Obituaries

Today is a difficult day. I have been given a special gift by being chosen to lay a son, Uncle, nephew, brother, friend and father to eternal rest. Lucas, I worked with you for many years and my fondest memory is of our work trip to Toronto for SAP training. We flew together and you sat behind me. I kept pestering you to borrow your headphones so I could listen to music. You finally gave in and decided to offer me one earbud so we could both enjoy the music. The look from the other passengers was classic when they saw two grown men sharing earbuds on a plane. We arrived in Toronto and checked into our hotel rooms. Our rooms were side-by-side. I remember hearing a knock on my door and I answered "Who is it?" I heard, "You wanna order some food?" I was, like, "Lucas, it's 3AM!" You wouldn't give up. You said, "Come on, I let you use my earbuds on the plane." Ha ha! And, of course, I gave in. The food arrived and we ate 30 wings with fries. No wonder we fell asleep at SAP training! Ha ha! Another classic memory is, since I love to entertain at home, I would often have friends over for a fire in the backyard. I would say at work, "Hey Lukie, I am having people over for drinks and a fire." You would just say, "aight", always leaving me confused as to whether you we coming or just acknowledging the invitation. Always and always, we would be sitting in the backyard enjoying the evening when suddenly we would see a big object scaling my fence and my friends would say, "Hey, there's someone climbing your fence. ". I would casually, with a smile say, "Oh, that's my buddy. ". You never entered my house through the front door, always hopping over my fence. Classic Lucas Downey style. Rest easy my dear friend. Love always.

To Maryann and extended family, please know that you have been in my thoughts and prayers. May you find comfort now that Lucas is able to complete his journey home. God Bless you all. xoxo