PALMER, AK – Arthur Edward Downs, 70, passed away in Palmer, Alaska, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on April 18, 1955, Arthur was the son of the late Alston L. and Priscilla E. (Dill) Downs.
He grew up in Lincoln and Lee, Maine, fostering a lifelong love for the outdoors and animals. From childhood, Arthur was deeply connected to the natural world. He served as president of the Future Farmers of America club in high school at Lee Academy, and continued to enjoy raising animals and having beloved pets throughout his life. For the bulk of his career, Arthur was a logger, using horses to yard wood and embracing “the old ways.” He practiced selective cutting and respected the land and the land owners’ wishes. He cherished his friendships with his horses throughout the years. His love for the outdoors included hunting, fishing, and trapping, pursuits he loved sharing with his Uncle Clifford and his girls. Arthur had a quirky sense of humor and loved a good laugh. He was a lifelong Chevy man – he embraced the saying “bow tie until I die.” He loved music, television, and movies and amassed a wonderful collection of CDs and DVDs.
Arthur had a deep appreciation for a slower pace of life and he often remarked that he was “born too late.” In 2009 he moved to Alaska, where he continued to embrace a hands-on lifestyle, working in residential construction, property maintenance, and farming and eventually retiring there. Moving to Alaska was a dream come true and the adventure of a lifetime.
Arthur’s life was marked by his dedication to his family, his unique spirit, and his strong connection to the land and its creatures. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his three daughters, Lisa Downs and her partner, Bruce, Andrea Quenneville and her husband, Ray, and Erica Downs; as well as their mother, Paula Downs. Arthur was grandfather to Avarie Downs, Deja Albert, John Albert, Archie Quenneville, Brooke Downs, Eben Quenneville, and Wesley Quenneville; and great-grandfather to Orion Oliver. Arthur is also survived by his sisters, Patsy Saba and her husband, Leonard, Mary Hatch, and Alyson Goodwin and her husband, Michael. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members who will hold his memory dear. His loyal best friend, Tippy, will also feel his absence.
Arthur’s family wishes to thank Ancora Home Health and Hospice, Magnolia Manor, and Will and Mimi Peabody for support and compassionate care during his illness.
2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
A service to celebrate Arthur’s life will be announced at a later date.
He grew up in Lincoln and Lee, Maine, fostering a lifelong love for the outdoors and animals. From childhood, Arthur was deeply connected to the natural world. He served as president of the Future Farmers of America club in high school at Lee Academy, and continued to enjoy raising animals and having beloved pets throughout his life. For the bulk of his career, Arthur was a logger, using horses to yard wood and embracing “the old ways.” He practiced selective cutting and respected the land and the land owners’ wishes. He cherished his friendships with his horses throughout the years. His love for the outdoors included hunting, fishing, and trapping, pursuits he loved sharing with his Uncle Clifford and his girls. Arthur had a quirky sense of humor and loved a good laugh. He was a lifelong Chevy man – he embraced the saying “bow tie until I die.” He loved music, television, and movies and amassed a wonderful collection of CDs and DVDs.
Arthur had a deep appreciation for a slower pace of life and he often remarked that he was “born too late.” In 2009 he moved to Alaska, where he continued to embrace a hands-on lifestyle, working in residential construction, property maintenance, and farming and eventually retiring there. Moving to Alaska was a dream come true and the adventure of a lifetime.
Arthur’s life was marked by his dedication to his family, his unique spirit, and his strong connection to the land and its creatures. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his three daughters, Lisa Downs and her partner, Bruce, Andrea Quenneville and her husband, Ray, and Erica Downs; as well as their mother, Paula Downs. Arthur was grandfather to Avarie Downs, Deja Albert, John Albert, Archie Quenneville, Brooke Downs, Eben Quenneville, and Wesley Quenneville; and great-grandfather to Orion Oliver. Arthur is also survived by his sisters, Patsy Saba and her husband, Leonard, Mary Hatch, and Alyson Goodwin and her husband, Michael. He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family members who will hold his memory dear. His loyal best friend, Tippy, will also feel his absence.
Arthur’s family wishes to thank Ancora Home Health and Hospice, Magnolia Manor, and Will and Mimi Peabody for support and compassionate care during his illness.
2 Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
A service to celebrate Arthur’s life will be announced at a later date.
