Clifford William Downey
May 24, 1928 – May 3, 2018
Cliff Downey, of Edmonton, Alberta, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 3, 2018, at the University of Alberta Hospital with his wife by his side.
He was born in Castor, Alberta, to William and Annie Downey.
Cliff will be greatly missed by his wife and best friend of 46 years, Frances, and his children: William (Darina), Dwight (Kathy), Michele Labonte, Darrin, Reena, Cheryl Labonte, Bruce (Heide), Elisabeth Hughes (Steve), 16 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. He will also be missed by his daughter-in-law Trudy Nylin (Wayne).
He was predeceased by his son Brian on January 12, 2012.
Cliff was a devoted husband and father. He was passionate about agriculture and service to his community. He was a farmer, Member of Parliament, Farmers’ Advocate of Alberta, and a member of the Alberta Surface Rights Board. Cliff moved to Edmonton in 1982 but remained deeply rooted to his farm in Castor, making routine trips back home to see the land, check on the crops, hear the farm sounds, and stay connected to his friends and neighbours.
His smile was his trademark as much as the fact that he was a man of his word. He will be remembered fondly by all those who had the pleasure of knowing him, and his absence will be felt profoundly by his family and friends.
A funeral service will be held at Riverbend United Church, 14907 45th Ave, in Edmonton on Wednesday, May 16, at 1 p.m.
Interment of ashes on May 24 at the Castor Cemetery at 2 p.m. Open to all who wish to attend.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Salvation Army or the Hope Mission or a charity of one’s choice.
So sorry for your loss of a father and grandfather, but really a wonderful man who was always pleasant and interesting to visit with. He had a full life surrounded by great people so this sad time will be full of happy memories for sure; With sympathy from Gerald and Susan Doolaege and family.
I’m so sad, Elizabeth… Cliff was a lovely man and wonderful human being. I bumped into him in a coffee shop a few months ago and had a great cat-up chat. My heart goes out to you and your family. I will be away on Wednesday but will be thinking of you.
Liz, your dad lived a good and full life. I know by how well his children turned out and by how much he was loved by family and friends. He will be truly missed, but the memories you hold will carry you through your grief. Keep strong, take care and know you were loved by your dad and he will be watching over you while he is smiling with the angels.
It causes great saddness to learn of Cliff’s passing. I was glad to work for him different times and he was what I considered a friend. His true country humor and honesty was very refreshing. He was a symbol to the Castor community and will be missed.
Frances, Michele and family. My heart is with you during this difficult time. I know too well the pain you are going through.
I am so very sorry to hear about your dad. He was always so kind to me at Riverbend events. He was a good man in every respect and I know your family has many wonderful memories to comfort them.
Nancy Strand
I grew up down the road from Cliff’s Castor farm. He was kind enough to flood the household garden space and we could put on our skates for a good game of pond hockey. We got ready I the porch. Someone was talking big about their hockey exploits and Mr. Downey looked up and intoned,”Wellll, it’s been my experience that the one who talks the loudest often produces the least.” A true friend and neighbour.
My deepest condolences Frances and family. I am honoured to have known Cliff; he was an inspiration to me for most of my life. I’m sure he will be greatly missed by family and friends.
Bill Olive
I was fortunate to grow up literally across the road from the Downey family, and have so many happy memories of time spent with them.Cliff was a great friend and neighbor to my Dad and Mom and always made the effort to get home to Castor for special occasions. I feel very privileged to have called him a friend. Much love to Frances and the entire family
My deepest condolences Elisabeth and family. I only have great memories of your dad but my favorite was door knocking with him for James Rajotte. May all his great memories keep you smiling through this tough time!