William Lawrence Downey born February 1, 1924 passed away peacefully on September 12, 2013 at Dr Helmcken Memorial Hospital, in Clearwater, BC.
William will be lovingly remembered by his son Mick (Flora) grandson Shane (Cindy) granddaughter Michelle (Wes) and great granddaughter Olivia. Granddaughter Jessica (Logan) great grandson Kash. Son Pat (Debby) granddaughter Jennifer (Alex) great granddaughters Isabella and Sophia. Granddaughter Nichole (Chris) great granddaughter Madeleine. Son John (Mary) grandchildren Koreen (Trevor) great granddaughters Paige and Hallie. Grandson Kelly (Kaity) great grandchildren Storm and Rosie. Nicole (Blaine) great grandchildren Rikki Jesse and Kelly. Great grandchildren Isabella and Jackson. Daughter Julie grandsons Ryan and Brad. (Megan) Billy (Kathy). Grandson Wade (Svetlana).
William was predeceased by his wife Lorraine in the year 2000 and his grandsons Ben Downey 2008 and Keith Graffunder 2007.
In William’s earlier years he went to school and grew up in the North Thompson Valley. He then went to work for his father’s company, North River Stage Lines. At the start of the war he worked in a Japanese internment camp at Red Sands, north of Blue River, BC. When he turned 18 in 1943 he enlisted into the Canadian Air Force. When the war was over he married the love of his life, Lorraine, in the Birch Island, BC church. Then along came Mick and they lived in Camp 3 ... then 2 years later along came Pat. In 1950 the family moved to Cranbrook, BC, where William went to work for BC Forest Service. John was born in 1951 and Julie was born later in Cranbrook; mom was so happy to finally have her baby girl. In 1955 they loaded up the truck and moved to Kamloops, BC. Dad worked for his dad once again driving taxi cab in Kamloops; he also worked at his mom’s candy store in Kamloops for a short period. The North Thompson Valley called him back in 1957 and they moved into the old homestead on Candle Creek. Billy then came into the world. Then William decided they were all moving to Camp 2 and worked for Clearwater Timber Products. The family was growing up and so was William’s log hauling business. William built Lorraine her dream home up at the property on Candle Creek and sold his logging truck business. William then went to work for Federal Fisheries until Lorraine suffered her stroke; we all saw the compassionate side of William – he did all he could for her until she passed away in 2000. William’s last years were spent at his home visiting with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Many days were spent up at Clearwater Lake fishing and hunting along his side were his faithful dogs. He will be greatly missed by his family and his friends.
William Downey’s funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 21, 2013 at the Community Baptist Church, Clearwater, BC. Interment to follow immediately at Riverview Cemetery, Clearwater. Condolences may be sent to the family, and the service may be seen by visiting www.NorthThompsonFuneral.com. Arrangements entrusted to North Thompson Funeral Services, Clearwater, BC, 250-674-3030.