Mr. Richard Joseph Downey-ENG
Sherbrooke, 21 juin 2025
It is with peace that Richard Joseph Downey passed away at his home on June 21, 2025, at the venerable age of 92. He was the eldest son of the late Francis Downey and the late Alice Poulin. He is reunited in the hereafter with his beloved wife, Cécile Dion, with whom he shared 65 years of marriage filled with love, unity, and companionship—an inspiring and deeply moving life journeys. He was also predeceased by his son, the late Daniel; and by his brothers: the late Reginald (the late Kay), the late Maurice (the late Gisèle), and the late Patrick (Louise).
He leaves in mourning his children: Patrick (Linda) and Carolene (Pierre), as well as his cherished grandchildren: Jennifer (Samuel), Émilie‑Ann (David), William (Sara), Katrina (Seun), Céleste (Josué), Éric, and Félix (Kelly). Richard was also the proud great‑grandfather to eleven great‑grandchildren, whom he tenderly adored.
His memory also lives in the hearts of his brothers and sister: Lawrence (the late Jocelyne), Lewis (Helen), Lucille (Chauncy), and Robert (Lise).
Several nephews, nieces, members of the Dion family, and other relatives and friends will also be saddened by his departure.
Richard—our father, grandfather, great‑great‑grandfather, brother, and friend—leaves behind an indelible mark on our hearts. We will always remember his mischievous smile, his unifying sense of humor, his wisdom, his genuine kindness, and his generosity. He possessed that rare ability to make everyone feel important, welcomed, and loved.
He had a great passion for cultivating Christmas trees. These trees, symbols of hope and renewal, perfectly reflected his spirit: deeply rooted, radiant, and forward‑looking. A pioneer in this field, Richard imparted far more than just knowledge about Christmas tree production—he shared a profound love of the land, traditions, and human connections. Our pride!
To celebrate his life and honor his memory, the family invites relatives and friends to join them for a ceremony filled with light, love, and gratitude. As a reflection of the man he was, we invite you to wear colorful and floral attire, in irish style, in homage to his zest for life, his love of nature, and his affection for all those around him.
The family will welcome guests at the Steve L. Elkas Funeral Complex (4230 rue Bertrand‑Fabi, Sherbrooke) on Saturday, July 5, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 1 :30 p.m. A Celebration will follow in the chapel at the same location. You will be able to watch the celebration live or as a replay via: https://funeraweb.tv/diffusions/112239 Interment will take place at 2:45 p.m. at Saint‑Antoine Cemetery in Lennoxville (24 rue Saint‑Francis, Sherbrooke).
Your expressions of sympathy can be translated into a donation in memory of Mrs. Cécile Dion: La Maison Aube-Lumière: How to donate | La Maison Aube-Lumière
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