Joseph Francis Downey

I should have posted this here long before now. To all of you son's who have father's who are living I highly recommend a vacation with your father. Over the years we had numerous family vacations that were all excellent. A father and sons vacation is very different. We covered topics we would not normally have covered and had a pace of vacation that was very different than the pace we have when everybody is there.

I don't want to discourage family vacations but a father and son vacation is truly worth it.  Here is the obituary that was written by my sister Stella.

Joseph Francis Downey

Passed away peacefully on Thursday August 13th, 2015,  surrounded by his loving family. Leaving with cherished memories, his children Peter (Myrna Lynne), Aidan (Annette Manuel), Mary Downey (Pat Dawson), Stella (Michael Maguire), John and their mother Josephine Downey, eleven grandchildren, Jacob, Mark, Scott Downey; Adam (Christa), and Jessica Downey; Lindsay (Steve Buffett), Laura Ryan, Caitlin Ryan (Derrick Lee); Niamh, Deirdre, and Maura Maguire; five great-grandchildren, Rachael and Rebecca Downey; Brady and Chase Buffett; and Hunter Lee. He is predeceased by his mother and father Teresa (Wall) and James Downey, brothers Bernard, Edward, Tony, Jerome and James, sisters Frances, Sr. Mary Andrina and Cecilia. Also leaving his sisters, Theresa Cashin, Kathleen Barry, Ann MacNeil and Lucy Briggs (Jim Briggs). Joe was born on October 28th 1930 in Great Codroy NL, the tenth of thirteen children, he and his family farmed the fertile land of the Codroy Valley where all hands, big or small, contributed to the many daily chores required. Whether building a barn with the wood they cut and sawed or tending crops and animals, the natural environment was part of everyday life and the valley was always home to Joe no matter where he lived. Joe attended Memorial University and graduated in 1958 with a Bachelor of Education. He initially taught in Norris Arm, Allan’s Island, and St Bernard’s before spending the greatest part of his career teaching in St John’s at Holy Cross and then served as principal of Holy Spirit School until his retirement. He also served on the executive of the Newfoundland Teacher’s Association, assuming many roles, as he endeavored to ensure fair working agreements for teachers and equitable education for all. Joe was proud of his profession as a teacher, loved people and enjoyed engaging in conversation and debate. He took great pleasure in being part of children’s growth and he was always comfortable around large groups of kids. His household while his own children were growing up was a gathering place where everyone was welcome, fed, and participated in whatever was happening. Known as Poppy Joe to his grandchildren and their friends, Joe’s great love in later life was his eleven grandchildren to whom he was devoted and available 24/7. He could always be relied on to pick up/drop off, treat to lunch or breakfast, babysit (he always said his grandchildren babysat him) or go on an adventure to various locations in and around the city. Poppy Joe was a grandfather extraordinaire who was deeply loved and respected and played many roles in his grandchildren’s lives. He had a multitude of nieces and nephews whose talents he recognized and supported as if they were his own children. His joy was to see his family grow into contributing members of their communities with shared family values. Visitation will take place at Caul’s Funeral Home, 84 LeMarchant Road, St John’s NL on Monday August 17th 4:00pm-8:00pm. Cremation has taken place with burial to follow in the Codroy Valley at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Community Food Sharing Association.