Saint Mary Catholic Community Mass Live Stream
Harry Downs, age 89, of Helena passed on in the early morning hours of January 6, 2024 at home in Helena to join his brothers and parents. He was born Henry Patrick Downs, January 1, 1935 in Great Falls to Henry E. and Caroline (Carey) Downs. Harry received his early education at St. Helena Grade School, graduating from Cathedral High School. Harry continued his education attending Carroll College receiving his BA Degree and played basketball and football from 1953-1956. Harry was inducted into the Carroll College Football Hall of Fame in 1986.
During his time at Carroll he joined the NROTC (Naval Reserves) as an Ensign, then served 3 years as a Lieutenant JG aboard the USS Floyd County. Harry met Elizabeth “Liz” Ungherini at Carroll College, where she was a student and cheer leader. Harry and Liz were married in Butte, Montana June 28, 1958.
Harry attended Georgetown University following his naval service. Harry worked for Geico Insurance in Bethesda, MD, and was transferred to San Francisco. He then became a partner of his own insurance adjusting firm where he worked for 25 years in Oakland, California.
Harry was the basketball coach of his daughters, Denise and Danette, as well as church lectern at Holy Spirit Parish and then St. Joseph’s Parish in Fremont, CA. He was a member of the chain gang at Moreau High School football games for his sons, Patrick and Tim, as well as a member of the school board in Hayward, CA. A memorable claim to fame for Harry was being in a Chevy truck commercial with his big line, “My Chevy truck is tough as nails.” One of Harry’s biggest joys was being chosen to be a Marshall at the 1987 US Open Golf Tournament at the Olympic Club in San Francisco.
Above all else, Harry loved helping family and friends. He loved golfing, fishing, piloting his boats and taking long drives in his truck-though rarely the direct route. Always the Montana boy, he built a cabin in the Sierras with his sons in CA and then helped with another in MT with his brothers. Upon retiring, he returned to Helena with Liz in 2005, lunching with his Helena Cathedral Greenies at Jorgenson’s, and playing poker with his Helena Gang were special moments he treasured. Harry was also a lectern at St. Mary’s Parish.
He and Liz were faithful Carroll College fans, rarely missing a football or basketball game. He’d phone his kids and say, “I’m in the paper AGAIN!” as they were often captured in sports photos since they usually “held court” in the front rows. Harry also LOVED eating ice cream with Liz and his grandchildren earning the license plate ringer “Grandpa and Grandma Ice Cream.”
Harry was preceded in death by his parents Harry and Caroline; brothers, Tom and John Downs; and grandma, Esther “Mammie” Cosgrove.
Harry is survived by his wife Elizabeth “Liz” Downs, of Helena; his children, Deanna Downs, Denise Downs and her husband, Larry Loo, Danette D. Mata, Patrick Downs his wife Shannon, and Tim Downs; sisters Carol Smith and Diane Murray; sisters-in-law, Barbara and Jeannie Downs; grandchildren, Maggie and Kate Downs and Piper and Parker Downs Loo, and many nieces and nephews.
For more information on the life of Harry Downs, we invite you to visit: Cur3t’s Corner with Harry Downs on YouTube.
A Vigil service will be 6:00 pm Sunday, January 14th at St. Mary Catholic Community, 1700 Missoula Avenue. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:10 pm Monday, January 15 from the church. A reception will immediately follow the Mass in the social center of the church.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the John Downs Scholarship Fund or the Carroll College Athletic Association, both in C/O Carroll College 1601 Benton Avenue Helena, Montana 59601.
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 PM
Sunday January 14, 2024
St. Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena, Montana
Funeral Mass
12:10 pm
Monday January 15, 2024
St. Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena, Montana
Reception
Immediately Following Mass
Monday January 15, 2024
Social Center of St. Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena, Montana
Service Schedule
Vigil
6:00 PM
Sunday January 14, 2024
St. Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena, Montana
Funeral Mass
12:10 pm
Monday January 15, 2024
St. Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena, Montana
Reception
Immediately Following Mass
Monday January 15, 2024
Social Center of St. Mary Catholic Community
1700 Missoula Avenue
Helena, Montana
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Diane says
Liz and family I am so sorry to learn that Harry passed away. I know the past weeks have been very hard for you both. You are in my thought and prayers. With deepest sympathy. Diane Pedersen, gift shop volunteer.
Carol Tucker Henderson says
To the Downs Family: I grew up across the street from the Downs family and some of my fondest memories are of our baseball games on Washington place, neighborhood picnics and Kick-the Can. Little did I know that at this stage in life, Harry would again be my neighbor and live 4 doors away. I enjoyed visiting with him and Liz and remembering the old neighborhood. I will miss him and his memories but know there will be many more in the future as he joins his family who has preceded him in Heaven. I pray for all the Downs family and relatives and especially Liz.
Michael Miles says
Hearing that the last of the grand threesome has passed raises all sorts of feelings, all of which are associated not only with Harry but immediately also with Tom and Johnny as well. The world was a far better place when they were among us, and now a lesser place with their absence. The Downs Boys were and will forever remain special and unique. For now: Bless Harry, Liz and family. ☘️
Jeanette M Fregulia says
Liz and Family,
You are in my prayers. Our St. Mary Catholic Community and the Carroll College family lost a truly great man. May his memory be a blessing.
Jan Gregson says
We are all so so sorry to hear of Harry’s passing. It has been wonderful getting to know him and seeing him drive up regularly the road to his cabin in Elliston …We so much appreciated his visits to our mom on the mountain….after the passing of our dad… what a bright light he always was with a wonderful twinkle in his eye…. He will surely be missed. Sending you all hugs and prayers.. The Gleason Family
Nancy Tyanich says
Elizabeth and family, I’m so sorry to hear of Harry’s passing. I didn’t know him very well. He came to my house to drop off some mail, very kind man. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours. Nancy Tyanich
John Cech says
Dear Liz and Family,
On behalf of your Carroll College family, we extend our deepest sympathies and prayers for the loss of Harry. Please know we are all lifting you up in prayers. We will miss seeing Harry at the many Carroll events he and you used to attend. Our deepest thoughts and condolences. John Cech, President of Carroll College
Di says
Oh, Liz, I am so sorry for your loss of the MISTER…. sending you all kind of good thoughts, prayers, love.
Patricia Mandeville says
Liz and family, my sincere condolences on Harry’s passing.
Mary Schroeder says
Dear Liz
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Harry. I know the memories of your life with your Mister will continue to be a comfort for you and the children. I am also disappointed I was not able to be at Harry’s funeral vigi and funeral since I am out of town. My prayers are with all of you. May God welcome Harry and comfort you and the children.
Cathy Kovich says
Liz and family my thoughts and hugs are with you. During many blood pressure checks and portal assistances, Harry sounded like a wonderful man. May all the good memories replace your sorrow as time passes.
Guy Beach says
Danette, very sorry for your loss… your father was a great man….. hope you are well …..