Albert R. Downey

Albert R. Downey 76, nicknamed the "East Side Walker" by bus drivers and police officers because of his 12-15 mile daily walks, died February 6, 2006 after a brief illness. He was born in Vancouver, BC, on January 27, 1930 and moved to San Diego in 1956 with his wife, Joan. San Diego became his adopted "hometown" and was where all four of his children were born. He worked as a manager for 30 years with Pacific Bell throughout California. After retiring, he moved to Tucson in 1986 and developed a passion for the desert, protection of wildlife and wolves in particular. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Erin and is survived by his wife of 52 years, Joan; son, Paul (Mary); son, Bryan; daughter, Mary (Roy) and grandchildren, Colin, Jonathan, Brandon, Dustin, Mariah and Hannah. The family wishes to thank the nurses, respiratory technicians and doctors of the critical care unit of El Dorado Hospital for their compassionate care during his illness. A memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, February 11th at 11:00 a.m. in Corpus Christ Catholic Church, 300 N. Tanque Verde Loop with lunch to follow at Joan and Al's residence. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Senior Community Centers, 525 14th Street, #200, San Diego, CA 92101.