Obituary: Downing, Patrick J.C.

DOWNING, Patrick J.C.
(Age 80)

Born March 17th, 1932 in Spokane, WA to Leslie (Buss) and Minerva (Bess) Downing.

Passed away peacefully at his home on June 22nd, 2012.

From an early age, Pat was very good at sports, especially baseball.

In 1948, at the young age of 16, Pat was approached by an East Coast scout who wanted to recruit him to a New York area semi-pro ball club.

Wanting at least a high school and hopefully a college education for her children, his mother refused the offer on Pat’s behalf.
After high school, Pat joined the Air National Guard serving his time with the 116th Division.

After his service, Pat started his long career in the telephone service industry.

While working on location in San Francisco for Pacific Bell in the early 60’s, he met his wife Diana.

Together back in Spokane, they raised four children.
In the later 60’s, Pat worked for the government installing communication services to most of the area’s “secret” strategic missile sites.

Pat graduated from Spokane Community College with an Engineering degree that led him to a long career at G.T.E.

Phone Company as a “Right of Way Engineer”.

Before retiring in 1988, Pat helped install and bring some of their first generation of computer services on-line.
After retiring, Pat met and married his lovely current wife Patty in 1994.

She was a loving companion for Pat and cared for him in his illness at their home up to the very time of his passing.
One of Pat’s favorite sports through the years was skiing.

Many runs were made at area resorts at a time of few chair lifts and hiked up to many of the runs.

Pat also excelled in many of his Rogers High School sports.

Golf and racquetball were also some of his favorite sports and he won many trophies in them.

Always a fisherman, this sport is where he actually lost a few trophies.

One of his favorite fish stories is still on record at the Waitts Lake Resort, a 7lb.

8 0z.

large mouth bass.
Pat seemed to know about everyone and enjoyed helping family, friends and community with anything from pounding nails to cooking wonderful meals.
Pat was preceded in death by his brother, Mike.

He is survived by his wife, Patty Downing of Spokane Valley; his four children, Karin and husband Mark Chase of Carrolls, WA, Beth and husband Jack Pulliam of Valley, WA, Kirk Downing of Spokane, WA and Holly and husband Rob Vest of Kent, WA.

Pat is also survived by step-children, Diana and husband Jerry Try of Folsom, CA, Vicki and husband Tim Snipes of Folsom, CA, Renee and husband Gerald Mitchell of Spokane Valley, WA and Eric and wife Hailey Bartholomew of Otis Orchards, WA; brother, Richard (Dick) and wife Margaret Downing of Spokane; sister, Carol Ann Mitcham of Endicott, WA; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; six step-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service for Pat will be held on Sunday, July 1, 2012 at 1:00 PM at the funeral home chapel.

Please join family and friends after the service at Mission Meadows Clubhouse at 19300 E. Mission, Spokane Valley, WA for food, drink and shared memories.

Please visit Pat’s on-line memorial at www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com Arrangements entrusted to: