Frederick W. Downing

Frederick W. Downing

Formerly of Lighthouse Pointe, O'Hara Twp. and Hallowell, Maine died on Sunday, November 5, 2017 at the Willows, Presbyterian Senior Care in Oakmont. The son of Arthur E. and Cleora (Churchill) Downing, he was born in Auburn, ME on September 12, 1917. He is survived by his daughter, Jane A. of Pittsburgh and son, James A. of Redmond, WA, his grandchildren, Jennifer of Cambridge MA and Garth F. of Renton, WA ; also eight nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Judith Chick Downing and his brothers, Franklin P., Roland S. and Paul M. Downing.  He was a graduate of Edward Little High School in Auburn, ME, Bates College, in Lewiston, ME, class of 1940 and Columbia University, class of 1949. He served in the United States Navy from 1942-1946, retiring from active duty as a Lieutenant Commander, and in the Naval Reserves from 1950-1971. He was the first Executive Secretary of the Maine State Employees Association from 1949 to 1959; Director of Vermont Civil Service, 1959-1962; and Guidance Director in Boothbay, Wilton and SAD # 11 (ME) high schools from 1962-1977.  He worked for the US Census from 1988-90, and from 1990-1997, he worked as a full-time adult education volunteer in the Kennebec County Jail, Augusta ME, launching computer literacy courses.  In Hallowell, ME, where he lived for 62 years, he was on the Planning Board for 20 years, an assessor, a member of Old South Congregational Church and designer of house plans. He led the Kennebec Valley Girl Scout Council in developing Camp KV in Readfield, ME. Fred was associated with Aloha Camp in Fairlee, VT during summers from 1956 -1982, climbing over 6,000 miles on New England mountains as head of tripping. He was active in a variety of Masonic activities.  He was a bridge player, an avid reader and genealogist, researching Downing family history to the 1500s, and a music lover. He was an active member of the Resident Councils at Granite Hills Estates in Hallowell and Lighthouse Pointe. He achieved his goal of living to be 100. The family will receive friends Thursday, November 9, 2017 from 1 p.m.  to 4 p.m. at the WEDDELL-AJAK FUNERAL HOME, 100 Center Ave., Aspinwall.  A celebration of his life will be held in Augusta, ME at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Downing Family Scholarship Fund, c/o Bates College, 2 Andrews Road, Lewiston, Maine 04240.

 Service Information