It is with great sadness that the family of Bonnie (Barrie) Downs announces her passing on Thursday June 25, 2009, 84 years old. Bonnie was born in Portland, Oregon in 1924 and moved with her family to McCleary, Washington. Bonnie attended early school in McCleary and her high school years in Elma. She married Fred Downs in 1943. They immigrated to Lac La Hache, BC in 1950 and moved to Williams Lake BC in 1952. In Williams Lake Bonnie and Fred started Williams Lake Machine Shop that quickly grew into a John Deere Dealership. They took up ranching in 1960 when they moved to Dugan Lake on the Horsefly Road. They raised their three children in the Williams Lake/ Dugan Lake area. Bonnie went to work for the Town of Williams Lake in 1972 during her stay in the area Bonnie was involved the Trail Riders, assisted with gymkhanas, race meets, rodeos, Stampede Queen official, Pancake Breakfasts, parades, we always had extra people at our kitchen table and was quick to help other people. Bonnie was a precise bookkeeper, creative craftsperson, enjoyed quilting & sewing, was an avid reader, loved to travel and went to many destinations around the world. She enjoyed music, humming birds, the beauty of nature, fishing, family times and friends. She had fun learning the Mexican language and enjoyed holidays. Pursuing the agriculture business they moved to Alix, Alberta in 1975 and to Botha, in 1981. Fred & Bonnie returned to B.C. in 1986 to retire in Salmon Arm. Bonnie moved to Westlock, Alberta when her eyesight was failing in 2006. She was instrumental in starting the Vision Loss Support Group in Westlock upon her arrival. Bonnie will be greatly missed by her three children and their spouses:
Fred Downs Jr., Diana (Downs) Hyndman & Brian, Susan (Downs) Saunders & Steve. Grandchildren and spouses: Kris (Downs) Kelly & Dave, Darcy Robertson & Dionne, Shirley (Robertson) Galipeau & Guy, Heather (Thompson) Paterson, Kathi Downs. Scott Thompson. Perry Thompson, Lance & Corrina Hyndman, Crystal (Hyndman) Waldo & Bill, and 10 great grandchildren, brother in law Vernon & Pat Downs, sister-in-law Barbara Freeman, nephews, cousins, and her family of friends in Salmon Arm, BC.
She is predeceased by her parents George & Margaret Barrie, brother Davy Barrie and husband Fred Downs. There will be an informal gathering to honor Bonnie’s life on July 18, 2009 2 PM at the Westlock Memorial Hall 99Ave. & 106 St. Westlock, AB.
There will also be a gathering with interment of ashes on July 22, 2009. 1 pm Masonic Cemetery, Elma, WA.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Westlock Long-term Care Centre – Donation Fund or the Westlock Municipal Library – Audio books.