David Downs
January 10, 1940 – December 26, 2025
The family of David William Downs is deeply saddened to announce his passing in the early hours of December 26, 2025, during his favorited time of year. This followed a valiant battle with Alzheimer's Disease.
David is lovingly remembered by the love of his life, Elizabeth (Semezys) and his “girls”, Tracy Udeschini (Dan) and Jennifer Valenti (Ed). David’s pride and joy were his grandchildren, Jacob, Levi and Roman Udeschini, Sarah Scarfone (Nick) and Matthew Scarfone (Steph). David also welcomed his extended Valenti family, Miranda and Tamara (and her family) with open arms.
Remembering him with love are his sister Linda Russell (Glen pre-deceased) and many dear cousins, nieces and nephews.
David will be dearly missed by his best friends, Dr. John and Daphne Andrews and their three children, Matthew, Nicholas and Judith. The families shared countless holiday dinners and celebrations as well as family vacations together, building memories that will be cherished in our hearts forever.
David was born in Toronto, Ontario, to parents James Everette and Wilma (Cook). The family moved to North Bay when David was a young child. He attended high school at North Bay Collegiate Institute and Vocational School. David planted his roots in North Bay. Here, he would meet a beautiful young nurse at Valenti’s restaurant. They would marry and celebrate 59 years together.
He had a lengthy career in retail sales, starting at the A & B Record Bar, North Bay TV and Audio and McCubbins Menswear, where he would sell the finest in menswear, providing excellent customer service and fashion advice to gentlemen of North Bay. After the closing of McCubbin’s, David would move to Richardson’s Sports. Here he was committed to help his customers find the best in skis, boots, bindings and skates and hockey equipment, shoes, sailboards and golf equipment. This was always done with great enthusiasm, smiles and a love for his customers. Some of these customers and staff at Richardsons would become dear life-long friends and travel companions. Many could share a story of a fantastic ski trip or sailboard adventure. David would move from Richardson’s and partner with his best friend to operate Keystone Travel, and after retiring from this, he could be found at Canadian Tire. Retail was in his blood.
He had a passion for tennis, skiing and sailboarding. He loved to travel (especially to beaches) and would later acquire a taste for cruising that he shared with his dear cousin Judy and husband (and fellow songster) Harry Devries. His hobbies included building and flying model airplanes, and painting in oils, acrylics and watercolour. But perhaps his favourite pastime would be playing guitar. Many will remember him playing in several of North Bay’s restaurants, bars and clubs in his band The Gateway Three/ Trio, and Travellers. His guitar accompanied him to ski hills across North America and to countless parties and Christmas carol nights, and many school concerts.
Above all, David loved being with his family and best friends, enjoying a great meal with a glass of white wine, laughter and love.
Please celebrate David, listen to John Denver, raise a glass and tell a great story you may have about him. He would love that.
A very heartfelt thank you to Dr. Shaw and the nursing staff on D3 for making his last days as comfortable and as dignified as possible. We will be forever grateful.
Cremation has taken place. Donations to the North Bay Alzheimer Society would be greatly appreciated.
Online condolences can be made at www.hillsidefuneral.ca
