Passed away peacefully at the Caribou Memorial Veterans Pavilion (CMVP) in St. John’s, NL on Friday, July 22, 2022: Frederick Allister Downton, aged 97 years, 11 months.
Predeceased by his wife, Florence (Chaulk) in 2012, as well as his brothers Arthur, Albert and Harrison, and his sister Margaret.
Left to mourn are his five children Lynn (Gary Connolly), Chris (Patricia), Ann, Ken, and John (Georgina); as well as his 8 grandchildren Catie Foley and Riley Downton; Jessica and Christopher Downton; Samantha Molloy; and Michael, Sarah Jane and Maria Downton; and his great grandchildren Rebecca Molloy, Bailee Molloy-Lane and Felicity Downton; and Mercury and Joanna Foley. Also, his sister June Titford, his sister-in-law Roma Menchinton (Aut), and a wide circle of nieces and nephews.
Allister was a World War 2 veteran of the Merchant Navy, as well as a highly skilled machinist and mechanic who could fix pretty much anything. He had a lengthy career with the former CN Railway and Dockyard, the latter from which he retired in 1988. After retirement, Allister spent a number of years caring for his wife Florence during her illness. In his active social life, he was a long-time member of the Royal Canadian Legion and the Benevolent Irish Society, where he had a large circle of friends and was known to love to dance. He was also a very good singer who expressed himself as a member of the “Singing Legionnaires”, in which he enthusiastically participated for several decades. Allister moved out of his family home in 2020 at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Thanks to the staff of the CMVP for the excellent care they have provided since that time, and thanks also to his physician, Dr. Michelle Levy. Thanks to Dr. Kathy Crewe for her exceptional care over the years. Allister was a kind and generous man who dearly loved and cared for his family. He will be greatly missed.
Resting at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, on Tuesday, July 26 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., and on Wednesday, July 27 from 10 a.m. – 12 noon. Funeral service will be held from the Carnell Memorial Chapel on Wednesday, July 26 at 2 p.m., with interment to follow at the Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Field of Honor.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of F Allister Downton August 30 1924 to July 22 2022..
Death notice for the town of: St-John’s, Province: T-N
To Ann, Lynn, Chris, Ken and John: deepest sympathies. Always remember Uncle Allister’s steal trap mind (strong and stubborn in the best way) and positivity in doing life fully and completely throughout his life. Growing old is not for the faint of heart, and he did it well. What a beautiful life he lived and what a legacy he leaves. He will be missed and kept close in heart. Wishing you all peace as you navigate his loss.