David Michael Downey

David Michael Downey, 72, passed away January 16, 2025, at his home in Gregory, Michigan, with his wife Katherine (Kathy) Askew at his side. He valiantly battled pancreatic cancer during the three months following his diagnosis.

David was born and grew up in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and was preceded in death by his parents Headley and Helen Bennett Downey, and his older brothers Harold, Robert, and Richard Downey. He is survived by his wife Kathy and his son Patrick Downey (mother Tina Downey) of Dallas, Texas.

David loved people, and people loved David. He was a friend to hundreds, a mentor to dozens, and admired and respected by those lucky enough to have crossed his path. David had a deep love for his family, his friends, and his neighbors. If anyone needed help, he was always there to lend a hand and lighten the load. His tireless support was invaluable to so many of those around him.

David graduated from Ann Arbor Pioneer High School in 1971, then earned his Bachelor's degree in business administration from Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, Michigan. He spent 35 years as a business executive in Dallas, Texas, with regional, national, and international firms where he specialized in sales management, business development and acquisitions, and training and recruiting. He traveled the world holding President, CEO, and COO titles.

David returned with Kathy to his beloved Ann Arbor, Michigan, thirteen years ago. They co- founded Dog Watch by Laughing Labrador, an underground fencing company, where they were awarded Rookie of the Year and Dealer of the Year before retiring. He is also the Retired Board Chair of the Alzheimer's Association-Great Lakes Chapter. One could spot him easily at their many walks and fundraising events sporting his purple, velvet, sport coat with his cowboy hat accompanied by his Labradoodle Lucy strutting her purple tutu and fairy wings.

In retirement, he was happiest at home at their lakeside cottage. He loved the outdoors and could often be found on his pontoon boat on their lake with Kathy, family, friends, and his two dogs Lucy and Buddy. He will be so dearly missed by all.

Kathy would like to thank everyone who helped and supported them in many ways during his last months as people came to show their love and say their goodbyes. David left his mark on all of those that he touched. He will be buried in Bethlehem Cemetery in Ann Arbor, near his parents and his brother, Bob. A memorial event will be scheduled at a later time. Donations in his memory can be sent to Lustgarten Foundation: Pancreatic Cancer Research, www.lustgarten.org.

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