Robert R. (Bob) Downing |
| Posted 2008-07-25 by Judy Wight Branson |
| Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Sunday, March 6, 2005 Robert R. 'Bob' Downing, of Hamilton, Mont., left this world peacefully Feb. 16, 2005, following a sudden illness. The family was by his side as he stepped onto the first tee box of his next journey. Born May 16, 1919, in Durango, Colo., Bob was the son of Robert Lester and Marjorie Downing. He was raised and attended schools in Southern Colorado and graduated from Durango High School in 1936. Sports were a passion he would carry throughout his life, lettering in baseball, track and basketball during his high school, Jr. College, and University days. Bob was involved with his college fraternity, Phi Delta Theta, at Colorado University long after his graduation, and acted as Province President. Bob enlisted in the Army and was attached to the Air Force Signal Corps and stationed at Saipan as part of the 21st Air Force. During his tour, Bob served as Provost Marshal and was instrumental in the construction of the chapel, the tennis/basketball court, and the baseball diamond. He watched the Enola Gay take off from Tinian, a story he told with great emotion. Captain Downing was proud of his service to this great nation. He received his degree in economics at CU, where he met and later married his one and only love, Jean Gilhams of Philadelphia in 1947. Bob worked in accounting and fraternity management in Boulder, Colo., while he and Jean raised their four children until 1964, when he became the President and General Manager of Ft. Collins Ready Mix, which later became Flatiron Materials Co. Bob enjoyed his fellowship with the B.P.O.E. After retiring, Bob returned to the industry in a legislative capacity as the Managing Director, serving The Colorado Ready-Mix Concrete Association for 10 years. In final retirement, Bob and Jean moved to San Diego, Calif., where they enjoyed the beaches of the West Coast and later, the desert life in Dewey, where they lived at Prescott Country Club. In 1997, Bob and Jean settled in the Bitterroot Valley of Montana to be closer to family. Bob was an active participant in the Hamilton Senior Center and his black cowboy hat became his trademark. He enjoyed meeting new friends and telling stories. Bob's dry sense of humor and his wry smile kept the men rolling their eyes and the women blushing. When asked if he would change anything about his life, without hesitation he said, "No, not a thing. My life has been great." Bob's passion for golf led him on tours from Pebble Beach to Hilton Head Island; Torrey Pines to Cherry Hills; from Florida to Canada. He loved playing the game and first shot his age at 75 and had one hole-in-one to his credit. Bob is survived by Jean, his gracious loving wife of 57 years; sons, Kipp and wife, Lisa, of San Diego, Calif., and Kirk of Spokane, Wash.; daughters, Linda and husband Terry Beck, and Jan King, all of Hamilton. He will be fondly remembered by his 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. A small Memorial service and Celebration of Bob?s Life was held Sunday, Feb. 20th, in the Bitterroot Mountains. Bob was a wonderful husband, an understanding and fun father, a friend to many, and fondly nicknamed 'The Slacker'. Letters of remembrance and stories are welcomed by the family and may be sent to P.O. Box 2097, Hamilton, Montana, 59840. The family is grateful for the compassionate care of Marcus Daly Hospital and Hospice. Contributions may be made to The Audubon Society, 469 North Kootenai Creek Road, Stevensville, Montana, 59870. Information provided by survivors. |
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