Former Carson Valley engineer Robert G. Downer, 72, died at his home in Boise, Idaho, on Aug. 31, 2009, after a fight against acute myeloid leukemia.
Born July 6, 1937, to Robert C. and Alice G. Downer he grew up in Reno.
In 1961 he graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno, with a degree in civil engineering. He was employed by Bechtel Engineers in Sacramento and from 1963 to 1986 operated Downer Engineering with his father in Carson Valley.
He was a registered civil engineer and land surveyor in four states, Idaho, California, Nevada and Oregon. On July 13, 1968, he married Marilee Koskie in Boise. They had two children.
In 1987, he went to work at Mountain Home Air Force Base and was employed there for 22 years as an engineer up to the time of his death.
He was a member of Trinity Evangelical Church, Idaho Speakers Toastmaster Club, Military Engineers Society, and Melody Makers band (saxophone). He enjoyed music, boating, skiing, fishing, and camping. Always a friendly person, he was interested in other people and hearing what they had to say.
He is survived by his wife of 41 years Marilee; daughter Julie of Boise and son Steven (Jenny) of Fairbanks, Alaska; sister Kay Sanders (Neil) of Reno; brother Craig of Carson City and several nephews, nieces and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; Robert C. in 2000 and Alice G. in 2008.
Condolences for the family may be submitted online at CloverdaleFuneralHome.com.
