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Ricard E. "Rick" Downing

Ricard Downing Obituary

Ricard "Rick" E. Downing, PhD., age 52, passed away peacefully Wednesday night, July 11th, at St. Luke's North Hospital. Rick, while pursuing his tenure, was an Assistant Professor Information Systems at Rockhurst University Helzberg School of Management. He touched the lives of many students not only in the classroom, but also as Chapter Advisor for the Nu Omega Chapter of Delta Sigma Pi. Rick was characterized by his "Downing wit", his extraordinary ability to convey his dreams to his students, and his simple brilliance. He will be forever remembered and always missed. He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Debbie, and son Brett and Jeff of KCMO; brother, Steve Downing, KCK. A Mass of Christian burial will be held, Monday, July 16 at 12:30PM at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 1086 N. 94th Street., KCK 66112. The family will receive friends Sunday, July 15th at 3-5PM Meyers Family Funeral Home, 6300 Parallel Pkwy, KCK. Interment Monday, July 16 at 2:30PM Ft. Leavenworth National Cemetery, 395 Biddle Blvd., Ft. Leavenworth, KS. (Arr: Meyers Family FH (913)334-6300)

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Published by Kansas City Star on Jul. 15, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Ricard Downing

19 Entries

Brett Downing

July 6, 2008

Happy Birthday pop

Brett Downing

December 25, 2007

Merry Christmas Pop.

Brett

Natasha Becken

July 18, 2007

I remember Dr. Downing walking in the classroom and challanging every individual in his presence. I remember the 100 point "quizzes". I mostly remember a man who loved his family, his students and his community. He was always looking for a way to challange those he mentored to becoming the best they can be. As a teacher he was challanging. As a mentor he was encouraging and uplifting. As a "brother" he was a friend. The world is truly a better place for having him in it.

My family's thoughts and prayers are with you and the family during this difficult time. Thank you for sharing Rick with us.

Ryan McElwain

July 17, 2007

I am happy to say that Dr. Downing was my first teacher when I started at Rockhurst back in the fall of 2003. I had him that semester and two other semesters at Rockhurst and I was always amazed at his knowledge and wit. My last class with him was just this last Spring when I had an Independent Study with him.

He has a great way of conveying information to his students and class was always interesting.

I am so sorry for your loss but you should know that my time at Rockhurst will always be full of memories of Dr. Downing.

Robin Calcara

July 17, 2007

Well time has come and gone, Hoping his family strength and will pray Gods consolation at this time of need. Rick was a good friend and a good citizen even as a young man seemed to respect others and was thankful for what God had given him. I have thought of him often, and he is already missed

Sean Rentchler

July 17, 2007

I currently am taking Dr. Downing's MIS 3100 class this summer, and am very sorry to hear about your loss. Dr. Downing was an amazing professor that found new and interesting ways to make class fun and enjoyable. As a fellow member of ADG with his nephew Steve, I want to extend my prayers to your family during this difficult time, and reiterate how much he will be missed by all current and previous students.

Jesse Owens

July 17, 2007

I cannot express the loss we all feel. Dr. Downing was a great friend and extraordinary teacher! He has touched so many lives and will never be forgotten by his friends, family, or students. I consider myself lucky to have had Dr. Downing as a professor and more importantly to call him my friend! Debbie, Brett, and Jeff... Rick lit up when telling his famous stories about you all! He was very lucky to have such a wonderful family, please know you are in all of our thoughts and prayers.

David Goeckeler

July 16, 2007

A deep feeling of sorrow overcomes me to hear of the loss of Dr. Downing. At the same time, a stronger feeling of thankfulness comes and replaces this grief. I am deeply thankful that I had Dr. Downing as a mentor and professor. He made class exciting, and showed a great passion to help his students. He went above and beyond to advise me in my schoolwork, and he even helped me to get my current and first job out of college. I am very thankful for all of his help and will never forget his kindness. He certainly has made a positive impact upon my life. My thoughts and prayers are with the Downing Family.

Mary Ann Owens

July 16, 2007

I can only echo Josephine Nigro’s comments about Dr. Downing. He was an outstanding role model, teacher and dear friend for so many Rockhurst students, including my daughter, Jesse. Debbie, Brett and especially Jeff, please know that your family is in my prayers during this difficult time.

Orson D. Bangert

July 16, 2007

Dr. Downing facilitated my learning in MIS this summer. His love of learning and for students was obvious every day. He told great, funny, and touching personal stories. I already miss his presence; thanks be to God that we will see each other again!

David Reyes

July 16, 2007

Dr. Downing was always man that brought something different and exciting to the classroom. As a student, I was always appreciative of his one of a kind enthusiasm and passion for his work. I feel honored to have had the privilege to be taught by Dr. Downing. Blessings to the Downing family and the Rockhurst community.

Kim Linder

July 16, 2007

Dear Brett and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family in your time of sorrow. If you need anything please let us know.

Love,
Dale and Kim Linder

Brett Downing

July 16, 2007

I would like to thank everyone for prayers and kind thoughts at this time of need. Brett Downing Dr. Downing oldest son.

Josephine Nigro

July 15, 2007

Dear Debbie, Jeff, and Brett,
Only talking with Rick once at my son Michael's graduation party convinced me that he was the outstanding professor and mentor that my son always spoke of. His convictions of how to prepare young people to make educated and ethical choices in the workplace are sometimes rare in the politics of education today. In addition, he was able to convey a deep sense of caring for his students that inspired and challenged them to accomplish all they are capable of. His passing is a tremendous loss in my family, for my son, Michael, and my nephew Christopher Vaughan, who truly loved and respected him. There is no adequate measurement for the benefit to these young men for knowing Rick.
God bless you in your sorrow.
Sincerely, Josephine Nigro and family

Rosann Speer

July 15, 2007

My daughter had Prof. Downing for her MIS class this summer. She held him in the highest regard and really connected to his teaching methodology. He will be missed by the University community, his students and those fortunate to have known him as a friend. Our condolences to his family.

Andrew & Jennifer Barchers

July 15, 2007

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Tim Keane

July 15, 2007

As a colleague, Rick was very engaging and open to collaboration. Rick's students often told me that they held him in high regard. I no longer live in KC and won't be able to attend the services, but please accept my sincere condolences.

Luvena Luckett Arehart

July 15, 2007

One of the students in my first class of teaching was Rick-a beautiful blond hair lad of six at St. Patricks in KCK (1961-62) - someone once told me I woud never forget my "first class". I am so proud of all that Rick has accomplished and send my wishes that his students will always remember him. Blessings to his famiky at this time.
Miss Luckett

Dave Antonacci

July 15, 2007

I spent many hours driving to Columbia and talking with Rick as we worked on our doctorate together. He was a good friend and good guy. We will pray for him and his heavenly reward, but we will miss him in this life.

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