Rev. Paul Scoville Downie

Paul was born in Detroit on July 24, 1930 to Lester R. and Gladys H. Downie. He was a life-long resident of Michigan, and took great delight in the wildflowers and natural beauty of our great state. Animals brought him much joy, especially his treasured companion of 8 years, Jinx the cat.

Paul served as an Episcopal priest for more than 50 years, taught in the Humanities Department at Lansing Community College for 30 years, and worked briefly as a probation officer. During the Korean Conflict he served the United States Army in the Signal Corps. Writing about issues of justice and faith was meaningful to him. He was pleased to receive the 2000 Prism Award for supporting the rights of LGBT persons.

Daughters Martha (James) Lynch and Mary Downie; grandchildren Emily Lynch, Matthew Lynch, and Christopher Talarico; brother Jack Downie, cousin Donald (Joan) Downie; former wife Elizabeth Morris Downie, and extended family survive him.

To all the folks at ARM/Riverview Fitness, MSU Family Medicine, Burcham Hills, Ingham County Medical Care Facility, Home Instead, Sparrow Hospital, and Hospice of Lansing, Stoneleigh Residence, the family extends heartfelt appreciation for truly compassionate care.

Paul supported many organizations dedicated to seeking justice and care of Creation. For those wishing to give memorials, gifts to such an effort close to your heart, or to All Saints Episcopal Church would be welcome. The family also requests that instead of sending cut flowers which have a short life, please consider a living gift that will be restorative to our beloved Mother Earth, such as planting flowers or a tree.

A memorial service will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, August 26th at All Saints Episcopal Church, 800 Abbot Road, East Lansing, with the Rt. Rev. Wendell N. Gibbs, Jr., Bishop of Michigan, and the Rev. Kit Carlson, Rector, officiating. Arrangements by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing.