William Downey

William John Downey

William John (Bill) - died peacefully at Pinecrest Home for the Aged in Kenora, ON on April 2, 2017.

Bill is survived by his wife of 54 years, Katherine, their 4 children; Laura (Brad), Ian (Nicole), Gordon (Lori) and Susan (Mark). Bill, aka Pops, will be greatly missed by his beloved grandchildren Liam, Aidan, Eilidh, Breena, Quin, Tyler, Logan, his brother Robert (Nina) and numerous nieces and nephews. Bill was predeceased by his parents George Downey, Dorothy Falls, step father Robert Falls as well as siblings Ed, Georgina, Morton, and Hugh.

Bill, born in Port Arthur, Ontario, spent his early years in Nipigon Ontario, then moved with his family to Port Arthur, where he attended high school. It was in Port Arthur that Bill had the opportunity to participate in team sports and where he became involved in his favorite sport, football, Bill was an outstanding football player, playing with the Port Arthur Collegiate team and later with the Port Arthur Mustangs. After graduation from Teacher's College Bill was invited to

the Saskatchewan Roughriders training camp but decided that his future lay in teaching.

Bill came to Kenora in 1962 to begin his teaching career as a teacher at Central School and spent the remainder of his career as a teacher and principal in Kenora. Bill enjoyed working with students and made a point of tracking their journey through life as much as he was able to, he liked nothing better than to stop for a chat with them whenever the opportunity arose.

Curling, hunting, camping and fishing were all activities that Bill loved to share not only with his family but with his life long friends Ron Norris, Harry Lipsit and Dave Roberts.

Bill was a longtime member of the Jaffrey-Mellick Volunteer Fire Department, after retiring from education in 1996 he became Chief, retiring from this position when the Kenora area amalgamated.

Retirement was not a time to slow down for Bill. He curled in the men's league at the Kenora Curling Club, golfed in the men's league at Beauty Bay Golf Club and played hockey in what he called "the Root Beer League" and travelled with Katherine. He also loved to spend time with his grandchildren, especially to watch any sports that they were involved in. Bill became Beaver Brae Broncos football team's biggest fan!

A Celebration of life will be held for Bill on Saturday, April 15, 1 to 3 pm at the Minis Hall (Super 8 Motel) Please join us for a come and go afternoon where we can share stories, laughs and memories.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer's Society of Canada.

Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com

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