Obituary of Augustine Francis Downing

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Augustine Francis Downing passed away at the Saint John Regional Hospital on August 5, 2010, surrounded by his loving family. Born on June 4, 1927, in Dieppe, N.B., he was a son of the late Clifford and Perina (LeBlanc) Downing. Before his retirement, he worked at J.D. Irving for 42 years. Most of this time was spent at Universal Sales, where his co-workers knew him as “Obie”. Aug loved the simple things in life, and found great enjoyment in everyday moments. He loved the outdoors, especially his “3 Acres” on Prince Edward Island. Gardening was a special talent, and his backyard was always blooming with many plants and flowers that he and Marion could admire from their swing. Constantly on the go, he was always the first in line for a road trip. He loved to cook and could often be found behind the barbeque in the backyard or at the stove on camping trips with the boys. He was a huge fan of the Montreal Canadiens - John and Michael spent many hours over the years “watching the hockey game at Pop’s”. Time with his family was the most important thing to Aug, and he was with them all right up until the end. He made his last trip to PEI just this past weekend where he did all of the things he loved. Aug leaves behind his loving wife, Marion (McTavish) Downing, with whom he would have celebrated 60 years of marriage on September 25, 2010. He will be dearly missed by his 5 children: Deborah (Alain Saulnier), Linda (Jamie Wright), Anne, John (Sherri Edgecombe) and Michael (Claudette). He was “Puppy” to 10 grandchildren: Jeffrey (Patti) and Mark Saulnier, Kyla and Paul (Ashley) Wright, Laura, Sarah, Erica, Alex and Adam Downing and Emily Edgecombe, and one great-grandchild, Freelon Wright. He will also be remembered by special family friend Heather Purdy. He was predeceased by his parents, Clifford and Perina Downing, and one brother, George Downing. Resting at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424) with visiting on Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, August 9, 2010 at 11:00 AM from St. Rose of Lima Church, 541 Milford Road, Saint John West. Interment will take place in Holy Cross Cemetery. For those who wish, remembrances to any charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family.