Robert Bruce Downes

1942 - 2025

The Honorable Robert Bruce Downes, retired Fairbanks Superior Court Judge, was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, as well as a respected pillar of the Fairbanks legal community. He passed away on June 19, 2025, at the age of 82, surrounded by family. His passing leaves a profound void in the hearts of all who knew him.

Judge Downes was born on Oct. 20, 1942, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Dr. Arthur Bruce Downes and Helen Rita Downes. He graduated from Belmont Hill School, a preparatory high school for boys, before going on to earn a Bachelor of Science in biology from Saint Vincent College in 1965 and a Juris Doctor from Boston College Law School in 1968. Throughout his life, he followed a path marked by integrity, compassion, and unwavering dedication to others. He began his legal career in private practice in Natick, Massachusetts. In 1970, Judge Downes and his then-wife, Esther Downes, journeyed north to Alaska, where he joined the Fairbanks District Attorney's Office. That move marked the beginning of a lifelong love and commitment to Alaska and a career in public service that would leave a lasting legacy.

Judge Downes went on to build an esteemed legal career, first as a prosecutor and later in private practice. In 2005, he was appointed to the Fairbanks Superior Court, Fourth Judicial District, by Gov. Frank Murkowski. As a judge, he was known for his fairness, his deep respect for every individual, and his commitment to rehabilitation and justice. He played a vital role in the early development of Therapeutic Court, helping to create pathways to recovery for repeat DUI offenders.

After his retirement from the bench at age 70, Judge Downes returned to private practice with his daughter, Amy Schrum, forming the Downes & Tallerico Law Firm. The firm later became Downes, Tallerico, & Schwalm Law Firm with the addition of attorney Kirk Schwalm, who now serves as a Superior Court Judge.

Judge Downes often took young people and new or aspiring attorneys under his wing, generously sharing his knowledge and offering guidance, encouragement, and support. A lover of both hockey and the law, he encouraged nearly every young person he met to play hockey and consider attending law school. Judge Downes had a remarkable ability to connect with people. He was known for his great sense of humor, generosity, and his genuine interest in the lives of others. His kindness and humility left a mark that will not be forgotten.

In November 1983, Judge Downes married the love of his life, Melissa Downes, with whom he shared a loving 35-year marriage until her passing in 2018. Through Melissa, he became a father to Amy, and he embraced that role with extraordinary love and devotion. He coached Amy's hockey and softball teams, attended every event, and remained a steadfast and important presence in her life. Judge Downes' life revolved around his family, whom he cherished above all else.

Judge Downes was deeply involved in the Fairbanks sports community. He served on boards and booster clubs for the Alaska Goldpanners and Alaska Nanooks Hockey. His passion for sports and the community was reflected in everything he did - whether supporting local teams, mentoring youth athletes, cheering from the sidelines, or following his beloved Boston Bruins, Red Sox, New England Patriots, and Seattle Seahawks.

He was an amazing, wonderful, and doting grandfather. His grandsons, Tanner and Reece, were the light of his life. He spent countless hours with them, coached Tanner's baseball team, and was present at their athletic and school events. He was overjoyed when his eldest grandson was given the middle name "Robert" in his honor - a tribute that touched him deeply and brought immense pride and joy.

Judge Downes was exceedingly generous, always going above and beyond for family, friends, and even strangers. He was truly one of a kind. His warmth, wisdom, humor, and kindness left an enduring impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him. Countless individuals credit him with changing - and even saving - their lives. Whether helping someone break free from addiction, navigate personal crises, or find a second chance through the justice system, Judge Downes offered compassion when it mattered most and believed in people when they had stopped believing in themselves.

Judge Downes lived with purpose, served with compassion, and loved without limits. He will be missed beyond measure.

He is survived by his daughter, Amy Schrum (Brian Schrum); and grandsons, Tanner Robert Tallerico and Reece Tuukka Tallerico. He is also survived by his brother, Tom Downes (Sandra Downes); and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Melissa Ann Downes; and his parents, Dr. Arthur Bruce Downes and Helen Rita Downes.

A memorial service honoring Judge Robert Downes will be held at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16 at the Davis Concert Hall on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus. Following the service, there will be a joint burial with his wife, Melissa Downes, at Northern Lights Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that charitable donations be made in Judge Downes' memory to FMH Hospice Services at fairbankshospitalfoundation.com/support/donate, or to Alaska Nanooks Hockey Face-Off Club engage.alaska.edu/uaf/foc.