Obituary
It is with heartfelt loss that we announce the passing of Randolph Elliot Downey, better known as « Bo Diddley » age 65, born in Halifax, Nova Scotia on July 26, 1955. Bo Diddley passed away on May 31, 2021 from a heart attack. He spent the first seventeen years of his life in North Preston and Halifax, Nova Scotia. Bo Diddley moved to Toronto with his aunt Quincie and her family in 1972 to be closer to his mother.
Bo Diddley was an avid hockey lover (Toronto Maple Leafs). Although, he once boycotted the Leafs for a few years, as he was extremely disappointed that they had not won the Stanley Cup since 1967. In time he eventually found it in his heart to forgive them. Bo Diddley looked forward to his weekly visits with his mother Loffie. They would spend endless hours laughing and reminiscing of years past, while enjoying a hardy lunch. Other than his mother’s home cooked meals, he was definitely the king of KFC. Bo Diddley was also long-time dedicated volunteer worker with his local food bank, he took pride in trying to support his neighbourhood.
Bo Diddley is survived by his mother Loffie Downey, his son Chad Rowe; sister’s Denise Downey and Natalie (Angel) Downey-McKinnon (Iain); his niece Megan McKinnon; his aunts, Dolly Downey-Simmonds (Don, deceased), Ezonia Downey (Charles), Betty Paquet (Joseph); and his uncles Fulton Downey (Sandra), Basol Downey (Epherin, deceased) and Jeff Downey (Nadine). He is also survived by many cherished first, second and third cousins, and former common law wife Darlene Rowe; Bo Diddley was predeceased by; his father Leroy Hurst; his brother Maynard (Hilton) Downey; his uncle Lester (Lefty) Downey; his aunts Quincie Downey and Yvonne Downey; cousins, Cleo (Tiny) Downey, Racine Downey, Andre Paquet, Damien (Tuffy) Taylor, Lashonda Belanger-Taylor and Samantha (Joy) Downey.
Bo Diddley, we will miss your infectious hardy chuckle for a life time. May your travel home be joyous, and filled with wonderful memories.
Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, there was no viewing, nor a funeral service. However, we would greatly appreciate your warm and kind condolences.
Please continue to stay safe, healthy and mindful
July 26 1955 May 31 2021
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Randolph Elliot Downey July 26 1955 May 31 2021..
Décès pour la Ville:Toronto, Province: Ontario