It is with profound sadness, anguish and pain of heart that Lorena and Jim share the passing of their son Adam Downs. Sudden and unexpected - he was our "Little Man". Adam was born in Duncan on March 8, 1984 and left us, sadly, on November 28, 2019 at a place that he truly loved in Shawnigan Lake.
Adam was only 35 years old and he had such hopes and ability for a better and brighter future. Missing him so much - Adam leaves his mom Lorena Lamont and her husband Al; his dad Jim Downs; and his brothers Joel and Dustin Downs to love him, grieve him and struggle for understanding of his senseless death. He also leaves too many relatives to mention including aunts, uncles and cousins - please forgive us, you know who you are. We do have to mention Sarah Masse, Adam's only niece. Adam had a special relationship with Melissa and Dustin's daughter. Sarah spent a lot of time at the Shawnigan property and was the "Little Tag-Along" with her uncles Joel and Adam. So many memories of hours spent together tromping around the property, doing chores, feeding the horse, and of their mutual love of Meisha. Sarah would often steal one of Adam's many ball caps, pop it on her head and then playfully taunt Adam to try and get it back. We know that she's going to miss her Uncle Adam but hope her memories will last her lifetime.
Adam burst into this world with such energy, enthusiasm and charisma that he was loved by so many right out of the gate - and oh that smile! Being the youngest in the neighbourhood, Adam was a favourite with the "Boyles Road Gang" in Cobble Hill. At the tender age of two years old, along with Dustin, Joel and Lorena, Jim had Adam skiing. He started off between Dad's knees and it didn't take long for him to become a prolific little skier and ultimately a snowboarder - which he loved!
Ad attended school at Cobble Hill 1, Cobble Hill 2 and Mill Bay Elementary. I'm not just saying this, it's true - most of his teachers adored him.... who wouldn't?! He then went on to George Bonner and graduated from Frances Kelsey. In his youth Adam was a Beaver and a Cub (such fun - ask Dave and Chuck). Sports were a huge part of Adam's life. From soccer to skiing, it was baseball that became his sport of choice. It was also where he met and made so many long-term friendships. Jim coached Adam in the Mill Bay Youth League (which is still going strong - love that league!), the Shawnigan Fastball League (Preston chucking, Adam catching - what a duo!), and then on to the Mixed Orthodox League in Mill Bay-Shawnigan Lake. By then, Jim realized that Adam was un-coachable so he umpired their games. If he couldn't coach him, at least he could throw him out of games! Just kidding, it never happened - Preston was a different story!
After graduating, Ad was working down at Thrifty's in Mill Bay and then headed out to Alberta to work on the rigs. What started off extremely promising soon led to his ultimate challenge with drug abuse. We got Adam home and tried hard to help him with this horrific addiction. Moving to the property with Lorena and Al became a huge part of his recovery - Adam soon became the Adam of old. He loved being outdoors, grew a new love and wonderment for the beauty of the land and the vast array of animals that lived in the forest. He truly loved it! Being surrounded by the love and support of Joel, Lorena and Al we all thought Adam had turned the corner. For the last two years he seemed to be so happy, healthy and that infectious energy had returned. Even though we are paralyzed with grief at losing Adam, there is a certain comfort in knowing that he is at peace now.
Loved, truly loved by so many, we will miss our Little Man.
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