John Arthur Downing

Born in Vernon, British Columbia on February 14, 1916 to Arthur and Annie Downing, John grew up there, worked for a time as a hard-rock miner in Montana, served four years overseas in WWII and returned to earn his degree in geological engineering from the Montana School of Mines. Soon after, he met and fell in love with Elaine. They married in 1949 and shared their lives for 64 years, raising three children, enjoying four grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. John was one of Alberta’s most important petroleum geologists and made significant contributions to the art and science of oil and gas exploration, setting the framework for future development leading to today’s thriving industry.

John embraced life with the equanimity and balance of a master. Loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend, brother; ardent scientist, naturalist, mountain man, animal lover, student of Shakespeare; patient and honest mentor, teacher and benefactor; highly respected and trustworthy businessman and partner; pioneer of new ways and new trails; innovative developer of epicurean peculiarities. Of generous heart and quiet assured demeanor, a reservoir of strength, peaceful warrior to the end, he never gave up on himself or anyone else who sought his help and wisdom.

A Gathering to Celebrate John’s Life will be held at FOSTER’S GARDEN CHAPEL, 3220 – 4 Street N.W., Calgary on Thursday, February 6, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, John would encourage memorial donations to be made directly to the Cochrane Humane Society, 62 Griffin Industrial Point, Cochrane, AB T4C 0A3 or the Salvation Army of Alberta, 9618 - 101A Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5H 0C7. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family via the website www.fostersgardenchapel.ca.

FOSTER'S GARDEN CHAPEL

FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM

Telephone: 403-297-0888

Honoured Provider of Dignity Memorial