Shield Downey Jr

Lifelong Alaskan, Shield Downey, Jr. lost his battle with cancer on March 8, 2024, surrounded by many loved ones at the Alaska Native Medical Center. A viewing and memorial service will be held on Monday, March 18, at 2p.m. in the Heritage Angelus Chapel followed by a Celebration of Life at the Kincaid Chalet from 4–7p.m.
Shield was born in Noorvik, Alaska on January 17, 1947, the fourth of seven children of Shield Sr. and Gladys Downey. He spent his early years living a nomadic lifestyle herding reindeer in the Kobuk Valley.
Despite the challenge of starting school at 9 years old, Shield's determination never wavered. He refused to succumb to adversity, continuing his education when others might have faltered. After completing his secondary education at Chemawa Indian Boarding School in Salem, Oregon and higher education at Haskell Indian Junior College in Lawrence, Kansas; Shield returned to Alaska, settling in Ambler with his family, where they obtained land through the Homestead Act.
Service to his country was another testament to Shield's character. He exhibited courage and bravery enlisting in the US Army during the Vietnam War, with an honorable discharge.
Shield retired from the State of Alaska, Department of Corrections, McLaughlin Youth Center touching the lives of many Anchorage youth that came from broken homes and impoverished communities, kids that did not know a father and many grew moving from foster homes to orphanages. They admirably called him, "Mr. Downey," a father figure to most.
One of Shield's greatest honors was the privilege to serve his people as First Chief of the Ivisaapaat Tribe in Ambler, Alaska. Shield's need to continue supporting and advocating for his people was evident. Talking politics, encouraging and educating voters through his political action committee volunteerism.
Despite his stoic exterior, those closest to him knew the depth of his love, often expressed through a subtle smile or a nod of approval. Whether you wanted it or not, tough love is what you would get from him. As a man of few words, Shield was a doer and expressed his heart through action. His fiery passion and unwavering spirit were evident in every task he undertook. Described by his children as "strong as an ox and stubborn as a mule," Shield never shied away from a challenge. In fact, telling him something couldn't be done only fueled his determination to prove otherwise.
Shield is survived by his wife Emily Downey; daughter, Tennille Downey and her children; daughter, Sheila and Jason Hill and their children; son, Shield Thomas Downey and his children; son, Henry Downey, his stepchildren, Robert Reimer Sr., Holly Reimer, Anthony Reimer, Jason Douglas, April Douglas, and Geraldine Jones; brother, Jack and Nita Commack and their children; sister, Rosa and Henry Horner and their children; brother, Frank and Polly Downey and their children; sister, Ameila Woods and her children; his eighteen grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and many cousins, nieces, nephews and loved ones. He is preceded in death by his parents Shield and Gladys Downey Sr., siblings Angeline Geffe, Lulu Nelson, his son Kevin Cleveland and his grandchildren Ezekiel Downey-Dockery and Vivian Downey.
A loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and community leader, he will always be remembered for his stubborn will and determination to fight for what he believed in.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in his name to the Wounded Warrior Project.