Danvers, Massachusetts
DANVERS- Robert Raymond Downing, age 57 of Danvers, beloved husband of Andrea (Beauchain) Downing, died Saturday morning January 29, 2011 of lung cancer, at Kaplan Family Hospice House, Danvers, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Peabody, he was the son of Cecil and Rita (Ouellette) Downing. He was raised and educated in Salem and was a graduate of Salem Vocational High School.
Bob had been employed as an electrician all of his life. Most recently he worked for Sodexo at Lahey Clinic North in Peabody; previously he had been employed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts at the Hogan Regional Center in Danvers, and Cranney Electric in Danvers. He worked for General Electric at its Riverworks location for nearly 30 years prior to that.
A resident of Danvers for the past twenty eight years, Bob was a dedicated family man and was active in many of his children’s activities. He served as coach for Danvers Youth Soccer and as Cub Master and Den Leader for Cub Scout Pack 114 of Danvers. He had a great love for the outdoors and nature and could frequently be found on the trails of nearby parks and woods, as well as on the local rivers and waterways. Among many activities he enjoyed hiking, biking, kayaking, camping and traveling north. Most of all he loved to ski and paddle his canoe. Not one to miss a game, he was a loyal Boston Bruins fan.
In addition to his loving wife of 35 years, Bob is survived by his daughters, Jillian Downing & her partner Evan Scheiner, and Jennifer Corbin and her husband Ian, his sons Brian Downing of the U.S. Marine Corps, Mark Downing and his partner Jessica Miele, and his two grandsons Thomas and Graham Corbin. He is also survived by his brothers Paul Downing and his partner Cheryl Avery of Lutz, FL, Richard Downing and his wife Donna of Salem, and his sister Alice Conroy and her husband Donald of North Reading.
Bob will be remembered as an honest man who lived simply but fully. May his spirit live on in the hearts of those who knew him.
ARRANGEMENTS: His funeral service will be held in the Peterson-O’Donnell Funeral Home 167 Maple St., (Rte 62) Danvers, Tuesday at 7:00 P.M. Relatives and friends invited. Burial will be private. Visiting hours Tuesday from 4 to 7 P.M. On line guestbook at www.legacy.com. For more information, inquire at 978-774-6600. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Bob’s name to Hospice of the North Shore, 75 Sylvan St., Ste. B-102, Danvers, MA 01923
Thoughts and prayers are with you Andrea and your family. Bob's life was cut too short....He will be remembered through wonderful memories....
Always,
Sharon and Shelby
Stan, Jeannette and Steve
Sharon Hughes
February 02, 2011 | Beverly, MA
In times of trouble and sickness, he handled everything with quiet dignity. In good times and health he was a pillar of his community, and somebody I looked up to, more than he ever knew. As his brother,I will miss him dearly.
Paul Downing
February 02, 2011 | Lutz, FL
Bob was a great guy. Our family has great memories of spending time with the entire Downing family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
The Welch Family (Diane, Wally, Michelle, Stacy & family)
February 02, 2011
Bobby was the cool older brother everybody wanted and a trusted friend. A true family man we could all emulate. We are so very blessed to have known him and I will never forget Brother Bob and the outstandings times Richie and I shared with him throughout the many years. Our prayers, thoughts and love to Andrea and the family.
Love Always
John and Shelly
John Raynes
February 01, 2011 | Salem, MA
Bob was a great guy and I was always glad to see him walk through the door, I knew at that point I was going to have a good laugh, or "chuckle" as he would say. He will be missed greatly, my sympathies go out to his family.
Tim Sirois
February 01, 2011 | MA
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all! The Maddens
February 01, 2011
Bob was a special person. He lived his life to the fullest always believing that tomorrow would only be better than today. He was the best of the best and that was reflected in the way he lived his life.
Alice Conroy
January 31, 2011 | North Reading, MA