JOHN MILTON (MIKE) DOWNS

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JOHN MILTON (MIKE) DOWNS John Milton (Mike) Downs was born on January 8, 1918 in Carman, MB, the second oldest of five children. He passed away on Saturday, May 29, 2004. Dad grew up on a farm near Homewood, MB, where he helped his father farm. Dad joined the RCAF in 1940 and served as a flight officer on No. 3 squadron. After being shot down in 1943, he was a P.O.W. for 20 months in Stalag Luft 3. At this prison camp he helped with the ventilation system for escape tunnels as depicted in the movie, "the Great Escape". After the war, Dad returned home to help on the farm and earned his Diploma of Agriculture from the University of Manitoba. His love of the land continued through his gardening and flowerbeds, even when he moved to Carman. In 1947 Mike married Nellie Irene Roberts and settled on the family farm at Homewood. During their 35 years of marriage they raised five children and enjoyed many trips, vacations and good times together. Family and friends meant a lot to Dad. To quote our father, "My biggest enjoyment is seeing some of the "old gang", especially my P.O.W. buddies and my family and friends." Mike played hockey and baseball in his younger years and loved all sports, especially curling, golf and cribbage in his later years. (Mike enjoyed competition!!) He was proud to be a life member of the Royal Canadian Legion, being a member for 59 years and at one time serving as the DVA representative for Carman Branch No. 18. Mike was predeceased by his wife Nellie in 1983, his brother Jim in 2002, his sister Jean McCutcheon in 1998, his brother Frank Webb in 1943, his sister Dorothy in 1937 and his half-brother Barry in 1968. Those remaining who will cherish his affection include four daughters, Heather Bunka (Bill), grandsons, Michael, Robert and T.J.; Deborah Mogk (Don), granddaughters, Terryl (Dwain), Linnea and Kenzie; Francis Mackenzie (Jim), granddaughters, Sherri and Carla; Kathleen Loeppky (Lorne) and one son Michael (Jacquie), grandchildren, John, Kassandra and Craig; and numerous nieces and nephews; as well as special and dear friend Ivy Charles. A celebration of Dads life, for family and friends will be held at the Carman Legion on Wednesday, June 2 at 2:00 p.m. A private family interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Carman Royal Canadian Legion, Branch No. 18, or to a charity of ones choice. Doyles Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements. www.doyleschapels.com.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 31, 1969