Tribute

Alfred Downing, beloved husband of the late Mildred Downing (nee Waugh), born to Ann Elizabeth (Hodder) and Arthur George Downing; father to Janice (Al), Maureen (George), Nancy, and Ralph.  Grandfather to Christy, Catherine, Paul, Lisa, Joanna, Stephen; Michael, Colleen; Shauna, Laura, Annalisa, Amy, Andrew, and Ian; and many great-grandchildren, died at the age of 94.

As a child, Dad enjoyed life in Vernon and summers in Trinity Valley.  He served in WW II as ground crew keeping the planes flying; on his return to Canada he enrolled in optometry.  During a summer job, he met and fell in love with Mom.  They were married in 1948 and embarked on their lifelong adventure together – driving across Canada to Toronto in their little truck with all their worldly possessions inside.  In Toronto, Dad completed his optometry course, then they returned to BC along with baby Janice.  Dad set up practice in Princeton and Merritt.  Now with Maureen and Nancy in their family, soon to be followed by Ralph, Mom and Dad moved to Oliver to practice there, including continued trips to Princeton for some time.  In the mid ‘60’s, Dad started his shared Oliver-Osoyoos practice.  Dad took great pleasure in his years of practice and all the people he met through it.  Dad retired from practice in the early ‘80’s.

As a family, we all enjoyed our camping trips, visiting family and friends and venturing to ‘new’ sights – the ocean, the mountains, and the prairies.  Mom and Dad continued to have many wonderful times at home and away.  They had such fun with the ‘Stanley Steamers’ big band; travels across Canada and to the western States – always finding new ice cream shops and bakeries wherever they went.  Dad had a special love of wood-working – making bowls, toys for the grandchildren, rocking chairs and other wood projects for family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the charity of your choice.

A service celebrating Dad’s life was held at St Christopher’s Anglican Church, Osoyoos.

In memory of Dad, enjoy a scoop of ice cream on your dessert tonight.