Downs, John

Date of death: May 05, 2012

December 11, 1917 – May 5, 2012

Passed away peacefully at the Ottawa Hospital at the age of 94. John was born in Yorkton Saskatchewan. He joined the Canadian Army in 1941 and served as a Battery Sergeant Major (BSM) in the UK and Europe until his discharge in1946. He returned to Canada and completed a BA and Masters in Economics at the University of Saskatchewan and studies at the London School of Economics. He then moved to Ottawa and worked as an economist with the Department of Industry, Trade and Commerce and the Economic Council of Canada until his retirement. Husband of the late Veda Agnes Waldron. Predeceased by his parents, David Downs and Janet Jamieson and siblings Alexander, Cecelia, David, Janet and James and Step-daughter Maxine Zellmer. Survived by his brother Chuck (Mary) in Port Coquitlam, nieces and nephews Anita (Hugh), David, Jim and Marguerite of Vancouver Island, Betty Vandorin and her daughter Dee (Bob) and son Reed of California and Keith of Florida.Fondly remembered by his Ottawa family, Carol and Gail (Mario), daughters of the late Bernice Kerfoot (nee Sparks) and her granddaughter Jennifer as well as Doris Grierson Hope and her daughter Melodie (Dan).

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff at the Perley Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre (OE2) for their compassionate care and concern over the last years of his life. A memorial service will be held in memory of John at the Perley Rideau Veterans’ Health Centre, 1750 Russell Road, on Wednesday, May 30th at 10 am. Inurnment to take place in Yorkton, SK.