Michael Patrick Downey

A true Haligonian, Michael was born in Halifax in 1951 to Edward and Jean (Carrigan) Downey, the fourth of five children. In his younger days, Michael enjoyed adventuring with his siblings, skating on the pond, and rides in the back of the old station wagon. He was often seen with a racket, stick, or ball in his hands and was always up for a sports game.

He attended elementary and secondary school in Halifax, and graduated from Saint Mary’s University in 1972 with a BBA, followed by a B.Ed in 1973. He spent his professional career as a junior high school teacher and retired after 33 years of dedicated service, having influenced many students' lives in the math classroom, and on the basketball court where he was an enthusiastic coach. That said, once retirement called, Michael was eager to trade in schoolbooks for a set of golf clubs, and he never looked back!

Those who knew Michael knew that his life’s passion was sports. He played and excelled in many sports from a young age: baseball, basketball, hockey, tennis, football, and golf. Michael often remarked laughingly that he was captain of many sports teams in school because he was a good rule follower, but he was also skilled. Many of his best and most enjoyable days in retirement were spent on the course at Ashburn Golf Club. He enjoyed being a spectator at live games and followed TV sports with a passion, often making the same observations about the play or the players immediately before the paid commentators did…a sign that perhaps he had missed his true calling!

Michael's true love in life was his family. After losing his father at a young age, Michael learned the value of family and nurturing relationships. He especially loved family gatherings and felt blessed that he had “hit the lottery” with his parents, his siblings Monica (Larry Maloney), Bernard (Rosemary Cooke), Anne (Peter Aldous) and Ged (Karen Finley) and his extended family of nieces and nephews. Fresh out of university, he married his high-school sweetheart, Gail Kelly, and was a devoted father to his twins, Katie and Edward. After Gail’s death, he found love again with his second wife, Kathryn MacLean, and quickly embraced his step-daughter Mila. His own nuclear family has continued to grow with the addition of sons-in-law, Matthew Sponagle and Josh Hoffman, grandchildren Ben and Leo Sponagle, and another on the way.

Michael was always there to offer support and genuine interest in the lives of loved ones. Whether celebrating big milestones, cheering on from the sidelines, or in the quiet moments, Michael delighted in celebrating others' successes as if they were his own. Michael took time to create moments and memories with them all: lazy summer days, tennis games, beach walks, BBQ's and more. Ever the worrier about those he loved, Michael learned through life and loss never to take these moments for granted.

Michael enthusiastically greeted guests and loved sharing in a laugh or a drink to catch up with friends. He often communicated by singing verses of songs (Van Morrison a special favourite) and always brought the best dance moves to the party! Yet, he was quick to depart when his social battery drained because he was unapologetically an introvert at heart. Michael loved to read, was a brilliant at-home Jeopardy contestant and loved to quiz guests about current events. He was often found with a crossword, a sudoku puzzle or trying to get Wordle before anyone else because while he loved to play, he also loved to win.

Michael was quick to say I love you, and would happily give you the shirt off his back. Michael was a steady presence in this tremulous world, and the void left with his passing will be noticed for years to come by all who have loved him.

The family requests prayers for the repose of Michael’s soul. However, a donation to a charity of one’s choice may be made in Michael’s memory.

Michael was pre-deceased by his parents, his first wife, Gail Kelly, and his eldest brother Bernard Downey. Cremation has taken place under the direction of J ASnow Funeral Home.

Visitation will take place Friday, March 27 from 6pm-8pm at St. Thomas Aquinas church hall, (St. Carlo Acutis Hall) on Oxford/Jubilee – entry from Cornwall Street.

Funeral Mass will be held at St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church (6903 Mumford Road) on Saturday, March 28th at 10am, with a reception to follow in the church hall. Interment of Michael’s ashes will take place at a later date.