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BORN
1946
DIED
2011
Gregory Dowden Obituary
He was employed by Charles T. Yerxa, River Vista Farms, where he was engaged in farming, for more than half of his life and then health issues made it difficult for him to safely do his job. After a brief break he took a job with Adams Vegetable Oils in Arbuckle for several years before his health forced him to retire.
Greg was a member of The Three Stooges fan club, he was very briefly into bull riding, possibly 2 seconds, which left him with a scar on his forehead when he and the bull went head to head. The bull never recovered. He also tried abalone diving with a few of his very good friends but decided it wasn't for him after the little boat they were in began to sink while they were out in the ocean. Our father and his silly personality will always be remembered and missed.
He is survived by his daughter, Lesa Dowden; best friend and son, Greg Dowden II; granddaughter, Ashley Dowden; two sisters, Frances Simino and Inetta Word; numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Emery; mother, Neoma; brothers, Joseph and Ricky Dowden; and sister, Norma Jacobson.
There will be a private burial at Marvin Chapel Cemetery in Afton. Family and friends are invited to come and celebrate our father on Saturday, September 24, 2011, from 1:00 to 4:00 at The Refuge, 260 Main Street, Colusa. Services are under the direction of McNary-Moore Funeral Service www.mcnarymoorefuneralservice.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Gregory Dowden
October 19, 2011
Greg, Lisa and Ashley I am so sorry for your loss. I loved your dad like he was my own. Let's face it I would have been homeless and driftng without him. He took me in and cared for me and provided me with the love and support(of a father)that I needed to finish highschool. He was so funny, his laughter used to ring through that small house on 3rd Street. I had a chance to see your dad about 10 years ago at the Refuge and we had a drink together and he said how proud he was of me for "making it", he was so sincerly proud he cried and gave me the biggest hug! I will be forever grateful for his support. He will be missed. He was a true hero for a little girl "lost" and in "love with his son".
Becky Mayden
October 15, 2011
Greg,and Lesa,
So sorry to hear about your parents.
I hope you are holding tight to your memories,and smiling often. Hugs to you both , Becky Mayden
Florence Soares-Dabalos
September 26, 2011
Lesa & Greg, I was sorry to hear of your loss. I had run into your dad not too long ago and was able to catch up a little. I was w/my dad so they were comparing heart health stories. Anyway, these times are always tough but just know there are people who loved your dad and love the both of you two. Even if time and distance has kept us apart.
Junie Mattice
September 24, 2011
Love and peace to you and you, take care and miss you all...
VERA JARRARD
September 23, 2011
GREGGIE AND LISA, I WILL REALLY MISS YOUR DAD "BIG GREG" WE HAVE HAD SOME GOOD LAUGHS OVER THE YEARS.! I WILL TRULY MISS HIM! AND I KNOW HOW MUCH HE LOVED YOU ASHLEY! I will miss OUR CHATS WHILE I CUT HIS HAIR! LOVE TO YOU WEASEL "LOL" AND LISA
Joel Dowden
September 23, 2011
Greggy,lisa, I know I haven't been around the last 10 years but I too am missing the thought of him around. I remember how much I loved him even though I only saw him during most family get togethers and holidays. I always would stand with him and dad and listen to them laugh because they had the same laugh and he reminded me of my own dad. love you guys and hope things are better for you from here on out.
Dodie Dowden
September 23, 2011
Greg and Lisa, I use to laugh at your dad when he would chase Rick around grandma's house trying to take him out. Your dad was serious and of course Rick thought it was great that he annoyed him once again. Add Joe to that fight and it was on until of course grandma D stood up it was over. Love you two Aunt Dodie
Sam Evans(Administrator)
September 23, 2011
Most of us at Eskaton Frank Jaconetti Manor did not get a chance to know Greg. However, we feel as though part of our family is missing. Our thoughts and prayer are with family and friends.
Rebecca Condrey
September 23, 2011
Greggie and Lesa I am so sorry for your loss. It has been a very hard year for the family. I love you guys and will always be there for you. If it wasn't for your parents I wouldn't have Ashley. You are always in my thoughts and prayers.
Melanie Whitlock (Hillis)
September 23, 2011
To the Dowden family: Hold on to each other and you will find strength to see you through this loss. There are no words to express the sorrow you must be feeling at this time, but time will really does soften the hurt. My heart goes out to you and may Greg rest in peace.
Toni Chainey
September 23, 2011
I had so much fun with my Uncle Greg. When we were little he was always so quiet and I didn't really know him that well. After I grew up and hung out with him and my dad (Joe Dowden) we had so much fun together and I realized what a great sense of humor he really had. Although we lost touch when I moved away, I will always miss him!
Susan Maggy
September 22, 2011
I agree with Sylvia...the first thing I remember about Greg is his laugh! Lesa and Greggie, what a great tribute to your Dad...he would like knowing you made friends and family laugh with his memories! It's been a hard year for you two...keep positive. Live life to its fullest. That's what both your parents would want. Remember your memories...it's what we're left with and they are what bring tears, smiles, and laughs! Love you...
Sylvia Ybarra
September 22, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Greg was such a good man and we have many good memories of him as we would all get together years ago with my mom and dad (Art & Helen Torres) As I think of Greg the main thing I can remember is his laugh. He was always laughing and that brings a smile to my face. So sorry for your loss. Frank & Sylvia Ybarra
Lisa (Samaro) Wilbur
September 21, 2011
To the entire Dowden Family, you are all in my thoughts and prayers and I am so sorry for your loss. Much love to you all!
Marie Emery
September 21, 2011
To the Dowden family and especially Fran Simino. I love you always, and bless you all. Thinking of you.
Nicole (Waugh) Buchanan
September 21, 2011
I'm so sorry for your loss. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. I grew up with some of the Dowdens. I'm still in contact with Dawn, Joel, Toni, Manuel. One day we all will meet our loved one's again. Just take comfort knowing you have a Angel looking after you all. God Bless you all.
Lynn Cerney
September 21, 2011
To all the Dowden family, all my love and prayers.
Kim Marcelli-Cunha
September 21, 2011
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
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