Donald G. Downie

BOWLING GREEN, OHIO — Donald G. Downie, 59, of Bowling Green, passed away Wednesday, June 7, 2017, after a battle with Huntington's Disease.Don was born Nov. 2, 1957, in Ashtabula, Ohio, to the late Joseph and Carolyn (Swanson) Downie. He married Paula Roth on Aug. 25, 1979, at BGSU's Prout Chapel, and she survives in Bowling Green.Also surviving are his children, Cassandra (Adam) Saunders of Franklin, Ohio, and Thomas (Katie) Downie of Bowling Green; sisters, Rebecca Bartel of Mayfield Heights, Ohio, Susan Carr of Panesville, Ohio, Diane Olekshuk of Conneaut, Ohio; brothers, Joseph Downie II of Mentor on the Lake, Ohio, and David (Jodee) Downie of Geneva, Ohio; grandchildren, Amelia and Oliver Saunders and Calvin Downie.He was preceded in death by his three sisters, Sally Condra, Barbara and Katrina Downie.Don graduated from Ashtabula High School in '76 and BGSU with a degree in information technology. He worked several years at BGSU, Intelidata, Mazada, and retired from Medical Mutual (Toledo & Cleveland). Don was an avid runner and enjoyed fishing and gardening. Don was a diehard Cleveland sports fan, especially the Cleveland Indians. Family was the most important part of Don's life; he coached his children in cross country, soccer and wrestling. He also helped them build and construct home projects.Don graciously donated his body to the University of Toledo Medical Center for medical research. A Private Memorial Service will be held.The family would like to thank family and friends, Dr. Elmer and Kristen, The Bowling Green Care Center and St. Catherine Nursing Home in Findlay for the support and care they have shown Don and his family over the years.Arrangements have been entrusted with the Deck-Hanneman Funeral Home & Crematory, Bowling Green.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be gifted in Don's memory to Huntington's Disease Society of America (Research Fund) through their website, hdsa.org.Condolences, as well as fond memories, may be sent to Don's family by visiting hannemanfh.com.