Gerald Downing

Gerald “Jerry” Delano Downing, 73, “went to be with our Lord Jesus Christ” on Jan. 31, 2014, in Kalispell, surrounded by his loved ones.

Jerry was born in Missoula on Dec. 5, 1941, to Kathleen and Clare Downing, the youngest of five siblings, Don, Wallace, Loretta and Betty Ann.

Jerry and his parents moved to Columbia Falls in 1954, and he was a graduate of Columbia Falls High School as the class president. He loved Shakespere plays and made many lifelong friends in school. Upon graduation from high school, Jerry worked for the Columbia Falls Aluminum Co. for several years.

He married Diana Kay Wamsley in 1960, and had five children: Jerry Ray, Leslie Ann, Scott, Jeff and later in life daughter Jandi Sorbo. He later married Jesse Ness and raised his stepdaughter Crystal Ness.

Jerry purchased the South Fork Inn in Martin City and co-founded the Bar Stool Ski Races in 1978, which celebrated its 36th annual race this weekend.

Jerry also worked for the Bonneville Power Administration as an electrical foreman III for 30 years, with many awards of recognition and achievements. He was well respected and loved by many friends with BPA. Upon his retirement in 2003, Jerry served as president of the North Valley Eagles and was a member for several years.

Jerry loved the Lord and his faith, and his precious dogs Kubi, Tequila, Sofie, Izy and Keesha. He enjoyed literature, history, poetry and trivia. He was a talented writer and our poet. He wrote many beautiful eulogies for his family and friends, and also loved sharing stories of his trips to Alaska, Mexico and Ireland.

“May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the hollow of his hand.”

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Kathleen and Clare Downing; daughter Kelly Kay Downing; brothers Miles and Don Downing; and grandson Dustin Downing.

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife Linda, whom he married in 2002, of Columbia Falls; her children Gary, Mike and Christine; granddaughter Chaletha; foster daughter Christine; grandchildren Joshua Downing, U.S. Marine Sgt. Douglas Downing, Derrick Downing and Jaden Downing; and great great granddaughter Izabella Kay.

A rosary will be held at at St. Richard’s Catholic Church on Friday, Feb. 21, 2014, at 6 p.m. A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Richard’s Catholic Church on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2014,  at 2 p.m. offociated by Deacon Floyd McCubbins. A memorial potluck will follow at the Eagles Club in Columbia Falls.