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Howard Downs Obituary
2014
WEST GARDINER - Howard C. Downs, 54, of West Gardiner, passed away at his home Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2014.
Howard was born in Gardiner and raised in Hallowell. He was the son of Homer and Patricia Downs, of Hallowell. He graduated from Hall-Dale High School in 1978, served in the National Guard, and graduated from the University of Southern Maine in 1993. He worked various jobs throughout his lifetime.
Howard was a man full of life, laughter and Diet Coke. He charmed and amused all who knew or met him with his humor, and he brought smiles to everyone who was blessed by his kind heart. He loved his family, friends, his dogs and his comic books. His child-like spirit and infectious laugh will live long and prosper in the hearts of all who loved him.
Howard is survived by his beloved wife of 22 years, Elizabeth Downs, and his daughter, Mary Downs, his fellow Ducks, sister Helen Emery and brother-in-law Ron Emery, of China, brother Homer Downs, of Portland, brother Harold Downs, of Ohio, sister Carrie Doyon and brother-in-law Eric Doyon, of Huston, Texas, brother Herb Downs and sister-in-law Stacey Downs, of Augusta, father-in-law Walton Brann and mother-in-law Patricia Brann, of Gorham, brother-in-law Walter Brann and sister-in-law Linda Brann, of Gorham, nieces Sarah Brann, Jennifer Downs, Patricia Downs, Mary-Jane Doyon, Victoria Horton and Ashley Downs; nephews William Brann, Michael Emery, Mason Emery, George Doyon and Brett Downs; his dogs Shilo and Mr. Bean, and other beloved friends and family.
The family and friends are holding a brief service at Staples Funeral Home, 53 Brunswick Ave., Gardiner, at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15.
Any condolences or gifts may be directed to Staples Funeral Services.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Howard Downs
February 17, 2014
Sorry to hear about Howard. We went to school and played football together at Hall-Dale. I remember walking from the Hall-Dale JH to the elementary school for lunch every day with Howard. We would stop at his house on the way back for woopie pies. RIP Andy McPherson
Michael Crockett
February 15, 2014
I went to school with Howard and graduated with him from Hall-Dale. We played football together on the line that goes “click.” We used to laugh about that a lot!!!! I remember his crazy hair that went along with his personality! Very intelligent but crazy fun!!! Will miss you a lot man!!!! Wish we had kept in touch more… May the peace of God be with your family during this time of loss...
Deb (McCollett) Harris
February 12, 2014
Deepest sympathy for your loss.
Joseph McCluskey
February 11, 2014
I worked with Howard briefly and have many great memories talking and joking with him. Howard like myself enjoyed basketball especially the Celtics quite a bit and I remember discussing and arguing with him about how to improve our beloved Celtics!!
Bruce Trask
February 11, 2014
To the Downs family,
I'm sorry to hear of Howard's passing....
My thoughts are with you at this time.
February 11, 2014
Thank you for your service.
Eric Weeks
February 11, 2014
I'll always remember Howard and his siblings as 5 of the nicest kids in the neighborhood. Of great enjoyment was watching Howard and my brother, Lee, planning for a life in comics. My prayers are with Helen, Homer, Harold and Carrie Mae as the grieve the loss of a brother.
Cathy Cobb
February 11, 2014
Herb and family, I was very sorry to see that you lost your brother. Thoughts are with you.
Roberta McRae (Thayer)
February 10, 2014
The words are hard to find to express my sadness, many memories flood my thoughts, may your memories bring comfort. Rest In Peace Howard.
bonnie h
February 10, 2014
the first duck has flown south :(
Sam Blethen
February 10, 2014
I was saddened with the news of Howard's passing. Although I had not seen him for many years I still remember him and his brothers when I worked in Hallowell. It was Howard who turned me on to Doctor Who in the 70's and I got him into Jerry Garcia. Rest in peace Howard.
Nancy (Roy) (Clement) Fuller
February 10, 2014
So sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers to all the family.
Evan Hansen
February 10, 2014
RIP GOD BLESS
Hope MacFarland
February 10, 2014
I am so sorry for your loss. May you find peace in the good memories.
Reginald Levesque
February 10, 2014
My condolences to Howies family and friends. We served in the same National Guard unit for over 4 years. I certainly remember his wit and sense of humor. I have nothing but fond memories of him.
Bruce Canwell
February 10, 2014
Speaking as one of those Ducks, we all love Howard, and all of us already miss him. He may now be gone from us, but his
spirit endures.
Donna Morissette Wenckus
February 10, 2014
Sending your family my condolences. I graduated with Howard and always enjoyed his zest for life and his sense of humor. May your memories bring you a sense of peace.
Tom Field
February 10, 2014
Howard, my friend, I cannot convey the depth of my sorrow at your passing. Same with all of us. We all have our special memories of times spent together. To me, it's all those lunches at Tina's, or afternoons sipping beer on the island at camp, or hanging out in a car behind the elementary school, harmonizing over Paul Simon songs. You left a forever impression on me, and that's how long I'll miss you.
Mark Weeks
February 10, 2014
So sorry to hear about Howard. I grew up just a couple of houses down from Howard. We played many sports pick up games growing up and played High School football together. My family give our heart felt and sincere condolences to Howards family. God Bless.
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