Obituary of Albert 'Al' Downs

March 4, 1932 – Bassano, Alberta
December 13, 2021 – High River, Alberta

Albert (Al) William Downs of High River, AB, passed away on Monday, December 13, 2021, at the age of 89 years.

Being born in Bassano Alberta in 1932 during the Great Depression, was most certainly a contributing factor to the building of a charismatic character. During his early years Al would live in numerous Southern Alberta towns and cities with his parents who were navigating the trials of these difficult times. These travels would include some interesting adventures with the Army Reserve, amateur rodeo, farming, ranching in the Bottrel area and a stint doing Fish and Game patrols in the Waiparous, Red Deer River forestry area.  Eventually these early travels would lead him to a career in the newspaper business, first at the Brooks Bulletin, followed by 40 years at the Calgary Herald. During this time Al met the love of his life Agnes, and for the next 65 years they would build and share a life together. These times included the birth and raising of five children and with that, the hard work, yearly Shuswap vacations, weekend camping, picnics, building of a family cabin and an almost weekly family gathering where he would remind us that he would get us our first beer but after that we would have to serve ourselves.  Retirement involved a move from Calgary to High River where Al took up many hobbies and met many new friends. The family continued to grow to include grandchildren and he enjoyed teasing and entertaining them with his antics including his improv dance moves. He became an expert on many things including growing the best tomatoes, making fine wine, finishing furniture, and maintaining the most beautiful lawn in High River. Al made a point of staying current with politics, sports, history, and whatever his latest hobby or topic of interest might be. An interesting conversation with some quirky comments and a wink whether with family, friend or stranger was always assured. He faced the end showing the same courage, determination, kindness, and love that he displayed throughout his life. His life was an amazing example of one well lived. He will be missed.

Al is survived by his one daughter, Candice Clampitt (Blaine); four sons, Kelvin Downs (Helene), Darcy Downs (Kathy), Carey Downs (Kristi), and Les Downs (Ann Laniel); nine grandchildren, Jeremy Downs (Surayyo Holdarova Boysinova), Riana Downs, Riley Downs, Matthew Clampitt, Kayla Romaniuk (Adam), Braxton Downs, Addison Downs, and Emily Downs; and one great-granddaughter Leandra Durant Downs. Al is also survived by his in-laws, Wendell Hoffart (Noel), Barbara Charette, and Adeline Mayer, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Al was predeceased by his loving wife of 65 years Agnes (nee Hoffart); parents Edward Downs and Charlotte Downs (nee Wurster); grandchild Trevor Downs; brother Roy Downs; sister, Marion Martin and in-laws, Marge Heap, Francis Charette, Michael Heap, Anton Mayer, and George Martin. 

A private family gathering will be held in High River. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed here.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the High River District Health Care Foundation www.highriverhealthfoundation.ca or charity of one's choice.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Medicine Tree Manor in High River for their kindness and to the staff who took such great care of Al during his time at the High River Hospital.

In living memory of Albert Downs, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.