William-Downer-Obituary

William M. Downer

GORDONSVILLE, Virginia

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GORDONSVILLE, Virginia

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William M. Downer

William M. Downer, 87, passed away on Monday, April 6, 2009, at the home of his son, William M. Downer Jr., after a long illness.

Formerly of Pittsburgh, he was born December 17, 1921, to Mabel and Ashby Downer.

Mr. Downer graduated from Gordonsville High School in Gordonsville, Virginia and attended Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, Virginia. He moved to Pittsburgh following World War II and became President of F. Hoffman Company, a commercial construction firm. In retirement he settled with his wife, Elizabeth Canada Downer in Orange, Virginia, where he sold residential real estate.

While living in Pittsburgh, Mr. Downer was active in local politics and in the Edgewood Presbyterian Church. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years.

Survivors include his sons, William Downer Jr. and his wife, Steph, of Fairfax, Robert Downer of Richmond; grandchildren, William Downer III and his wife, Katy, of Columbia, South Carolina, Robert Downer II of Richmond, J. Coleman Downer of Atlanta, Georgia, Anne-Stewart Downer of Chapel Hill, North Carolina; a sister, Phyllis Coiner and her husband, Woody, of Gordonsville, Virginia; a brother, Ashby Downer and his wife, Myrt, of Luray, Virginia.

A graveside memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Wednes-day, April 8, 2009, at Maplewood Cemetery in Gordonsville.

Memorial contributions may be made to Evercare Hospice and Pallative Care, Suite 330 Sterling, VA 20166.

Preddy Funeral Home of Gordonsville is in charge of arrangements.


This obituary was originally published in the Daily Progress.

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The Downer Family –
I just found out about Bill’s passing today (4/8/09). Bill was a very special person and my life was brighter because he was my friend. He always saw the glass half-full and that was always pleasant. It was heartbreaking to see his health decline after your mother’s passing, he missed her terribly and now they are together. I feel very fortunate that he was a part of my life if even for a short while. I will treasure those memories and our friendship and the...

Bill,Rob and Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Downer. I have so many good memories of him and they all make me smile. He was a classy gentleman that I was lucky to know. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Mike Loeliger (Loch)

Bill and family,
I remember your dad with such fondness. He always called me Miss Ann at church and I still use that name in my church. He was certainly one of my favorite people at Edgewood Church. I pray that you feel the Lord's comfort as you mourn your loss. Know that the Lord prepared a place for him and that he is in glory!
May the Lord hold you all in His hands
and give you peace.

Bill, Steph, Kip and Family,

I only met him once when Rob, Paula, and Brandon and I went to your home around Christmas 2006. I found him to be the sweetest man! He had a gentleness about him that I could see through his eyes. I am deeply sorry for your loss. May your faith in our Lord and the loving memories of him comfort you at this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers. It will take some time, but know that in the long run, everything will be alright.

Bob, Robby, Bill, Steph and family,
My sympathies go out to you and all your family on your father's (grandfather's) passing. It is never easy to let go of the ones you love. He had a long life that we can only wish to match. The world is a little emptier today.

Bill and Family,
Our sympathies on the death of your father. He was a kind and great man who created fond memories of life in Edgewood and that people there acted with a civility that was remarkable. You and your family will be in our thoughts.