David W Downie
March 28, 1943 - October 10, 2024
Obituary
Rev. David W. Downie peacefully went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, October 10, 2024, at Centralia Providence Hospital, surrounded by family and friends. He was born on March 28, 1943, in Spokane, Washington, to James and Ruth Ofelt Downie.
David graduated from West Valley High School and Yakima Valley College, where he met the love of his life, Marilyn Dockter, whom he married in 1965. He was a forestry major at the University of Washington and was a member of the Theta Xi Fraternity. Drafted into the U.S. Army, he spent most of his service at Fort Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. After his discharge, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Seattle Pacific College. Answering God’s call to ministry, he went on to earn his Master of Divinity at Western Evangelical Seminary in Portland, Oregon.
David served as an associate pastor at Ballard Free Methodist Church for two years, pastored Anchorage Free Methodist Church for 11 years, and the Burien Free Methodist Church in Seattle for 23 years. Upon retiring in 2009, he and his family moved to Tenino, Washington.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his middle brother, Michael Downie. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 59 years, Marilyn; two sons, Kevin (Carolyn) and granddaughter Sophia of Anchorage, Alaska, and Keith of Everett, Washington; a daughter, Karen (Alex) and granddaughter Alison Vandamme of Brussels, Belgium; and a younger brother, Richard (Laurel) Downie of Portland, Oregon.
David was a loving, caring, and gentle Godly husband, father, and friend, and he will be sorely missed. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at 1 PM at Highline Christian Church in Burien, Washington.
Much love to the entire Downie family. Dave was my second cousin and I remember times together when we were young Ruth, Dave’s mother was my dad’s “favorite cousin”. Dave was a good man and he will be missed by all the family
Pastor Dave had such an impact on my life when he pastored at Ballard FMC. His ministry and friendship and example have followed me my entire life. Such great memories mixed with sadness at his passing. Well done Pastor Dave, well done!
We will miss you David. You were a special man who touched many lives. You did exactly what God called you to do, and you did it well.