Richard Ray Downey

Richard “Dick” Downey was born in Zanesville, Ohio, in 1929 to William and Geneva (Starrett) Downey.

Following enlistment in the Army and a two-year tour during the Korean Conflict, Dick headed west in the mid 1950’s to follow his dream of becoming a cowboy.

He worked in the construction of the Glen Canyon Dam then as a bartender at Pinnacle Peak where his love for the old West and the beautiful desert led him to put down roots and make Arizona home.

One night Dick went to a restaurant with a friend and there he encountered the most beautiful waitress he had ever seen. Bonnie turned out to be the love of his life and they were married over 40 years.

Bonnie preceded Dick in death in 2003.

Dick traded in his cowboy hat for a tie and enjoyed a long career in aerospace at Garrett Industries where he retired as Director of Transportation.

Those who knew Dick know he was the life of any room he walked into. He was generous to a fault and no one was ever a stranger to him.

Dick is survived by his daughter, Vicki Greenwell, son John Downey, grand children Jessica and Ryan Downey, great grandchildren, family in Ohio and Oregon, and a long list of people who are blessed to call him friend.

Services for Dick will be held June 14, 2023, at 11am at Green Acres Mortuary & Cemetery, 401 N. Hayden Rd, Scottsdale AZ 85257.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations are made to the ALS Foundation.