SOUTH THOMASTON — Stephen P. Downer, died Saturday, June 13, 2020.

To know Steve was to love and admire him. He had a gift with people, a unique ability to really listen and connect with friends from all walks of life. He was quick to “give a little squeeze” and his warmth and affection allowed the smallest interaction to brighten your day. And, you could not see his smile and that quintessential twinkle in his eye without smiling with him. He leaves behind warm memories and the conviction in us all to meaningfully connect with others and carry on the joy he brought to the world.

Steve was born in Plattsburgh, New York on April 15, 1943, the middle son of Charles Briggs Downer and Marion Curtis Downer, brother of Kurt Downer and Roger Downer. He was raised in West Boylston, Massachusetts and grew up camping in Midcoast Maine where his parents eventually retired.

Steve enjoyed a long and successful career at Norton/Saint Gobain Company as an Account Executive and made many lifelong friends and enjoyed living and working in the Midwest, Vermont, and eventually back in Massachusetts where he settled in North Andover to raise two boys, Chad of Methuen and Chris of North Andover, with his wife of 50 years, Linda Downer.

Steve was a lifelong athlete and found community in every sport he played. When they first started dating, Linda and Steve enjoyed time in New Hampshire skiing on weekends with a big group of close friends. Steve was also a basketball player and shared his love of the sport with his boys and was a well-loved coach and team supporter, never missing a game. He spent many years playing tennis in a group out of Cedardale and was an avid golfer, finding a home away from home at Rockland Country Club where he enjoyed great and enduring friendships on the Central Maine Seniors Club. Steve was an active member in his church, Faith Lutheran in Andover, where he served as an usher and greeted parishioners with his welcoming smile.

Steve’s heart has always been in Maine, where he loved to garden and live according to natural rhythm of the tides. Nothing made him happier than to share his special space on the Keag River with family and friends. He
loved the view from his deck, enjoyed putting out the flag every morning, boating, watching the sunset, picking raspberries, playing monopoly with his grandchildren, and spending time with neighbors and friends. He also
attended church at Nativity Lutheran in Rockport, Maine where he shared his passion for faith and community.

Steve is survived by his wife of 50 years, Linda Carlson Downer; his son Chad Downer and wife Susan Downer; his son Chris Downer and wife Nicole Downer; and six grandchildren, Matthew, Emily, Abbie, Michaela, Alivia, and Grayson.

Local arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland.

Although no services will be held at this time, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either, Faith Lutheran Church, 360 So. Main Street, Andover, MA 01810 or Nativity Lutheran Church, 179 Old County Road, Rockport, ME, 04856.

To share a memory or condolence with the Downer family, please visit their Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.