Stan Downen
Stanley, better known as “Stan” L. Downen, 77, longtime resident of Columbia Falls, passed away peacefully with family by his side on June 24, 2012, at Health Center Northwest.
He was born Aug. 10, 1934, in Westby to Archie and Persis (Mack) Downen, where he joined three sisters, Clarice, Irene and Ardythe.
Not long after he was born, he moved to Browning and during that time his one and only brother, Dick, was born. In 1936, he moved to Coram, and that‘s when his baby sister Arlene joined him. In 1941, the family moved to Columbia Falls, where he attended local schools.
Stan joined the Navy on May 21, 1952, and served in active duty during the Korean Conflict. While set out to sea on the USS Newport News CA 148, he was proudly able to go on three world cruises and tour places such as Spain, Greece, Turkey, Rome and Portugal, just to name a few. He received a national defense service medal in honor of serving his country.
After being honorably discharged and returning to the states, Stan met and married Frances Bishop in Columbia Falls. They loved to dance at the Paul Bunyan and go out for bowling nights. Together, they endured a journey of a lifetime when they adopted their three grandchildren due to the loss of their mother. His outpouring of love and support will be cherished forever.
Stan was a union structural ironworker for nearly 30 years and belonged to the Local 14. He was very proud of his time spent over in Johannesburg, South Africa, where he built several bridges. He also worked on several projects throughout the Northwest. In 1983, he joined the crew at Columbia Falls Aluminum Company and retired with them in 1998.
Throughout his life, Stan was always actively involved with the community. He served as a charter member with the North Valley Search and Rescue team and went on numerous rescues. He and his retired ironworker friends built several playgrounds throughout the Flathead Valley, including those at Marantette Park and local schools.
He was recognized for dedicating his time and skills to the community by receiving an award of appreciation. He was also active with the local VFW club. He was a huge fan and supporter of the Columbia Falls Wildcats and especially loved to watch the basketball games and eat popcorn with his good friends.
Stan had a strong passion for fishing. He was an avid perch fisherman and the ultimate ice fisher. It didn’t matter if the weather was below zero, he had fish to catch. He enjoyed fishing numerous lakes, such as Duck Lake, Hidden Lake, Lake Mary Ronan, Smith Lake and Lake Five, but his favorite was Lower Stillwater. He made all his own hooks and tied his own flies. The legacy will continue as he taught his grandkids how to fish and where the good fishing holes are.
Stan loved gardening. He was such a fanatic that most times one couldn’t spot a weed in his garden. He had a green thumb that never failed. His fruits of labor, which he enjoyed so much, will never be forgotten.
Stan was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Persis Downen; wife Frances Downen; daughter Tracy Downen; son Dennis Howard; sisters Ardythe and Irene; nephew Rich Downen; brother-in-law Dean Harrison; and several others.
He is survived by his grandson Chad Downen, of Columbia Falls; granddaughter Tamara Downen and husband Jake Savoy, of Columbia Falls; granddaughter Keesha Downen, of Kalispell; great grandchildren Rasia, Chloe and Paris, of Columbia Falls; brother Dick Downen and sister-in-law Dorothy Downen, of Columbia Falls; sister Clarice Harrison, of Whitefish; sister Arlene Rowe, of Evergreen; brother-in-law Pete Darling, of Columbia Falls; and numerous loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
The family would like to give special thanks to the staff at Expressions Memory Care and the nursing and hospital staff at Health Center Northwest for giving such compassionate and devoted care.
Memorial services will be held at the Hungry Horse Chapel, in Hungry Horse, on July 15, 2012, at 3 p.m. followed by a potluck at Stan’s residence in Columbia Falls.