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.
My name is Mitch Dietz, It was my privilege to be a friend and golfing partner of David. I first met David when we were both pastors in the Pacific Northwest Conference. I recall the first time I got to know David on a personal basis is when there was a special moving of the Holy Spirit and the Lord really lit a fire in David’s heart. God began to move in new ways in his personal life and ministry. One night at the warm beach conference center I was up at the front kneeling for prayer and David came and prayed for me and we talked about God’s work in his life. I was inspired by his example. The more I got to know him it was clear he was a humble and gentle man.
A few years later I got to know David much better when he and Marilyn moved to the Centralia area after retiring from pastoral ministry. David and Marilyn attended Cooks Hill Community Church where I was pastoring.
David used his gifts to teach an adult Sunday School class. I had many comments from individuals who appreciated his insight into scripture and his way of presenting those insights. This was natural for David after his many years of pastoral ministry and scripture study. I was thankful that David was willing to use his gifts and experience to bless the church. David also led a life group. This was an opportunity for relationship building. I remember so well having a life group BBQ at David and Marilyn’s home. I was not aware of Marilyn’s special gift of hospitality. The table was set quite exquisitely with beautiful dishes. We were all so surprised and blessed by this outpouring of love.
David also served once a week at a Christian organization called Love Inc. (Love in the name of Christ) This is a ministry to the less fortunate in our community. David would speak on the phone to individuals and help them find help for their needs. I obviously wasn’t privy to these calls, but I’m sure people were blessed by his loving and gentle approach.
Where I really got to know David was on the golf course. David loved to play golf. I remember a number of times playing golf with David and Chris Morrow at the Yelm golf course. They had a special practice of stopping at the 50’s diner in Tenino where the Milk Shakes were the big draw. Of course, lots of fun conversations around the table. We also played a lot of golf at Newaukum Valley Golf Course. David was always a good sport and an encouragement. I remember one incident that David never lived Down. For those of you unfamiliar with golf. When you are teeing off as they call it. You are taking your first shot on the hole. One thing specific about the tee box is you can put your ball up on a tee. One day David teed off from the tee box and walked to his second shot. I’m not sure why, I guess David had his mind on other things. When he got to the ball for his second shot he proceeded to put his ball on a tee again. David got some razzing for that, especially by Chuck Downie who happened to be closest. I recall Chuck bringing that up several times in future rounds of golf. David was a good sport and laughed along with everyone else.
One final special memory. Maybe a decade or more ago Marilyn became very sick and was in the hospital. They finally diagnosed her with Septic Shock. In all candor I really didn’t think that Marilyn would live through this illness. She was so very, very sick. Her special friends and family gathered several times in that hospital and prayed and sang. It reminded me of the apostles singing in jail. Thanks to God for what I believe was a truly miraculous healing – Marilyn slowly got better. Today you would never know of this tragic experience by seeing Marilyn. This is where special friends and family truly do come around you for love and support. I know David was greatly blessed by the outpouring of love.
When I think of David I think of a gentle, humble servant of God. David used his life to bless others, and we can learn from his example. He is greatly missed. I bet golf in heaven is unbelievable. Save us a tee time David and one more thing, don’t tee your ball up in the fairway.
My name is Arnie Blankers. I have so many good memories of Dave. I first met him in the mid-60s in the army through our mutual good friend, Dave Woeck and we have remained friends for more than 50 years. The three of us spent three years in the US army, first in Anchorage, Alaska, and then at Fort Polk, Louisiana. I loved Dave’s competitive spirit. We enjoyed bowling, skiing and golfing during our service years, but Dave was best known for his long distance running. We were all married at that time and we spent a lot of time together as couples playing card and board games (which Dave usually won). One thing Dave never won was Street racing our VW bugs. We loved our VW’s and drove them from Anchorage on the AlCan highway, which was mostly gravel at that time, to Fort Polk, LA! After we were discharged from the service, we drove them home to Washington state, Another favorite memory is when we went on an 18-day cruise from Spain to the Caribbean. I’ll never forget to look on Dave’s face after the wind blew his favorite Australian “Crocodile Dundee” hat off, and it went sailing over the ocean waves. Most of all, I remember Dave’s love for the Lord. His actions spoke louder than his words which had a large influence on my coming to Christ. I’m sure the Lord welcomed him Home with the words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”