DOWNEY
Mr. Brian Clifford Downey went to be with Our Lord and Saviour on January 12, 2012. He passed away peacefully in hospital after a brief illness with family at his at the age of 61 years. Brian was born on November 5, 1950 in Castor, Alberta to Clifford Downey and Doreen Downey. He grew up on a mixed farm south of Castor where he learned to be an excellent cattleman. He excelled in school and graduated Grade 12 as valedictorian at Castor High School. He went onto the University of Alberta where he completed two years of a commerce degree. On January 12, 1971, he married Trudy Fuller of Alliance and they returned back to Castor to farm. They had two children, Allison and Dustin. In 1978, he moved to Calgary to pursue a banking career, and became account manager in Rimbey and bank manager in Chauvin. In 1982, farming called back to him and the family returned to Castor. It was then he entered municipal politics and was elected County Councillor and Trustee for the County of Paintearth in 1983. In 1986 and 1989, he was elected MLA for Stettler to the Alberta Legislature. He finished his public service career 1994 as a consultant for the Alberta Hail and Crop Insurance and chairman of the Alberta Grain Commission. He returning to grain farming again and he and Trudy moved to Red Deer in 1995. He will be best remembered for his laugh, sense of humour and adventure. He was also known for his strong beliefs and analytical mind. Earlier in life, he enjoyed flying his Cessna as well as camping, skiing and horseback riding. Later in life, he enjoyed reading, driving and walks with Trudy. He always enjoyed debating and chess with anyone who would entertain him. He will be lovingly remembered and missed by the love of life Trudy, his wife of 41 years; their daughter, Allison (Marc) Downey-Damato, her stepchildren, Davin, Ayslan and Kestrel, and their son, Matteo, of Edmonton; their son, Dustin, (Jovina) Downey, his daughter, Chiaki and their children, Duke and Jasmine, of Taber. He is further survived by his father, Clifford (Frances) Downey of Edmonton; his brother, Bill (Darina) Downey of Calgary; his brother, Dwight (Kathy) Downey of Castor; his brother, Darrin Downey of Prince George, B.C.; his sister, Reena Downey of Red Deer; his half-brother, Bruce (Heide Andersen) Downey of Castor; his half-sister, Elisabeth (Steve) Hughes of Edmonton; and his stepsisters, Michele and Cheryl Labonté of Edmonton. He also had many, many nieces and nephews as well as great nieces and great nephews. He was predeceased by his mother, Doreen Downey in 2008. A celebration of his life was held at Balmoral Bible Chapel in Red Deer, on January 18, 2012 with Pastor Fred Lane officiating.The eulogy and tribute was delivered by his daughter, Allison Downey-Damato and his father, Cliff Downey. Readings were done by Brian`s daughter-in-law, Jovie Downey, and his brother, Darrin Downey. Close friend of the family Marti Feculak played the piano. The family gratefully acknowledges and thanks Balmoral Bible Chapel and all of the people who assisted with the service and luncheon. Donations may be made to the Salvation Army, 4837-54 Street, Red Deer, AB., T4N 2G5, or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 202, 5913-50th Ave. Red Deer, AB., T4N 4C4 or to the charity of one`s choice.
Condolences may be viewed at www.parklandfuneral home.com.