Michael Downard

It is with a life well lived that the family of W. Michael Downard announces his unexpected passing on Tuesday May 25, 2021 at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Michael was born on April 3, 1952 in Scarborough, Ontario to the late William and Helen Downard and moved to Saint John upon graduating from Glendon College. Most of his career was spent as a shipper/receiver with The Norman Wade Company and more recently Marks Work Warehouse, prior to retirement in 2012. Between shipping and receiving positions Michael enjoyed his time with the Saint John Free Public Library as a part time delivery driver. 

Michael enjoyed reading and listening to records and always enjoyed getting out for his daily walk to meet his friends at the local Tim Hortons. He was a very kind, generous and giving man, and especially loved spending time with his family. In addition to being an incredible father he was the perfect grandfather to his granddaughters who meant everything to him. Michael was taken from us far too soon, but he leaves behind a lasting legacy of family, friends, and memories. 

He will be deeply missed by his loving wife of nearly 40 years, Shirley (Iliffe) Downard, his son and daughter in law Tim and Tricia Downard, their two beloved granddaughters Emma and Olivia, brother in-law Robert Iliffe and lifelong friend Brian Sambourne. In addition to his parents, Michael was predeceased by his brothers Gerry and Paul.

Resting at Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road on Sunday May 30, 2021 from 2-4 & 6-8PM. Funeral Service will be held from Fundy Funeral Home Chapel on Monday May 31, 2021 at 2PM. Interment will follow in Ocean View Memorial Gardens. For those unable to attend, the service will be live-streamed and can be viewed here  https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/authorise.php?k=1622237826117637. Those wishing to attend the service must pre-register by calling 646-2424. The family would appreciate donations to the IWK Centre or a charity of one’s choice.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Michael Downard, please visit our floral store.