RICHARD “Dick” FUQUA DOWNING

 1930-2017

was born January 9, 1930 in Spokane at Deaconess Hospital to L.E. “Bus” Downing and Minnie “Bess” Downing. Richard passed away peacefully on February 17, 2017 surrounded by his loving family in Spokane Washington. He attended Arlington grade school and Rogers High School graduating in 1948. After high school Dick attended Gonzaga University but was called away due to the start of the Korean War. Dick was active in football and had earned a scholarship to the University of Washington. He joined the Washington Air National Guard and was assigned to the 116th fighter squadron as an air medic and followed his unit to Shepard’s Grove England where he flew many medical missions transporting wounded soldiers to various military hospitals throughout the world. After the war Dick returned to Spokane and hired out with the Great Northern Railroad in 1952 where he followed a long and proud tradition of railroaders in his family. He started out as Fireman and finally as a Locomotive Engineer. Many of his assignments were throughout Montana, Idaho and Washington. In 1968 he was elected as president of the local BLF&E. (Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen &Engineers). This position was well suited for Dick who possessed a strong desire for helping others. In 1952 he met and fell in love with his wife Margaret M. “Marge” Hoiland from Big Timber, Montana. Marge warned Dick that she was told not to date any boys from Hillyard. They were married in Hillyard on March 17, 1953 and remained so for 62 years. They had two sons, Tim and Dave, who were raised on Spokane’s north side. Richard had the ability to thoroughly absorb himself in projects and found joy in working with his hands. One of Dick’s favorite projects was making hot chili pickles for special friends. Furniture building and developing gun stocks was also a favorite hobby. Oil painting became his passion later in life and he found that painting outdoor scenes was very rewarding. Dick will be remembered by his family and friends for his simplicity and for his encouraging smile and his ability to laugh at himself. It could be said of Dick that he never met a stranger. He is survived by his wife Marge; sons Tim of Davenport & Dave (Anne) of Eugene, Oregon; five grandchildren Molly (Todd) Massie, of Davenport, Joe, (Jenny) Downing of Davenport, Andy (Melissa) Downing of Spokane, Ben (Tammy) Downing of Sydney, Montana, and Jake (Janine) Downing, of Vancouver, Washington, along with 19 great- grandchildren who will forever remember Grandpa Dick as a loving, generous example. He is also survived by his sister Carol of Bainbridge Island, WA. He was preceded in death by his brothers Mike & Patrick Downing. The family would like to extend a warm loving salutation to the staff at Brookdale Nine Mile on Rifle Club Rd. that daily cared for and loved Dick. The family would ask that memorial gifts of love be sent to Hospice of Spokane, P O Box 2215, Spokane, WA 99210. Memorial services will be held at Hennessey Funeral Home, 2203 N Division, on Saturday, March 4th. At 11:00 A.M. “Everyone is welcome”. On-line condolences may be posted at www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com.

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