Robert John Downey
Sept. 21, 1938 – March 22, 2025

With deep sadness, we announce the passing of our dear father, grandfather and loving husband — Bob Downey. He went home to be with his Lord and Saviour on March 22, 2025.

Bob was born in High River on Sept. 21, 1938. He was the seventh out of nine children born to Hugh and Glenis Downey.

Robert (Bob) was raised on the family farm three miles north of Turner Valley.

Bob met the love of his life, Nancy Mundell, at an old time dance in Millarville and they were married at the United Church in Okotoks on Feb. 14, 1959. They lived on the family farm and Bob began raising cows as well as working for the M.D. He helped construct Highway 1 from Calgary to Banff.

In 1973, Bob and Nancy bought their farm north of Leslieville and moved there with their first six children and welcomed their last son Shane in 1974.

In addition to farming, Bob owned heavy equipment which he operated in various job sites around central Alberta.
His love was his cattle herd, and he found success with his common-sense approach as he improvised and had a special ability to repair anything that was broken. Bob still has two favourite cows on the farm and until the fall of 2024, he was cutting all his own wood for the winter.

Bob was content and happy with the simple pleasures in life, especially family get-togethers and any chance to spend time with his family.

He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Nancy Downey and their seven children: Bob, Julie (Darryl), Karen (Curt), Shawna, Chad (Tammy), Paula (Darcy) and Shane (Trena). He is also survived by his grandchildren: Amber Noel, Chris Casey, Cheryl DeBruyn, Riley Mason-Larson, Natalie Larsen, Lane Larsen, Chelsea Mcdonald, Justin Mason, Brandon Mason, Owen Downey, Emma Downey, Alli Downey, Renee Zinger, Colton Valliers, Travis Cech, Callie Davis, Claire Cech, Elizabeth Downey and Lauren Downey. In addition, Bob has 19 great-grandchildren.

Bob is survived by his brother Hugh (Anne) Downey, his sister Molly Mundell and his sister Ruby Mcivor.
Bob was preceded in death by his father Hugh Downey and mother Glenis Downey; his brother Bill Downey; and his four sisters: Catherine McClain, Elizabeth Ingram, Nellie Jardie and Dorothy Rowley.

Bob’s life and legacy will be remembered by his family and friends during a celebration of life on March 29, 2025, at 2 p.m. at the Bethel Union Church in Leslieville, Alta. Luncheon will follow at the Elks Hall in Leslieville.
Condolences may be forwarded to www.rockyfuneralhome.ca.

Rocky and Sylvan Lake Funeral Homes and Crematorium, your Golden Rule Funeral Homes, entrusted with the arrangements.