Contributions to the tribute of Dr. James Downey

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Sandra lit a candle

Monday, January 15, 2024

I was privileged to be one of Jim's first students at Carleton University. I was only 16 and very naive but he guided me through my next four years to a degree in English Literature. He gave me knowledge, inspiration, and excitement for the future. While nowhere near as gifted as Jim, my career was also in Education and Leadership and I wish we could have connected later in life. I know how devoted he was to his family and I am sure your memories are vivid and sustaining. His was the kind of love that stays with you forever.

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Chris Hornibrook uploaded photo(s)

Thursday, July 14, 2022

I was just reading the UNB summer 2022 alumni news and the announcement of Dr Downey’s passing. I have a very fond memory of meeting him at a UNB hockey game in1984, and receiving his patient and wise counsel that saved my university career. It was a special joy to receive a note from him a few days later to encourage me to pursue my education. It meant so much to me that I have kept that litter and cherished his leadership. I will miss those occasional conversations through emails that kept us in touch over the years.Thank you James for all you did to encourage so many. My deepest condolences to the family.

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Gary Waller and Lorraine Beattie donated to UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO

Tuesday, April 19, 2022

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Maria Barrados posted a condolence

Friday, April 8, 2022

Dear Laura, Sarah and Geoffrey: We were very sad to hear of Jim's passing. It has been a number of years since we have spent time together but Jim and his family were an important part of our family's lives as our daughter's became best friends at Centre des Petites. Jim was always a leader and knew how to escape the heat from the summer ballet recitals which we happily followed. As an academic at Carleton from my experience Jim was supportive to colleagues, like John Porter and graduate students. From Carleton he went on to make many important contributions to higher education. Rest in Peace, John and Maria Barrados

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Richard Tingley donated to The University of New Brunswick

Friday, April 8, 2022

Laura, We were saddened to hear of Jim's passing. Jim was an outstanding UNB President and Fredericton was truly blessed to have you and the Downey family during his term as President.Jim was a gifted orator and his assistance with a eulogy for Eric Garland was a tremendous help to me. Brenda and I continue to have you in our thoughts and prayers.

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Eloise Green Piercey donated to The University of New Brunswick

Saturday, April 2, 2022

Jim and I were classmates throughout grade school in Winterton and kept in touch throughout the years. I was saddened to learn of his passing and wish my deepest condolences to his family.

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Elizabeth Buller donated to UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO

Thursday, March 31, 2022

My sincere condolences on the passing of your father Sarah and family. May the wonderful memories you hold help you through this time of loss. God bless, Liz

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Linda Bluhm donated to UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO

Thursday, March 31, 2022

Jim was a wonderful friend and colleague and I enjoyed having coffee with him after his retirement. I will treasure the book about the Kennedys that he signed for me. My sincere condolences to Laura and family.

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Charles Beckett uploaded photo(s)

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

To the Downey Family, Sorry to hear of Jim's passing. We were buddies, especially in the residence on Long's Hill. St. John's. I have a card and photo he sent, probably, Xmas 1957. The picture may have been taken in Nova Scotia, as we had spent the previous summer doing the Cadet Services of Canada training course at Aldershot, N.S. I did not make the Long's Hill reunion, but he inquired if I was still a N. Y. Yankee fan and the following week I received a note and a book on the Yankees. Jim was a super guy. I was so pleased he went so far academically. But I have a feeling in spite of his achievements and success, he remained grounded - he did not lose the common touch. Sincere condolences. Charles ( Junior) Beckett Gambo, NL

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John & Judy Bullen donated to UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

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Rebecca Kalbfleisch donated to UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

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Janet Ashton donated to UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

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Bob and Amy Wiffen donated to UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO

Monday, March 28, 2022

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Hugh O'Neill posted a condolence

Monday, March 28, 2022

To Sarah and Geoff: I was saddened to read of the passing of your father. Most knew him through his university or teaching connections but I knew him as a tennis player and tennis parent. He was always supportive of you both as tennis players and a gentleman on the court. Cathy and I wish to extend our sincere condolences. Hugh

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Sandra & Paul Dirksen donated to UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO

Monday, March 28, 2022

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Betsy Zanna (Mark Zanna) pledged to donate to UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO

Monday, March 28, 2022

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Norman Pinhorn posted a condolence

Monday, March 28, 2022

So sorry to hear of Jim's passing. I remember him mainly from our growing up days in Winterton. With our denominational school system then, we went to different schools, each with our own sports programs, such as they were. Since he excelled in every sport we played, especially softball and hockey, I never looked forward to playing against him but very happy to have him on the Winterton team when we played against outsiders. He was always our organizer and Captain. I have wonderful memories to cherish. Please accept my deepest sympathy on his passing. He always did us proud.l ---\norm \pinhorn

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Dr Terrence Shaw donated to The University of New Brunswick

Monday, March 28, 2022

I never met Dr Downey but followed his tenure as president of UNB and he was always "so good at his job as president" that he left a big impression on me as someone who cared about education. I spent 6 years at UNB in the late 60s and early 70s. In 1967 I had dinner with a nice gentleman in Winterton. I gave him a ride from Argentia to his home in Winterton as I was working in Newfoundland that summer. Lovely little town next to Hearts Delight , Hearts Content and Hearts Desire. Newfoundlanders are amazing people and Jim was one of the best of them. Terry Shaw

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Sharon Lamont donated to UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO

Sunday, March 27, 2022

Dr Downey's ability to remember people -- including myself! -- amazed me. The second time I met him in passing he remembered my name and his personal notes over the years set a pretty high bar. No one like him. I'm so sorry for your loss, while being grateful for a life well lived. Sharon Lamont

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Alison Sims and Family donated to UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO

Sunday, March 27, 2022

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Shannon Bunnett & Andy Taylor donated to UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO

Sunday, March 27, 2022

Laura, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Hugs, Love Andy & Shannon & Sophia

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Michael Ircha donated to The University of New Brunswick

Sunday, March 27, 2022

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Douglas & Donna Letson donated to UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO

Sunday, March 27, 2022

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Herb Walsh posted a condolence

Sunday, March 27, 2022

So sad to learn of Jim’s passing. Jim and I stayed in the same student residence in our first year of university at Memorial University in St John’s NL We renewed our friendship when he became President of UNB in Fredericton NB where I spent my working career as a Professional Engineer. My most sincere condolences to Laura and family . Herb Walsh

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Gord Giles posted a condolence

Sunday, March 27, 2022

Ruby and I send our heartfelt sympathies at the loss of one who was so dear to you. I’ve known Jim since our teenage years when he came to visit his sisters at Garden Cove. We are very proud of his educational pursuits and achievements. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Ruby and Gord Giles

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Claire & Ghislain Deslongchamps donated to The University of New Brunswick

Saturday, March 26, 2022

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Ross Paul posted a condolence

Saturday, March 26, 2022

Laura. Jane and I were deeply saddened to learn of Jim’s passing. Please accept our deepest sympathies. He was a wonderful colleague and a good friend to so many, an exemplary product of rural Newfoundland who gave so much to Canadians and many outside our borders in so many ways. It was a privilege to have known him. He has left a beautiful legacy. Ross Paul and Jane Brindley Vancouver

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Robert Kavanagh posted a condolence

Saturday, March 26, 2022

Laura, I am so sorry to learn of Jim’s passing. Please accept my sincere condolences. I was fortunate to work with Jim for a while as a member of his managerial team. He was a wonderful colleague. Jim was exceptionally articulate. His oral presentations were always well received They usually exhibited his superb sense of humour. Jim was a gifted writer and his various publications were widely appreciated. He was a kind and thoughtful person and was admired by all who knew him. The University of New Brunswick benefited significantly from Jim’s leadershp as President.

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Barbara Scott donated to The University of New Brunswick

Saturday, March 26, 2022

Our deepest condolences. Thinking of you all at this difficult time. Barb Gord Devin and Shannon

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Robert Glass donated to UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO

Saturday, March 26, 2022

Our deepest sympathy Bob Glass and Laura Butler

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Ian and Carla Newbould posted a condolence

Saturday, March 26, 2022

Dear Laura, Carla and I were very sad to learn that Jim passed away. We both have many happy memories of you both during the various presidents' get-togethers and visits. Jim was a valued colleague, generous with advice and friendship. He had a great sense of humour, and was happy to share his notebook of quips and comments. There will be a large group of colleagues from across the country who will be very sorry to hear this sad news. The photo of Christan Nicholson's portrait in his UNB robes is a wonderful image of Jim. Carla and I send our deepest condolences and sympathies to you and your family.

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Janyce Arsenault posted a condolence

Saturday, March 26, 2022

Mrs. Downey, Sarah and Geoffrey. I was so sorry to hear of the passing of your husband and father. I know this can be a difficult time. I will always remember his kindness when I moved to fredericton. I stayed in residence in the summer while looking for a place to live. The residence closed earlier than I could get my new place and your Husband/Dad allowed me to stay with you. I met such a wonderful family. Your kindness was so much appreciated. I had great tennis partners as well. Another memory was when I looked after your house and they were calling for a huge flood. I never was more scared to have damage to your beautiful home on Waterloo Row. Luckily, your parents came home just in time. Please remember to cherish all the wonderful memories you have as these can never be taken from you. My deepest sympathies to you and the rest of your families. Please know I am thinking of all of you. Hugs ❤️

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The family of Dr. James Downey uploaded a photo

Friday, March 25, 2022

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The family of Dr. James Downey uploaded a photo

Friday, March 25, 2022

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roseann.runte@innovation.ca posted a condolence

Friday, March 25, 2022

Dear Family and Friends, Jim was a strong academic leader whose positive influence was felt by many students and colleagues alike. His institutional impact was significant and long lasting. His understanding of good governance and best practices was most impressive. He will be remembered for his wisdom-- and his wit as well! A fine scholar with Newfoundland roots, he was able to enliven the dullest topic. He was a caring colleague who supported his fellow university leaders while seeking the solution to difficult challenges. His goal of making a fine contribution to universities across the country was realized long ago. Today we still benefit from his publications and the institutions he guided and fostered. I offer family and friends my most sincere condolences, Roseann O'Reilly Runte

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Lupien-Morinville Family donated to UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO

Friday, March 25, 2022

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Diana Macri donated to UNIVERSITY OF WATERLOO

Friday, March 25, 2022

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Wilson and Ann Hiscock. posted a condolence

Friday, March 25, 2022

Dear Laura, Sarah, Geoffrey and Families. Ann and I were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jim, we send our love and deepest condolences. We both have known Jim since our childhoods growing up in our beloved Winterton, and have valued for decades his wonderful friendship. In recent years it was such a pleasure to get together with Sister Edwina and him to share wonderful memories of growing up in this wonderful little Town during his visits back to the Province. His contribution to Education and other areas of Society will long be remembered in our great Country and he certainly touched the lives in a very positive way, of thousands of People. Perhaps the great poet, Robbie Burns, lost a friend like Jim, when he penned the following. '' An honest man lies here at rest. The friend of man, the friend of truth, the friend of age, the guide of youth. Few hearts like his, with virtue warm'd, few heads with knowledge so inform'd. If there is another world he lives in bliss, if there is not, he made the best of this''. May God Bess you all as you celebrate his Life.

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TNO Board, staff and volunteers purchased flowers

Friday, March 25, 2022

Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss... Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.

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James and Maureen O'Sullivan posted a condolence

Friday, March 25, 2022

Jim's passing is a great loss. He lifted the spirits of all who worked with him. He made us feel better --and be better -- than we otherwise would be. Our thoughts are with Laura and family. Jim and Maureen O'Sullivan

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Bob and Georgia LeMessurier posted a condolence

Friday, March 25, 2022

So very sorry to learn of Jim’s passing. Wonderful memories of a very dear friend and sincere condolences to Laura and family from Bob and Georgia LeMessurier.

Dr. James Downey

1939 - 2022