Tim W Downing

Tim Downing, 70, of Homedale, passed away peacefully at home with his wife and daughter by his side, on December 4, 2018. Tim was born January 8, 1948 to Kenneth and Alene Downing. He spent his first seven years living in Murphy, ID and went to first and second grade in Murphy’s one-room schoolhouse. He was joined by two sisters who helped him explore the Owyhees, riding horses from dawn to dusk. The family then moved to Homedale where Tim went the remainder of his school years, graduating with the great class of 1966. Tim served in the Army, in Viet Nam, from 1968-1969. He’d be the first to tell you that is not what he wanted to be doing at that age, but nonetheless, he served his country well. When Tim returned home he set out to clear his head by hitchhiking from the Northwest down to Mexico and over to Florida, taking time to enjoy the Mardi Gras. Tim had a strong belief in serving his community and did so by being on the Homedale Volunteer Fire Department for 20 years and in later years served on Homedale City Council for 2½ terms. Tim owned his one-man appliance repair business for over 40 years. His impeccable integrity and honesty will be greatly missed by Homedale and the surrounding communities. Often times, Tim accepted a plate of homemade goodies for payment of services when someone, especially widowers, couldn’t afford to have an appliance repaired.
Tim and his wife Deb, had 32 wonderful years together, loving each other deeply. Together they raised their precious daughter, Erica. He was so very proud of the strong women she grew up to be and, indeed, can take credit for her wonderful qualities. Tim had three grandchildren, Riley (Shortman), Gracie (Princess) and Jaxon (Jack Jack). He loved watching them play sports and rarely missed a game. More recently, Tim loved watching Riley coach his little brother in football and basketball, going undefeated and winning championships in both sports. When Tim became ill his lifelong friends Rudy Garcia and Floyd Breach, would accompany him to the games. Tim was so proud of Gracie and her love for Jesus and felt great peace when she prayed with him.
Tim spent his entire life loving animals, from a civet cat to raccoons and badgers and brought home every animal imaginable. The love and loyalty he had for his dogs was incomparable, especially his most recent sidekick, “Bear Bear”.
Above all, Tim was a fisherman. This poem, given to him by his late brother-in-law Jim, describes him well:

I fish because I love to; Because I love the environs where trout are found, which are invariably beautiful, and hate the environs where crowds of people are found, which are invariably ugly; Because of all the television commercials, cocktail parties, and assorted social posturing I thus escape; Because, in a world where most men seem to spend their lives doing things they hate, my fishing is at once an endless source of delight and an act of small rebellion; Because trout do not lie or cheat and cannot be bought or bribed or impressed by power, but respond to only quietude and humility and endless patience; Because I suspect that men are going along this way for the last time, and I for one don’t want to waste the trip; Because mercifully there are no telephones on trout waters; Because only in the woods can I find solitude without loneliness; Because bourbon out of an old tin cup always tastes better out there; Because maybe one day I will catch a mermaid; and, finally, not because I regard fishing as being so terribly important but because I suspect that so many of the other concerns of men are equally unimportant — and not nearly so much fun.

Tim is survived by his loving wife Deb; their daughter Erica and son-in-law Brad Dines; His three grandchildren, Riley, Gracie and Jaxon who were his absolute pride and joy; His wonderful mother, Alene Downing; two sisters, Dani Lee Aman and Toni Ross; His niece, Marcy Blandford (Jason) and his two nephews Zac (Lisa) and Zeb (Julee) Ross; His aunts, Marilyn Burke (Jack) and Pat Davis and numerous cousins. He is preceded in death by his father Kenny and his beloved Granny and Granpa Adams. At Tim’s request, there will be no service. To honor him, please do something kind for someone less fortunate in your community or donate to your favorite charity. Above all, be kind to your animals. The family would like to thank the many friends and family, near and far, that visited with Tim during his illness. Also a special thanks to Horizon Hospice for their tender care.

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