it is with broken hearts that the family of the late Patrick "Jack" John Downey announces his passing from the Baie Verte Peninsula Health Centre, Baie Verte, NL on Thursday, January 19, 2023 at the age of 82 years.

Jack was born to John and Margaret Downey on August 4, 1940 in Baie Verte, NL. Jack married Jenita and together they raised three children, one girl and two boys.

Jack had a love for the outdoors, whether it was fishing, hunting, snowshoeing, or going for long walks. No one prided himself on being a hard worker more than Jack. He spent many years working in the mine and on his days off he would be seen tending to his beautiful green lawn, chopping wood for the woodstove, gardening, shovelling snow, or contributing to the housework. From mopping to vacuuming to washing dishes, there was no job that he would not do, including those we preferred he did not do such as laundry, as he was known to overuse the bleach from time to time.

Jack's pride and joy were his children and grandchildren. He was a family man whose gentle, kind, and goofy nature created the most loving home. He treated his grandchildren like they were his own children while spoiling them like the grandchildren they were. He was a top-notch babysitter who never turned down a chance to spend time with them. Jack was a devoted husband who loved his wife dearly. There was nothing he would not do for Jenita, such as chauffeuring her around town, popping over to the corner store at least three times a day, and picking up the tickets for weekly TV bingo. When he was forced to retire early and Jenita had to go to work, he held down the fort at home, and he did it well. Jack had an enormous sweet tooth, he could make a mean cheese whiz toast and tea for dunking, and he could wake the neighbours with his loud snores when he napped on the couch. He was an incredible man with a big heart who was always there to help. He has been missed for many years and it has been a long goodbye, but Jack is finally at peace with all his wonderful memories.

Left with a lifetime of beautiful memories is his wife, Jenita Downey, Baie Verte, NL; children, Brenda Downey (Dave Burton), Baie Verte, NL, Brent Downey (Renee), St. John's, NL and John Downey (Tristan), St. John's, NL; grandchildren, Jennifer (Taylor), Thomas "TJ", Stephanie (Shamus), Gabriel and Natalie; siblings, Kathleen Bouzane and Carmel Phillipps (Brent); siblings-in-law, Beatrice Downey, Roland Desjardins, Ted Antle (Pasty), Peggy Antle and Olivera Antle, as well as a large circle of nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends.

Jack is predeceased by his parents, John and Margaret Downey; siblings, Ambrose Downey (Elizabeth), Bertram Downey (Madeline), Aloysius Downey (Irene), Cyril Downey (Marjorie), Elias Downey (Mary Ann), Harold Downey, Frances Desjardins, Florence Shea (Joe), Madeline Shelley (Jack) and infant sister, Cecilia Downey; parents-in-law, Mike and Louise Antle; siblings-in-law, Larry Bouzane, Jack Antle, Violet Lewis (Greg), Irene Murray (Kevin).

"The Long Goodbye" by Ellen Miller

It's been a long time since we first felt the beginning to this end.
And today we pray before you; your family and your friends.
We've watched your thoughts get more obscure with every passing day;
As this heartless thing called Alzheimer's made them fade away.
Gradually it took the gleam from those once so loving eyes.
To befall on such a giving man...it seemed so unjustified.
Stripping you of everything, leaving nothing in its place...
Except a look of sadness left upon your face.
As long as we have searched, through all the tears we've cried...
We've tried to find the reason for this long good-bye.

Public visitation took place from Sunset Memorial Funeral Home, Baie Verte, NL on Sunday, January 22, 2023 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm, continuing on Monday, January 23, 2023 from 2-4 pm and 6-8 pm.

Rosary service took place on Sunday, January 22, 2023 at 7 pm.

Wake service took place on Monday, January 23, 2023 at 7 pm.

The Mass of Christian Burial took place from St. Pius X Roman Catholic Church, Baie Verte, NL on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at 1 pm with Father Tom Duffenais officiating. Cremation will follow. Interment will follow at a later date.

As an expression of sympathy, flowers are gratefully accepted, or donations may be made in Jack's memory to Baie Verte Peninsula Health Centre - Hospital Auxiliary "Wander Garden", P.O. Box 157, Baie Verte, NL A0K 1B0.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Sunset Memorial Funeral Home, 22 Main Street, Baie Verte, NL.