Richard A. Downe

Date of Death: April 9, 2016
Date of Birth: June 20, 1942
Richard (Rick) Albro Downe, 73, of Sidney died on April 9. He was born on June 20, 1942, the son Charles and Carolyn Downe. Richard graduated from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and served in United States Navy aboard the USS Atule. After moving to Maine he took a job at Fairchild, moved onto Digital and finished his career as a computer programmer with the State of Maine. Richard was a proud member of Alcoholics Anonymous for 33 years where he was devoted to sponsoring/mentoring people through their recovery process. He studied a variety of religions and spiritual traditions and served as a hospice volunteer for many years. Richard enjoyed gardening, model trains and photography and was proud of being a licensed HAM radio operator. Richard found the most joy in life enjoyed spending time with family, particularly the youngest in his family. Survived by two sisters, Peggy Brady and husband Paul of Leland, NC; Barbara Rukstalis and husband Robert of E. Walpole, MA ; children Christopher Downe and wife Jennifer of Watertown, MA; Daughters Kathyrne Gallant of Auburn, MA and Lynne Turer and husband Spencer of Burlinton, Vt.; Stepchildren Tamera Longfellow and husband Daniel of Hampden, ME ; Theresa Wright of Skowhegan, ME; Greg Wright of Augusta ME; Grandchildren, Zachary, Marissa, and Nicole Gallant, Sydney and Sophia Turer, Owen Downe, Amanda Wright and Lily Knowles, Kyle and Kelsey Wright, Mitchell and Cassie Longfellow; great-grand child Benson Frene1e. Nephews Jus2n Brady and Andrew Rukstalis; Neice Elizabeth Brady; Best Friend Ava Walker of So. China, ME. He also leaves behind his two beloved companions, Oliver and Mocha. Predeceased by - His Father, Charles Downe and his Mother Carolyn (Carr) Downe. Richard is survived by his two sisters, Peggy Brady and husband Paul of Leland NC, Barbara Rukstalis and husband Robert of E. Walpole, MA; son Christopher Downe and wife Jennifer of Watertown, MA; daughters Kathyrne Gallant of Auburn, MA and Lynne Turer and husband Spencer of Essex Junction, VT; stepchildren Tamera Longfellow and husband Daniel of Hampden, ME, Theresa Wright of Skowhegan, ME, Greg Wright or Augusta, ME; grandchildren Zachary, Marissa and Nicole Gallant, Sydney and Sophia Turer, Owen Downe, Amanda Wright and Lillian Knowles, Kyle and Kelsey Wright, Mitchell and Cassandra Longfellow; great-grandchild Benson Frenette; nephews Justin Brady and Andrew Rukstalis; niece Elizabeth Brady; Significant other Ava Walker of So. China, ME. He also leaves behind his two beloved companions Oliver and Mocha. Predeceased by his Father Charles Downe and Mother Carolyn (Carr) Downe In lieu of flowers you may make a donation in his name to a charity meaningful to Rick: Disabled American Veterans (dav.org) A memorial service will be held for Richard at the Elks Lodge, 397 Civic Center Dr, Augusta, ME on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at 11 Am. Arrangements are under the care of Funeral Alternatives, 198 Western Ave. Augusta www.funeralalternatives.net