Bruce Downey
10/15/1939 - 04/04/2018
Bruce Downey
10/15/1939 - 04/04/2018
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
10/15/1939
DIED
04/04/2018
Bruce Downey Obituary
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34 Entries
BonnieYoung Lang
January 6, 2022
Dear Peggy and family. I realise my condolences are very late however I just observed Bruces niche near my husbands and was so saddened he had passed. My sincere condolences to you all. Peggy i hope you are well, I often think of you. Bonnie Young-Lang pls feel free to contact me if you would like 514 9010684 Blessings and prayers
Hughie
April 1, 2019
Sharing your memory continues to be a blessing. Thanks.
Wendell Joyce
October 27, 2018
Peggy and Family
I was saddened to learn of you loss while reading the U of Guelph alumni news. My condolences to your family. Dr. Downey was one of my favorite professors while I was a student in Animal Science at Mac. Later when I returned to work at the research farm Bruce became a trusted advisor and mentor. Calm, logical, patient and always fair and balanced in his approach to the issues at hand I could always count on him for sound advice. He will be missed by all who knew him in the agricultural community.
pat knuffke
September 10, 2018
Peggy, my sympathies to you and your family at the of Bruce. I always enjoyed working with Bruce at Ayerst Research. Such a really nice person with a great sense of humor and great smile.
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April 15, 2018
Sincere sympathies,
from a classmate at Almonte High School,
Margo MacRae Thank you for that last
visit at our farm in Glengarry
near Rotorua NZ Dec 2010
Brian Snedden
April 12, 2018
Dear Aunt Peggy, Steve, Mike, Tom and families,
So sorry to hear about Uncle Bruce. Feeling a long way away right now and wishing I could be there with you. Some great memories of him and our family times together, the road trips, presidents and scumbags and the many games of dominoes. I will always remember his patient and humble manner talking to an overbearing nephew about animals and genetics. And I will remember your good company travelling (as an adult!) the New Zealand countryside with you Aunt Peggy with Uncle Bruce in 2010.
The high esteem all of his children had for him spoke volumes about his character. He will be greatly missed.
Not that life should be a competition but I couldn't help noticing the large number of entries in this guest book. Indicative no doubt of the wider circle of his life.
Lots of love, Brian
Peter Smith
April 11, 2018
Peggy,
So sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies to you and the rest of the family. Always enjoyed the hockey, golf and comradeship with Bruce. Thinking of you all,
Peter Smith
Linds Luft
April 11, 2018
Dear Peggy and Family,
Thinking of all of you at this very sad time in your lives. Take good care of each other.
Sincerely, Linda Luft
Susan Smith
April 11, 2018
Downey Family, I am very sorry for you loss. Prof. Downey was always so approachable, he was knowledgeable & helpful to staff and students.
Jim Downey
April 11, 2018
Dear Peggy and Family,
Helen and I offer our greatest sympathy to you in this time of sorrow. As Bruce's distant cousin and fellow parishioner I enjoyed his companionship, thoughts and generously given time about our ancestors and world events. I shall miss those times greatly and his quiet humour and baritone voice in the choir.
He will be in our memories.
Jim Downey and Helen Finn
Some beautiful flowers to brighten a dark and challenging day for you
Nicole Smith
April 11, 2018
Dear Peggy,
My deepest condolences to you and your family at this time of great loss. I will always remember Bruce's lovely smile, his terrific dry wit, and that important voice in the choir, being the tenor section all by himself most of the time. I am too far away in Hamilton to be at the funeral, but know I am there in spirit with you especially today, and wish you healing and peace after the necessary grieving that must take place now.
Much love,
Nicole
April 11, 2018
Dear Peggy !
My most sincere condolences.
Johannes Eidnes (member from Dunworkin )
Bill and Sandra Wilson
April 10, 2018
Condolences to Peggy and your whole family on the passing of cousin Bruce. As a former Dairy farmer I no doubt benefited from his research. I remember fondly family gatherings at the Davis family homestead in Woodlawn when Bruce would bring his young family.
Thinking of you all.
Evelyn and Gaylan Josephson
April 10, 2018
Dear Peggy
Although we are unable yo be with you at this time, our hearts and prayers are with you and your family. As a classmate, a room-mate and a close friend of Bruce's at the Ontario Veterinary College, I have many fond memories of Bruce, sharing the ups and downs of the heavy workload until the big moment came - our graduation in 1963. I was honoured to be in his wedding party, and having him be a part of ours.
We were so pleased that he was able to attend our 50th wedding anniversary party - it made our day more memorable and our time together so special!
He will remain forever in our memories!
Bob & Marg McEwen
April 10, 2018
Bruce will forever be in our hearts as one of our original supporters for the MMF. As for Marg, she remembers him as the vet at MAC; a career she too wanted to follow. With all due respect and love to you and the "kids" - you are all in our thoughts and prayers
Joan Yerema
April 10, 2018
Dear Peggy and family , Heartfelt condolences from Bruce's oldest cousin,( me) He had a wonderful, fulfilling life , both personally and professionally . We will all miss him
Hugh Kedey
April 10, 2018
Hello Downey's At the Salute to Bruce's life well lived, Wednesday, I shall miss our talking with our hearts through our hugs and whispering 'strength and love' and the bittersweet healing of the tears and laughter. You are a treasure.
A '39er' as Art declared, Hughie
Trinkie and Garth Coffin
April 10, 2018
To Peggy, Steve, Mike and Tom and families
Wishing we were closer to be with you as you remember and honour a husband , Dad and Grandad and a wonderful human being. The MAC family is a pretty awesome thing and we were so lucky to meet and spend time with you while Garth was at MAC and to have a lobster or two when you visited in PEI. We will be thinking of you and taking a quiet time tomorrow at 3pm while you celebrate a life so well lived. love from Trinkie and Garth and family
jacinthe laguë
April 9, 2018
He was a good a generous man, Bruce Downey.
He truly made this place a kinder one.
My heart is with his family, his friends, his loved ones.
May this place continue to be kind to them.
Kathryn Panasuk
April 9, 2018
Dear Steve, Joanne, Mélissa, Andréa, and Thomas: I was saddened to learn of this loss. Sending positive vibes your way.
Julie Côté
April 9, 2018
Dear Peggy, we at the Department of Kin & Phys Ed want to express our condolences and send our thoughts and prayers to you and your family. You are in our hearts.
Ruth Spencley
April 9, 2018
Our deepest condolences Peggy, to you and your Children and Grandchildren. Cousin Ruth Spencley and Bruce's Uncle Bob and Aunt Helen Davis in Peterborough Ont.
sheila and bob Neal
April 9, 2018
Steve and Joanne We are so sorry for your loss, I am sure it is difficult for you and Melissa and Andrea and Thomas...In our prayers!!!
April 9, 2018
Nos sincères Condoléances à toute votre famille et proche.
M et Mme Sibous
Ken Lague
April 9, 2018
Downeys, I have just learned through my parents that Bruce passed away. We are all saddened with the news.
As Tom's childhood friend I have memories of Bruce as the omnipresent, model father. When the family moved off-campus to Senneville I would routinely ride my bike to spend Saturdays with Tom; rounding the corner onto the path adjacent to the house, peering through the hedgerow your father was invariably the first Downey I would see. He was constantly seen puttering about the yard, working on some home improvement project (or two, or three). I remember his fondness of hockey and accompanying the boys to practices at the arena. On a few special occasions he would unlock the newly acquired Cutlass Supreme, what seemed to me to be the coolest car on the planet, to let Tom and I pretend-drive. Looking back on it, I'm sure there was some hesitation to turn us kids loose pushing all the buttons and pedals in there! But these simple kindnesses speak volumes about his generosity and his ultimate priorities. Over the years I knew anecdotally the importance of Bruce's research work, but reading the recap of all of his contributions and the profound impact he has made all around the world has left me in awe. He set quite the example. I hope you find some comfort in this difficult time.
April 9, 2018
Steve,
I am saddened only to have learned of your father's extraordinary career through the reading of his obituary. That being said, what a remarkable career, indeed. I expect that you have a wealth of memories of times shared and, as I mentioned, I wish you and your family the solace and comfort that they may bring.
Michael
Come Lague
April 9, 2018
Dear Peggy, Mike, Steve and Tom, my sincere condolences for your loss. Growing up with all of you on Macdonald campus and then the years of our youth in elementary and high school, I remember your father as a kind and caring person who always put his family first and foremost in his life, an inspiring character who loved teaching and his leading edge research. He will be missed. Sending love and light to you all during these difficult times.
April 9, 2018
Bruce and I joined Ayerst at the same time during the Fall of 1965 and from there became good friends. Our careers took different paths but our friendship continued unabated, so it is with great sorrow we learned of his passing. His contributions to the education of the next generation was great and his love for his family and friends deep. He will be sorely missed. Marty and I personally have many wonderful memories of our time together and extend our deepest sympathies to Peggy and the family.
Art Davis
April 9, 2018
Dear Peggy and family: Laurell and I send our love and our thoughts are with you. I have many fond memories of summer meetings of the three "Thirty Niners" in the Ottawa Valley - Bruce, Hughie and myself.
Mary and Cal McMillan
April 9, 2018
Mary and Cal McMillan send heartfelt wishes to our cousin Bruce's family. Mary has happy childhood memories of Pakenham fun with Bruce and his sister, Kathleen.What an amazing life Bruce had!
Heather Burford
April 8, 2018
As a young child I idolized Dr. Downey as I dreamt of entering the field of veterinarian medicine. Although my career took me in a different direction, I'll never forget his encouraging words, his gentle demeanor, and his genuine care and concern for all four-legged creatures. It's been fun following his career and pursuits through my mom and dad, Peggy and Bruce's long time friends. I'm so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful man. Rest In Peace Dr. Downey.
Wayne Giles
April 8, 2018
Hi Peggy - Wendy told last night me of Bruce's passing. I'm sincerely sorry for your loss. He was my big eldest cousin who was always an inspiration for me.
John & Norma Perry
April 7, 2018
Dear Peggy, We extend our sincere sympathies to you and family. We were fortunate to know and socialize with you and Bruce over the years. Dominoes and card games are fond memories.Marilyn informed us of Bruce's health issues and he fought a strong battle.You also need praise for your caregiver months/years.His struggles have now passed and you can enjoy the many happy footprints that you enjoyed and shared. Thinking of you at this time. With much love. John & Norma Perry
Barry and Heather Mcbride
April 7, 2018
Dear Peggy and Family,
It is most difficult to know that your beloved Bruce has passed away. Bruce touched so many lives through his career, and was greatly admired for his guidance, intellect and quiet manner. He was a true gentleman. His devotion to family was unquestionable, his faith a great strength and comfort. Bruce's love of sports, both as an active and competitive participant and as an interested spectator was well known and admired. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time.
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