Michael William "Bill" Downey, age 64 of Mariposa, CA, passed away suddenly September 30, 2014 while hiking in Tuolumne Meadows Yosemite National Park, a place he dearly loved. He was born December 5, 1949 in Elwood, the son of William and Margaret Downey. Bill worked at Guide Lamp in Anderson for a short time before moving west to Manhattan Beach and then Santa Cruz, CA. He was one of the founders of The Santa Cruz Art Center and later became the manager of the largest gallery in the center. Afterwards, he was co-founder of the Downey/Wheat Gallery in downtown Santa Cruz, then went on to work at Seagate Corporation in Scotts Valley for 24 years in various positions; the last being Senior Project Manager for Supply Chain Management. While at Seagate he expanded his love for travel and often extended business trips to ensure he saw parts of the world he would never have had the opportunity to experience. Bill was a 1968 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School and attended Ball State University. He belonged to the Yosemite Audubon Society, where he was a member at large on the board of directors, and participated in the nest box program. He served as a volunteer hike docent for the Sierra Foothill Conservancy. He was out almost weekly with the
Sierra Hiking Seniors, Sierra Kayakers, and the UC Mariposa County Master Gardeners, as well as a member of the Mariposa Photo Club, and the Miata Car Cruisers.

Bill had numerous passions that exemplified his zest for life. His travels were wide and varied; Paris, Portugal, Belize, South Africa, and many natural wonders of the U.S. He would put his kayak in any body of water he could find. Bill had a wonderful eye for color and composition and created a beautiful nest for himself wherever he landed. Preparing a meal was always a pleasure for him, especially when sharing with friends. He imagined himself as a gentleman farmer with orchards or olive grove, but settled for a kitchen garden that kept him in vegetables all summer long. He was fascinated with architecture and by history, especially early history of Mariposa and the Central Valley. He loved his adopted state of California, relishing the natural beauty, ocean shores and inviting climate. His family and friends will dearly miss his contagious laugh and smile that would light up any room.

Bill's family includes 4 siblings, Brenda Giselbach of Kokomo, Terry (wife Nancy) Downey of Fairmount, Karen Stover of Elwood, and Patty (husband Bob) LaShure of Anderson ; several nieces and nephews; and many dear friends from California and Indiana. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a niece Lisa (Stover) Austgen.

A memorial service celebrating Bill's life will be held at 11:30 AM on Saturday, November 1, 2014 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with Preacher Brian Giselbach, Bill's nephew, officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11:30 AM prior to the service at the funeral home. Memorial services were also held for Bill in Mariposa and Santa Cruz, California in October. In lieu of flowers, donation may be made in Bill's name to the Sierra Foothill Conservancy at www.sierrafoothill.org, or, P.O. Box 529, Prather, CA 93651 or to the Yosemite Area Audubon Society at www.yosemiteaudubon.org., or P.O. Box 943, Mariposa, CA 95338. Online condolences: www.copherfeslermay.com.