Daniel Joseph Downey passed away peacefully on October 18, 2024, at home in Grass Valley, California at the age of 85.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 26, 11 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 615 Hollow Way, Nevada City, California.

Dan was born on February 15, 1939, in Waukegan, Illinois to Daniel and Marian Downey. His dad’s service in the Navy took their family to Long Beach, California where he grew up. As a young boy, he attended Southern California Military Academy where he learned many life lessons and later went on to Long Beach Polytechnic High School. Dan and Carolyn married on January 3, 1960. They bought their first home in Garden Grove, California and moved there with daughters Jane and Sara. Beth and Erin came shortly after, completing their family and filling their home. They enjoyed trips to visit Carolyn’s parents in Grass Valley and loved the area so much that they bought property and eventually moved in 1980 and built a home. Dan started working at the age of 8 delivering newspapers to earn money for the clothes of his choice and worked the rest of his life. His handyman work that started at Carl’s Jr put his creativity to the test. He developed a height-detection system to protect both the overhang of drive-through restaurants, banks and car washes as well as customers’ vehicles. Dan’s invention and the thriving business he built will continue to grow and succeed–a lasting testament to his vision and dedication. His legacy will live on and benefit many for years to come.

As a boy and throughout his years growing up Dan enjoyed Boy Scouts, swimming, water polo and industrial arts. He was very creative and used that creativity in his work and to bless the lives of many. Dan volunteered for 36 years in the Emergency Room at Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital. He was the first male volunteer and they called him the Pink Laddie. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for 47 years. He served there in a variety of ways and especially loved working with the youth. He was a mentor to many young men as they went through the Boy Scout program and prepared to serve missions for his church.

Dan will be remembered for his cheerful smile, warm hugs, and the ginger cookies he shared at Christmastime with friends and colleagues. Throughout the years, he touched countless lives by passing out thousands of inspirational quotes printed on colorful paper, to friends and strangers alike. Known for his kind heart and infinite generosity, Dan was a friend to everyone and devoted himself to serving others. He openly shared his faith and his belief that we are all children of God. His love for our Savior, Jesus Christ, was unwavering. He knew with certainty that Heavenly Father has a unique plan for each of us.

Dan is survived by his wife of 64 years, Carolyn, daughters Jane Hair (Richard), Sara Weil (Rob), Beth Rodrigues (Tony) and Erin Strange (Samuel), 14 grandchildren and several great grandchildren, sisters Janice Hodgsen and Judy Nordlund and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his dad Daniel Joseph Downey, mom Marian Burton and stepdad Nathaniel (Mac) Burton, sister Carol Edmonson, half-brother James Downey, and half-sister Linda Manaia.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Gary Sinise Foundation for Veterans.

For those who cannot attend services here is the link to watch the service live: https://www.youtube.com/live/aDIvo1tz3hY