Michael Edward Downing

Michael Edward Downing November 1, 1957 - March 11, 2019 Michael E. Downing, 61, passed away at Central Washington Hospital on Monday, March 11, 2019, following a brief battle with cancer. He grew up in East Wenatchee, WA, until his family moved to Olympia, WA, in the summer of 1975. It was there that he graduated from Olympia High School the following year. After graduation, Mike moved back to Wenatchee, WA, and graduated from Wenatchee Valley College with an Associate's Degree in Agriculture. He attended Central Washington University and was also a graduate of SST Travel School. Mike had numerous jobs throughout his life, most of them in the food, travel, and hospitality industry. Most recently, he worked at various Seattle sport complexes as a suite attendant. He loved the social aspect of these jobs and took great pride in his work. At one point, Mike decided he wanted to try a role as a caregiver and work with individuals with developmental disabilities at Mission Vista. He really enjoyed this job. One of the highlights of working there was a trip he coordinated for a group to go to Cancun, Mexico, which ended up being a great success. Mike also became a volunteer for Chelan-Douglas CASA Program, being a voice for children in the foster care system. He always enjoyed the fundraising that went along with this program. Mike loved animals. During his younger years, Mike had sheep and rabbits that he entered in the fair. He also had dogs, cats, birds, and fish that were all part of his family throughout the years. Mike endured many health issues throughout his life, but always persevered through the tough times. He was always determined to live his life to the fullest. Mike was always ready for a vacation. He loved to travel and see new things. He was especially fond of the beach. He enjoyed company and it didn't matter if was someone he knew or somebody new, he treated them all like friends. Mike was known for his opening line whenever he would call to chat. He would always start each conversation with his loud enthusiastic "Hey, what's going on?". We will miss seeing his number or text pop up on our phone. His absence has left a piece of our heart with an empty space. Mike leaves behind his sister, Debbie Downing of Scottsdale, AZ; brother, Scott Patterson (Alma) of East Wenatchee, WA; aunt, which he was especially close to, Helen Hawkes (Richard) of Blackfoot, ID; two cats Yuri and Yoshi; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Joan Patterson of East Wenatchee, WA; and father, Terry Downing of Meridian, ID, who passed away five weeks after Mike on April 15, 2019. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, June 9, 2019, at 2 p.m., at the American Legion, 208 N. Wenatchee Ave., Wenatchee, WA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Chelan-Douglas County CASA Program, 431 Douglas St., Wenatchee, WA, 98801.