou for all you have done for me and i will never forget the conversation we had before you left . . . you kept me in the Army and i'm thankful . . . cheers mate R.I.P andd god bless you and all your family
Alick Lavers
September 19, 2007
A brave young man. Someone to be proud of. God bless his family.
John Harris
September 16, 2007
Having just watched the Grenadiers on ITV, I am in awe of the courage, dignity and selflessness displayed by this young man & his family. Rest in peace Tony and God Bless your wonderful parents and family.
Roy Taylor
September 12, 2007
To a soldier who has the greatest admirition for if it wasn't for people like Tony this and many countries would be terrorised by those wishing to disrupt our democracy. He has carried on the brave fight so we can live in freedom , like those in the first and second world wars. I myself a former soldier hereby salutes you and for those other great soldiers that have fallen.
Jade Fitzgerald
September 6, 2007
Hey I Never Spoke To Tony But Ahm A Friend Of His Sister Jodiie, I Know A Lot Of Things About Him And I Think He Is A True Hero ... x
R.I.P Tonyyy Y0uhh Wont Be Forgotten x x x x
PAUL PEATFIELD
August 15, 2007
tony you will always be in our thoughts. GOD BLESS
Malcolm Rees
August 2, 2007
02 August 2007
Sheryl and Ronnie, any man would have been so proud to have called Tony 'my son'. Your family will always be in my prays.
Malcolm Rees (Hereford)
Laura McFarlane
August 1, 2007
To Tony's Mum and Dad, I pass your place everyday on my way to work and look at Tony's picture.He was a beautiful lad. You must be so proud of him. God bless to you both and the rest of your family.
Ann Marie Sparkes
August 1, 2007
Your son was a brave young man and well loved by his family and friends. I am sorry for your loss
Michelle Peet
August 1, 2007
R.I.P You will never be forgot.
CSM ROBERTS
July 29, 2007
being a welsh guardsman in london i honour him in what he has done for his country. an excellant soldier all of his family should be extremly proud of him, we do the welsh guards. may peace be with guardsman downes 'tony' and to your family.
Alan smith
July 27, 2007
Tony you were a good lad and it was a plesure to have known you and to have served with you in iraq you was a vaulable member of the team and you always kept the teams spirts up will miss you always . Lcpl Alan Smith aka Smudger
precious sanyanga
July 25, 2007
Myself im in the British Army and I send my condolences to all yuor family members. Yu r a hero R.I.P bro yuo r a credit to yuor family.
kyle ryan
July 22, 2007
ive just joined the gaurds myself and just wanted 2 say any lad who serves his country in these bad times is a hero and tony u was a hero u will be missed loads by your friends and familly and wish i had the chance to work with you lad rest in peace lad
Tenchys Mam Janice Murray
July 16, 2007
I also understand your pain and grief a life so young I lost my Son Tenchy in basra city 21/1/07 18 years old stand proud and be proud
my son last of the 2li and 1st of the rifles to be buried 2/2/07
my heart goes out to you be strong thinking of you
Dawn
July 13, 2007
My husband is also in the Guards and in Afgan and both of our thoughts and prayers are with all of Tony's family.May your special memories of Tony see you through this difficult time.
Christine Gee
July 3, 2007
I DIDN'T KNOW YOU OR YOUR SON BUT HE WAS A TRUE HERO WHO DIED DOING WHAT HE LOVED, I HAVE TWO SONS AND CAN ONLY IMAGINE YOUR PAIN, BUT ALSO YOUR PRIDE,GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
chris brown
July 2, 2007
tony, r.i.p you were a great man from what iv been told and a great soldier.
i wish the family of tony the very best and from what my sister told me you were a friend and a funny man.
i hope your looking down on your family and protecting them and once againg r.i.p
Aarron Cullum
July 1, 2007
Hey tony. I may of only met u once but that once is enough to respect what you did for are country.That day i met you made me feel happy the way you made me laugh and i know everyone who knows you is going to have a place in there heart for you especially me mate. your my hero and the countrys hero. God bless you Tony and i know you will watch over your family and friends. xx R.I.P Tony Downes AkA (HERO)
cameron wiggins
July 1, 2007
tony i thought that you were an amazing guy who everybody loved and we will miss you more then you will ever know everybody misses you in cadets sqn 430 you were a good mate you are a hero to your family a hero to your country and a insperation to us all i will miss you mate hope u are in a better place
Bob Mclellan
July 1, 2007
i am a ex-grenadier from manchester and while i did,nt know tony i felt i had to go to his funeral. He obviously was a remarkable person and a true grenadier, his family and friends must be very very proud of him. Rest in peace.
robert james folliard / faliraqie
June 30, 2007
tony i loved you coz you always made me laugh and smile even if you didnt do anything coz jst looking at you made me think that you were gonna make me laugh but this time when i looked at you-you made me cry and i thought to myself that you wouldnt want me to cry so i tryed to stop and remember the gd times and 430 sqn my place full of your pictures storys and memories coz you made 430 the place it is now and this is from all the cadets and staff at 430 (eu ar)we all loved you and you will be honourably respected for serving this country ! CPL R.J.Folliard
tony and chris anderson name me faliraqie lol you still make me laugh even 2day! love you m8
Leah Needham
June 29, 2007
R.I.P. Tony your are and will be forever a credit to your family.
Clare Lancaster
June 29, 2007
Tony,
I went to your funeral yesterday, I still cant believe that you are gone. You have made us all so proud.
Clare xx
Jonathan & Vicki Stelfox, Foulkes
June 28, 2007
My thoughts and prayers are with your family and partner at such a sad time you truly was a remarkable man with many friends! Today was your funeral and I can only imagine you was watching from across and feeling so proud. You have touched many hearts all over. Such a wonderful goodbye to a caring, remarkable, strong, brave man.
R.I.P
Always in our thoughts and prayers x
Love
V.Stelfox
&
Guardsman Jonathan Foulkes (serving in Afghanistan home Oct/07)
Tracey De-Vall
June 28, 2007
Cheryl, Ronnie, Katie, Nathan, Jodie and Jane, My husband is a sgt in the guards he was with Tony when it happened he spoke very highly to me about Tony . Our thoughts are with you.
c w
June 28, 2007
aww r.i.p just think darling u died for the country!!yes u may ov well had lots of years left but the country will never forget u xx
rip well al be wiv u 1 day lv ya xxx
Kim
June 28, 2007
I'll always remeber you clowning around at the skate park, always full of happiness and making us smile on them freezing cold days, and sitting outside eating petes chippy hehe with you and charlotte (rip) making us laugh, well now you'll both be able carry on the fun in heaven. You are a hero to everyone who knew you RIP mate xx
Hannah Jones
June 26, 2007
Cheryl,Ronnie,Katie,Nathan,Jodie and Jane, we are all so blessed to have spent time and become friends with a person i can only describe as a hero, i worked with Tony at kwiksave in Droylsden where he brough so much laughter. Tony is a true inspiration and will be so greatly missed ,although Tony has now gone the mark he made on this world and on each and every person he has ever met will live on forever. i send my deepest sympathy to all of your family and his girlfriend jane
at this sad time x
caroline
June 26, 2007
my husband is a sgt in the grenadier guards serving in afghanstain and on be-half of my husband and my self would like to send our condolences to the family
TERRY CRYNE
June 25, 2007
TONY ONLY MET YOU FOUR TIMES BUT YOU CERTAINLY LEFT YOUR MARK ON US ALL OUR LOVE AND CONDOLENCES RIP TONY XXX TERRY AND DONNA DROYLSDEN
daniel cryne
June 25, 2007
TONY I HAD ONLY MET U A COUPLE OF TIMES AND YOUR A HERO, U R TRULY THE COOLEST PERSON EVER REST IN PIECE LOVE DANIEL.
P.S KEEP STRONG RONNIE SHERYL KATIE NATHAN AND JODIE XXXXXXXXXXX
DANIEL CRYNE
June 25, 2007
TONY I WILL MISS YOU FOREVER I HAD ONLY MET U A COUPLE OF TIMES BUT U R 1 OF THE COOLEST PEOPLE I HAD EVER MET I WILL MISS U XX
MAUREEN KELLY
June 24, 2007
May your memories be of the good times with your special boy.We too will have our boy going to A soon. our thoughts and support are with you, small compensation for a darling boy gone. but what wonderful messages heleft you and how loved your boy felt. you must be so proud yet so lost. hs messages home were so special and so loving you must be so proud. wwith love, support and anear if you need one!
Liz and Jim Cooper
June 23, 2007
In your quiet moments remember the good times with a smile, and he will be with you for a little while.
May time ease the pain.
Denise
June 23, 2007
Loving you always, you are our hero.
Love Auntie Denise, Uncle Alan, Vicky and Emma- Dawn xxxxx
Russell Macey
June 23, 2007
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Emma
June 23, 2007
I feel bad as i am unable to cry..Tony, my dear cousin lost doing something he dearly loved.
R.I.P God Bless
Love u lots xxxxxxx
Carol Fear
June 22, 2007
My husband is a Grenadier Guard currently serving in Afghanistan and I would like to pass on our deepest sympathy and condolences to all of you.
Mike
June 22, 2007
So sorry to hear about your loss. Rest in peace Tony.
neil jackson
June 22, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Joanne Pearce
June 21, 2007
My partner currently serving in the grenadier guards in Afghan told me what a fantastic guy 'Tony' was and we just want to say our thoughts are with his family at this time.
Sharon & Steve Davies
June 21, 2007
I remember Tony when he was a Scout in the 308th Manchester scout group in Blackley, he always looked out for his younger brother Nathan who was in my Cub Pack. Tony was always polite and lovely natured lad.
I was so shocked to read about him in the M.E.N. I recognised him straight way.
Our sincere condolences to his family
From Sharon & Steve Davies
308th Manchester Scout Group
Debbie Bird
June 21, 2007
My thoughts are with your family at this sad time.As a mother of a son in the Royal Marines i can only try to understand the pain you are now suffering.Be very pround of your son, he is an inspiration to all young men.Take care. Debbie.
Andy Hicks
June 20, 2007
ive tried but i cant think of a time when i fell out with Tony, there were only good times when he was around. i hope he knows how much i think about him. ill never forget all the good times we had you were more than a good friend, mate. its not over, ill be seeing you again! till then, rest easy mate
Emma Bowater
June 20, 2007
My husband is also in the grenadier guards and served with "tony" in iraq and is currently serving in afghanistan i send my condolences to all his family from me and my husband.
Lynda Fairhurst
June 19, 2007
Good night god bless cousin Lynda, Steve and Mike x
Jean Bilsborough
June 19, 2007
Words can,t express my sorrow on the loss of my nephew Tony. My thoughts are with you Ronald, Sheryl and family. With love from Jean x
CAROLINE
June 18, 2007
TO THE FAMILY OF GUARDSMEN DOWNES MY HUSBAND WHO IS A GRENADIER GUARD WHO IS STILL OUT THERE WOULD LIKE TO SEND OUR DEEPIEST CONDOLENCES TO YOU ALL OUR HEARTS ARE WITH YOU FOR EVER HE WILL BE WELL MISSED
brian de-vall
June 18, 2007
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve,as my son is a guard in afghanistan,and was on that patrol with tony.
pamela and ashley smith
June 18, 2007
sheryl and ronnie so sorry to hear of the loss of your son,our thoughts are with you, your old friends
Sarah O'Farrell
June 17, 2007
Our thoughts love and sympathy are with Tony's family, girlfriend Jane and friends at this sad time. What a brave and mature young man.
(sending a big cuddle your way cuz - xxxx)
Pam
June 16, 2007
A very brave lad,my thoughts are with you.
julie phelps
June 16, 2007
as the mother of a guardsman in afghanistan i would like to send my condolences you are all in our thoughts
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