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BORN
1922
DIED
2016
Geoffrey Downing Obituary
Geoffrey Downing was born in Yorkshire, England on May 11, 1922, passing away peacefully at the age of 94 on July 28, 2016 in Florida surrounded by his family. Geoff was preceded by in death by his wife Doreen on April 15, 2016. It is with sadness that he is gone, but our hearts are filled with joy knowing that Geoff and Doreen are together again.
Geoff was born to William T. and Doris Maude (Wilson) Downing. He had 3 sisters and 1 brother. In 1939, when he was 19 years old, Geoff joined the British Air Force as a navigation specialist. During his military tenure, he was instrumental in saving the British Air Field in Chelmsford during an air attack.
Geoff met Doreen, who served in the Woman's Royal Naval Service (WRNS) in October 1944. They were joined as one in January 1945, celebrating their 71st anniversary in 2016. Geoff received an electrical engineering degree at the University in England. To enhance his career, he moved the family from England to Canada in 1952 where he worked as a design engineer for an Aerospace firm. In 1956, he moved to Washington State where he joined The Boeing Company. In 1966, Geoff and Doreen became U.S. Citizens. Geoff's system design tenure at Boeing covered military and most of the 7-series commercial aircraft. Geoff was instrumental in the development of the Inertial Navigation System (INS) which key for tracking an aircraft's position. Geoff retired in 1984 as a chief engineer on the 747 program.
God blessed Geoff and Doreen with 3 children: Dr. T. Peter (Melanie) Downing, Pauline (Bob) Linder, Penny (Pat) Dennehy; 6 grandchildren: Evan, Justin, Jim (Bianca), Mike (Tess), Matt, Sean (Kayleen); and 6 great grandchildren: Lilly, Cole, Anna, Kate, Shianne and Aspen.
Over his lifetime, he lived in 3 countries, raised 3 children, built two houses, moved to ten different homes, worked 30 years in one company and had many friends that he has met along the way. Known as Grampa or Bumpa, his grandchildren say he was always so happy to see them and each visit included a good story about his adventures in life. He cherished the gifts and pictures created by his great grandchildren. He was loved very much and they have such fond memories of their time together.
A private family service will be held in September at St. John's Episcopal Church in Kirkland, Washington.
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Memories and Condolences
for Geoffrey Downing
Sponsored by The Family.
Keith Clay
August 26, 2016
Sending much love and condolences to all of the Downing family from the Clay family.
Charlotte, Kathy, Kevin, and Keith
August 19, 2016
I was saddened to see notice of Geoff's passing. I worked with him in Central Engineering for several years during the latter Seventies. He was a very nice person and a role model to us younger managers. I loved to have a chat with him and learned of Doreens ability for painting. I still have two of her oils in my Home in Redmond. One of a beach scene with a wind fence and the other is a painting of my folks house in Beverly Mass that she did for me and it was a present to my folks in 1979 for their 50th wedding anniversary. Ah such pleasant memories of those good years at Boeing. I know that they both will be missed and our condolences to the family. Paul and Barb Lester
Lynn Riley
August 16, 2016
So sad to hear of the passing of Uncle Geoff, brother to our Dad, Maurice. All sisters and brothers reunited at last in the loving arms of The Lord. God bless you. With love from nieces Lynn Riley (Downing), Anita Downing and their children Stephen, Emma, and Mariclaire ( Liliella and Dawson) xxx
Penny Dennehy
August 16, 2016
I miss you. Your strength, your wisdom, your generosity, your humbleness, your honesty, and your love made me what I am today. I'm sad you had to leave me yet I am happy you are with mom. I love you both so much!!!
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August 15, 2016
Although it may seem hard right now, it will be memories of the little things that help to soften a little the pain and bring the smiles back.
August 14, 2016
Sorry for the loss of your dad, Geoffrey , as well as loss of your mother Doreen earlier this year.
Inger Seiffert
3rd ave south , Kirkland
Phyllis KNIGHT
August 14, 2016
In loving MEMORY of Geoff my nephew from
Auntie Phyl and Family
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