William ‘Bill”s Obituary
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our husband, father, son, brother, friend and leader, our beloved Billy.
William Harry Downing passed away on April 6, 2019 surrounded by his loving family, peacefully completing his journey with ALS.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00pm, Sunday April 14, 2019 at The Belle Petroleum Centre, 9403 94TH Street, Peace River, Alberta.
Billy was the youngest of 5 siblings and was born on Feb 20, 1961 in Kimberley BC. He spent many summers at the cabin at Munroe Lake with family and friends where he discovered his passion for fishing. His greatest passion however was Johanna (Park), his high school sweetheart. They married in August of 1988 and relocated to Peace River the following year, welcoming their 3 children shortly after.
Billy started working as a steam engineer with Peace River Pulp and Paper (later DMI/Mercer Peace River Pulp) and rose through the ranks to become the Mill Manager, retiring in 2018.
He is survived by his wife and soulmate Johanna, their three children Spencer (Jasmine), Connal (Kricket), Jade, their surrogate “naughter” Erika Park, his Mother-in-Law Mary Park, brothers Mel (Carole), and Bob Downing and sisters Alice Downing and Ruby (JP) Rioux, brothers-in-law, Dave (Nola), Tom (Sharon), Mike (Clauda), Frank, Tim (Simone), Steven (Vickie), and sisters-in-law Catherine (Garth) Herbert, and Theresa Park, and his ‘work-wife’ Amber Armstrong, along with many nieces and nephews.
Billy was predeceased by his parents Leona (Tiny) and Arthur (Duke) Downing and Father-in-Law Charles (Charlie) Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you join them in the Peace River and District walk for ALS on Thursday June 20 at 5:30pm at Riverfront Park.
Monetary donations can be made to the soup kitchen at the St. James Anglican Church.
“Love one another and you will be happy. It’s as simple and as difficult as that”.
In honour of Bill, please share love, kindness and understanding to those around you.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of William ‘Bill’ Downing February 20 1961 April 6 2019..
Chapel of Memories Funeral Homes & Crematorium
Death notice for the town of: Peace River, Province: Alberta