WHITE RIVER JCT., VT — Roger Allen Downing, 67, died unexpectedly Monday, September 30, 2019 at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, NH.
He was born May 8, 1952 in Randolph, VT, the son of Carl and Esther (Green) Downing. He attended school in Chelsea, VT, where he graduated in 1970 from Chelsea High School.
On December 11, 1971, he married Catherine Teeter, together they had two children. They were later divorced.
On August 4, 1979 he married Linda Stewart. They recently celebrated their 40th anniversary by taking an overdue and well-deserved vacation to Lake George, NY, where they had a wonderful and memorable time.
Roger’s employment history included the Granite Quarries in Barre, VT, Dartmouth Printing in Hanover, NH, P & C Warehouse in White River Jct., VT, Co-Op Food Store in Hanover, NH and Green Mountain Messenger in West Lebanon, NH, before retiring in 2013.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing and watching sports on TV, especially baseball. He was a Boston Red Sox and NY Mets fan. Roger was kind-hearted and funny. He had a great love of animals and family and was always willing to help others in need.
He is survived by two sons, Jeffrey Downing of White River Jct., VT and Scott Gillens of South Royalton, VT, two daughters, Karen Downing of Tunbridge, VT and Diane Thurston of Hartland, VT, a sister Pat Sadler of Bradford, VT , an aunt, Mildred Rogers of Tunbridge, VT, a niece, Debbie Lapan of Syracuse, NY, 6 grandchildren, Amanda, Julie, Jason Jr, Tyler, Emily, and Caden, and 4 great grandchildren, C.J., Zaiden, Kynslie, and Evelynn,
He was predeceased by a son Jason Gillens, a granddaughter, Whitney Howe and an infant brother, Gordon Downing.
Calling hours will be held Monday, October 7, 2019 from 6 to 8pm at the Boardway and Cilley Funeral Home, 300 VT RT 110, Chelsea, VT. A private graveside service will be held at a later date in the Hunt Cemetery in Tunbridge, VT.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) at www.aspca.org/ways-to-give.
A private message of sympathy for the family can be shared at, www.boardwayandcilley.com