Tribute

Victor William Downer
Dec.12, 1946 – May 20, 2010
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of a wonderful man. On May 20th, 2010, at age 63, while surrounded by his family, Vic lost his brief, but very courageous and honorable battle with esophageal cancer in Cobble Hill, BC. Vic was predeceased by his Mom in 1970, and his Dad in 1988. He leaves behind his loving wife of 36 years, Audrey, his children: Elisa (Brian), of Gold River, BC and Will (Tiffany), of Victoria, BC, Step-Son John (Connie), of Fort St. John, and Step-Daughter Deanna (Ty), Fort St. John. Also left to mourn his loss are his 4 sisters: Carol Laktin (Johnny), of Squamish, BC, Flora Peterson (Silver), of New Westminster, BC, Janet Clarke (Jay), of Squamish, BC, Gail Allen (Gil), of Burnaby, BC, and his brother Keith Downer (Chantal), also of Squamish. Missing him as well, are his 8 treasured grandchildren: Kristen, Michael, Josh, Hannah, Colby, Teldon, Brady and Eva, along with many aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
Vic began his working life as a boom man for M&B in Squamish, working alongside his Dad. He met the love of his life Audrey, in 1971, and they married on March 2, 1974. He went on to be a boom supervisor for the Tahsis Company, at the Sandpoint Sorting Grounds. He moved his family to Gold River in November, 1977, where they lived for 20 years before he and Audrey moved to Duncan, BC. Vic was such an inspiration to all who knew him. He chose on a daily basis to be happy and positive and he always encouraged us to be our best. He really made the most of the 63 years that he had in this life.
Vic loved to dance, and was very good at it. It was dancing that brought Audrey into his life. Vic was also an avid golfer. He spent many hours helping with the construction of the Gold River course, and then playing it. He enjoyed spending time with his family and his 2 much-loved dogs, Skipper and Bunny.
The family would like to thank Vic’s doctors: Dr. R Grimes, Dr. M. Ibraham, Dr. R. Reid, Dr. J. Shah, Dr, P. Blood, the staff at CDH and the amazing home care nurses who allowed us to care for Vic at home, until the end. We cannot thank you enough for your compassion, and support during Vic’s final days and hours. Thanks also to the home support workers who helped care for him. We would also like to offer a special thank you to the staff at Safeway Pharmacy.
A celebration of Vic’s life will be held at 1:30 pm on Tuesday, June 1st at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church, 531 Herbert St, Duncan, BC. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Vic’s memory to either of his favorite charities; BC Children’s Hospital call 604-875-2444, or the Canadian Cancer Society, 100-394 Duncan St., Duncan BC V9L 3W4. Online condolences may be offered at www.hwwallacecbc.com.
Dance On, Vic. We love you.