It was my privilege to work in the dermatology lab at BU Medical Center wth Drs. Downing, Pochi and Strauss, in the early 70's, I remember Dr. Downing as a very kind man, quite intensely interested in his experiments. He made it seem as though it was fun, and I'm sure to him, it was. I remember him fondly and wish his family every blessing.

Uncle Don & Auntie Flora are figures that exist vividly in my earliest childhood memories. They will be remembered fondly for a long long time.

My condolences to the family. I sat near/across from Donald for several months at N.L. Dialysis. They had an amazing life; wish I knew Donald better.

My best to Nancy, Mark, and family. - Mark Yuskis, UUSIC, Coe College

Nancy, Zack, Zoey and all of the Downing family, our deepest sympathy on your loss. I remember meeting Flora only once, what a lovely woman. Knowing that they will always be together is a blessing, yet so difficult for all of you, I'm sure.

You must have some amazing, beautiful memories to hold dear to your hearts.

God Bless you all.

From your old Third Ave. neighbors,

Tom, Laurie, Tim and Brett

Dear Will,

Your parents were real gems in our community. I will never forget coming to your house to see the hair follicle stained glass piece you made as a "tongue-in-cheek honor of your dad's profession. They proudly installed it in the glass by the front door! I was so sorry to hear of their passing and I have been thinking about you and Kumi and your beautiful children who are their namesakes. Thoughts and prayers coming your way. Love you all, Polly

Dear Will, Kumi, and the entire Downing family,

Please accept our condolences in the loss of Will's parents. We are speechless.

Flora, a gentle kind person who will be greatly missed. Condolences to friends and family of Flora and Don. From Sandy Bucher, a bridge friend.

Will, Kumi and Family,

Nancy and Will,

I am so sorry to hear of your parent's passing. Their story touched my heart. What a wonderful life they had, together to the very end. It is so nice that you got to hear the stories of their lives. You'll have those memories forever. Thinking about you.

Nancy, I'm so sorry to hear about your parent's passing, I'm sure it has been difficult for you and your family. However, it appears to be a blessing that they were able to enter into heaven together. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Will:

Dear Nancy, Matthew and William,

We are so sorry to hear of the loss of both your parents, Will, in such a short period of time. We plan to send a memorial in their name to the Degowin Blood Center. If there is anything we can do for you, please let us know.

Dear Will and Kumi,

Dear Matt:

Peace with God

We want to express our deepest sympathy to the whole Downing family. May God watch over all of you and may you always have happy memories of your parents.

I still have great memories of going to Olinda as a very small child to stay with the Downings just before they left to live in the US. It was through the Downings that we met our very dear friends the Menzies, and they remain dear friends to this day. My most vivid recollection of the Downings at Olinda was the dog, Nushka (spelling?), a great white fluffy Husky type thing, and the swimming pool, a most amazing thing for me! It is also very gratifying that Flora was able to be of such personal help and comfort to my Mum (Maisie) in mid 2013 after Mum had lost the love of her life. Mum spent 6 weeks in Iowa with Don and Flora (mostly staying with the wonderful Nancy), enjoying Flora's garden and talking no stop. It also afforded the opportunity for my daughter Ruth to meet and get to know Don, Flora and her extended family in the US. A very special thing. To all the Downings and family, our thoughts are with you. Love Judy, Ruth, Julia ,Evelyn and Maisie Drake Brockman.

Two wonderful people, I was so lucky to have met along with Will and Nancy on our visit to the States back in 1986, then Will came over to W.A. to spend time on the farm, in '88.

The last time I saw Flora and Don was on their visit to Magnetic Island about 2003. Flora and my mother went to the markets,(along with the Brownies that Flora had helped make, so they where not a disaster, for my daughters stall) Don and I went reef walking "I cannot understand why people get excited about markets" said Don, so reef walking we went.

We kept in contact via emails other the years and Don also helped out with my daughters "The Charter " paper she had started while living in Perth, by doing an interview for her for the first edition.

I enjoyed their company very much, both very interesting and with so many good qualities, it was always a pleasure to be in their company, I feel quite privileged for having known this lovely couple.

My deepest sympathy to the Downing families and friends

Much love Vicki, Peter Rachel,Paige, my parents June and Graham Bell