Douglas F Downs

On Sunday, October 2nd, Douglas (Doug) Frank Downs, devoted husband and father of three, passed away aged 81 at his home in Bethel Park, Pennsylvania.

The son of Douglas J. and Jennie (Hogue) Downs, Doug was born September 28th, 1941 in Detroit, Michigan. After graduating from Cooley High School, he began his engineering degree at Michigan Tech and completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Wayne State University. Doug served two years in the Army Corps of Engineers, during which he married his wife of 55 years, Lynn (Mogridge) Downs. They raised three children, Katie (Downs) Kiss, Doug Downs, and Andy Downs; have two grandchildren, Spencer and Jasper Kiss; and two daughter-in-laws, Katie Chiasson-Downs and Alyse Downs. 

A talented businessman and dedicated provider, Doug worked until his retirement in 2004, finishing his career as President of Vollmer of America Corp. based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Doug easily filled a room with his presence and stature, and every honorary “Friend of Doug” member knew him to be kind, thoughtful, and gregarious. A precocious and prolific prankster, his smirk was infectious and God help you if you forgot it was April Fool’s Day. Naturally inquisitive, Doug was always tinkering, from his childhood chemistry set to his garage workshop, and loved to create, enjoying woodworking, photography, and designing the family Christmas cards.

From his childhood vacations in Kingsville, Ontario, family vacations in St. Joseph’s, Ontario, and summer days on Lake Arthur and the Monongahela River, Doug loved sailing, boating, and  being on the water. A life-long golfer, Doug followed his passion for the sport everywhere from Rogell Golf Course in Detroit to the famed seventh hole at Pebble Beach. His golf game exemplified his life: be a good friend, always check your lie, and keep on swinging.  

Ever the sage, Doug would have you remember two things as you continue your journey through life: 1) Be kinder than necessary because everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle; 2) If you give a dance, you have to pay the band.

Per Doug’s wishes, there will be no service. To honor his memory, perform a random act of kindness and play a round of golf (putt-putt counts!).

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Douglas F Downs, please visit our floral store.