Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Vernon Downing Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Vernon Downing
Shelby Adams
February 21, 2008
I miss you Pop.
Kim Madigan
February 20, 2008
It's been a year now that Pops been gone, but he's in my thoughts everyday. Haven't bought any LOTTO tickets since he died. I remember how much fun he had scratching them off, hoping to get the big winner. Miss him, love him, wish he was still here. Kim
Diana Adams
January 30, 2008
Mom, Vicki, and I watched your tournament from years ago on tv today, by way of DVD. It was thrilling to see you. Brought tears to my eyes. Wish you were here. But......you are in my heart everyday. Love you, Di
Diana Adams
October 10, 2007
October 10, 2007
Thinking of you today, your 77th birthday!
Love, Di
KACIE & MIKEY ADAMS
October 10, 2007
Happy Birthday Pop! Miss you and love you very much...
Diana Adams
August 20, 2007
It's been 6 months since you left us, and I think of you everyday. I wish you were here. Mikey talks about you. "Pop, gone. He sick. I help." You were loved, and always will be. Love you, Di
Diana Adams
June 17, 2007
Remembering you today on Father's Day, and always. Happy Dad's Day! Diana
KACIE ADAMS-MARQUEZ
June 15, 2007
Happy Fathers Day, Pop! I've been watching some old videos of you bowling, Mikey just loves seeing you on TV, he cracks up! We really miss you...
love, Kacie and Mikey
Diana Adams
May 30, 2007
May 28,2007
We're supposed to remember our Veterans today, Memorial Day. Yes, my dad was a Veteran, but I won't remember him just on that day, but forever. He has been gone 3 months now, and not a single day goes by that I don't think about him. Especially the funny things he did, and said. He's still making me laugh. Thanks Dad. Love you, Diana
Mel Ainsworth
March 31, 2007
For Those I Love And Those Who Love Me
When I am gone, release me , let me go
I have so many things to see and do
Please don't tie yourself to me with tears
Just be happy we had so many years
I thank you for the love you each have shown
Now it's time I traveled alone
It's only for awhile that we must part
Bless the memories that lie within your heart
I won't be far away for life goes on
So if you need me, call and I will come
Though you won't see me, or touch me
I'll be near
And if you listen with your heart you will hear
All my love around you soft and clear
Then when you must come this way alone.....
I'll greet you with a smile and say
"Welcome Home"
Robert Brown
March 31, 2007
March 28, 2007
Dear Frances,
When I suggested years ago, Vern be honored by being inducted into the West Contra Costa County Bowling Hall of Fame, and whenever I talked to him before and after his retirement, I was always impressed with his way of being a gentleman of dignity and humbleness. I have written about Vern many times in my monthly paper - BOWLETON. My condolences to you and your family for the loss of Vern.
I have included the March edition of BOWLETON. While I did this as a tribute to Vern, for all to see - I did it mainly as a tribute to my friend.
Truly yours, Robert L. Brown
From the BOWLETON March issue:
VERN DOWNING - A TRIBUTE
A tribute to a very special person. West Contra Costa County's Hall of Fame Bowler, Vern Downing. A quiet man of great bowling skills and many honors. Always a gentleman, Vern was modest and deserved all honors which he received. He will be missed!
Melvin Ainsworth
March 22, 2007
Dear Vern,
God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be, so he took you in his arms and whispered, "Come to me."
With careful eyes we watched you.
We saw you pass away, although we loved you dearly we could not make you stay.
A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest, God broke our hearts to prove to us, he only takes the best.
Professional Bowler's Association
March 22, 2007
February 2007
PBA Mourns Loss
The PBA is mourning the loss of two-time PBA Tour titlist Vern L. Downing, who passed away on February 20.
Downing began his career in 1958 and remained a PBA member until 1974, capturing the 1961 Northern California Open and the 1963 Alton PBA Open. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Frances, and his children, Diana, Kim, Cheryl, and Chris.He is also survived by seven grand children and three great grand children.
The PBA sends its deepest sympathies to the Downing family.
Melvin Ainsworth
March 21, 2007
Feb. 27, 2007
Dear Fran,
Went to a casting call in San Diego 23-24, and when I called home to see how well David was watching over Mary, she told me of Vern.
We are deeply sorrowed. But we know he is now at peace, and we will miss Him and always remember the days we had so much fun playing Quarter Knock at your home.
My personal friendship and meeting with Vern was when I walked into His Pro Shop to have a 16 LB. semi-finger-tip bowling ball drilled sometime in 1969.
Then, I never ever knew that someday I would become somewhat related to your Family.
The next time I became closer to your Family was when Chris walked into my Bakery in 1974 and asked me for a job.
He was my Best and only right hand, from day one.
For 16 years before My Lady "Lee" died in 88, Mary, Tommy, Lee, and I spent many hours together in every bar within a 20 mile radius. Tommy passed away in 86. My Lee in 88.
Then Mary and I met again at Julie's Cafe on the corner of 2nd and Wanda, Feb.27, 1988, and have been together ever since.
So, my Joy of Life shared with Mary and your Family has been a Blessing. And for that, I'll be Forever Grateful to all of you. Each and every one.
Mary shares every bit of my Feelings also.
LOVE and GOD BLESS
Mary and Mel
Michael Adams
March 5, 2007
I miss sitting with Pop, in the back yard, on a nice warm day, having a beer. The family is all around, making noise, and fixing food. I'm going to miss Pop. Wish we could have went to the race tracks one more time, and bet on a big winner!!!!!!!!! Mike
Diana Adams
March 5, 2007
Mikey looks for his Pop everyday. He calls out his name, but can't find him. What do you tell a two year old? Mikey says, "Pop gone. Pop at bowl." He remembers me taking my dad to the bowling alley every week. So, I guess he thinks his Pop is there. I go along with him. "Yeah, Pop's gone. He's at the bowl." Mikey picks flowers for his Pop and Nana everyday. When we go to their house, he gives my mom one, and then heads upstairs to his Pop's room with a flower for him. It breaks your heart and makes you smile, all at the same time. I'll do my best to always help Mikey to remember his Pop. My dad was a cool guy. If you knew him, you liked him. I am proud that he was my father. Love you, Dad.
Kim Downing
March 2, 2007
I had just purchased a home in Kauai, Hawaii when I got the news that my dad had lung cancer. At that time I decided, I had to come back. I'm so glad that I made that decision, because even though he was given only 6 months to live, he had such a strong will, he gave me an extra year. And in that year and a half since I've been back, I've been able to spend more time with my dad than I have in the last 25 years. Lots of laughs. Lots of memories. Will miss him a whole lot. Love you dad. Will always miss you. Kim
Frances Downing
March 1, 2007
Hey, Vern. Today is one of my firsts. My first birthday without you. But, everything is ok. You always loved my daffodils. They're all in bloom! Shelby is staying with me every night, so that I'm not alone. Many people have called and sent cards. We have alot of friends. I'll be seeing you, in the most familiar places........ Love, Fran
SHELBY ADAMS
February 28, 2007
POP WAS THE ONLY GRANDFATHER I HAD.
HE USED TO WATCH "WALKER, TEXAS RANGER" ON TV ALL THE TIME. NOW I WATCH IT. HE GAVE ME POINTERS ON BOWLING. I HOPE SOME DAY I BOWL AS GOOD AS HIM. I'LL ALWAYS LOVE HIM, AND I'll MISS HIM FOREVER. HE WAS THE COOLEST GRANDFATHER. I LOVE YOU, POP!!!! LOVE, SHELBY
Don & Dorothy Peerson
February 27, 2007
A friend to us both for many years and will remain in our memory foreever.
Cheryl Downing
February 24, 2007
Pop, you will be missed
You don't know how much so.
My eyes start to fill with tears
And then begin to flow.
You were a good Pop
To me and the rest.
But especially to me
You were the best.
It was neat to have a Pop
That was a ProBowler.
I had something to brag about
And still will over and over.
Your name stands out BOLD
At the Hall of Fame.
I can take my friends to see
And say, that's my Pop's name.
I am proud to say
That you were my Pop.
You'll remain in my heart
And never be forgot.
I love you Pop.
Your daughter, Cheryl
Kacie Adams-Marquez
February 24, 2007
To those of you that knew my Pop, know what a good man he was and that he really was a gentleman from the old school. I miss him eveyday, but he's gone on to bigger and better things... like that big bowling alley in the sky! That's what Mikey thinks anyway.
Pop, we love you and we miss you!!!
Love,
Kacie and Mikey
Sarah Miltello-Freeman
February 22, 2007
I was sorry to hear of Vern's passing. He was a good man and I know he will be missed by his wife, children and grandchildren.
Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results
Make a Donation
in Vernon Downing's name
Memorial Events
for Vernon Downing
How to support Vernon's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Vernon Downing's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
