Mike Downes, 51

Mike Downes passed away unexpectedly Friday, March 29, 2013, in Kalispell, at the age of 51.

Mike was born March 3, 1962, to Donald Downes and Barbara Mengon in Walkerville.

After graduating from Butte High in 1980, he joined the Marine Corps. 

Mike’s early years were spent enjoying time with grandfather, Papo, and causing mischief with his fellow rascals in Walkerville. Papo influenced Mike tremendously in every aspect of his life, including career and family.

Later in life, Mike would rejoice in telling stories of he and his grandfather’s hunting and fishing trips. His high school years were spent in the company of his lifelong friend, Bob Davies.

Mike’s later years were spent in the pursuit of education, mentoring family and students, and spreading his extensive knowledge of industrial arts at Flathead High and Glacier High.

Mike was preceded in death by his father, Donald Downes; grandparents, Al and Gussie Schonsberg; and niece, Natallya Stephenson.

Mike is survived by his wife, Karen; their three children, James, Jordan and Nicole; his mother, Barbara Mengon; his brother and sister-in-law, Tim and Gina Downes; his sister, Lisa Downes; his uncle and aunt, Pete and Virginia Schonsberg; aunt, Roberta and Stanley Suzow; aunt, Bibber Dumezich; mother and father-in-law, Bob and Lea Anne Dumezich; and numerous loving cousins, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held for Mike in Kalispell at 4 p.m. on April 11 in the FHS auditorium. The memorial service will be held in addition to the service held in Butte, today, April 4. 

Donations in Mike’s honor can be made to The Mike Downes Youth in Need Charitable Fund, The Flathead Community Foundation, P.O. Box 1422, Kalispell, MT 59903; or the donor’s choice.