Marshall F. “Buddy” Downing, Jr., 56, passed away after suffering a stroke Saturday evening, April 27, 2013 at the Valley Regional Hospital in Claremont, NH.  Buddy was being visited and comforted by family members at the time of his passing.

He was born on August 7, 1956 in Hartford, CT, the second child and first son of the late Marshall Francis Downing, Sr. and Shirley Emma (Morse) Downing.

Buddy moved to Cornish, NH with his family in 1959 and lived on Jackson Road until 1999 at which time he moved to East Wallingford, VT to live with his brother Mark Downing and family.  In early 2006 Buddy moved to Claremont, NH to live with his sister Deborah Dow and family.  Due to illness in July of 2012 Buddy moved to the Sullivan County Nursing Home.

Buddy normally loved to help family and friends with any task and if that task would involve driving a tractor or riding in a truck, preferably a red truck so much the better.  If Buddy didn’t feel like helping when asked a team of horses couldn’t change his mind.  Buddy was friendly, outgoing, helpful, loving and had a stubborn streak a mile wide. 

Some years ago Buddy was driving his tractor while pulling a small wagon full of split wood for the wood pile with his father who was watching closely, Buddy as usual was watching to make sure that everyone was watching him and proceeded to drive his tractor up the front of the house.  Buddy, tractor and house survived the attempt.

Buddy could often be found in the garage with his father helping in any way he could, after his father passed away Buddy was often in the garage with his nephew, Jason Dow building a custom VW and on at least one occasion his nephew, Greg Downing gave Buddy a driving lesson which ended with no real damage to everyone’s relief. 

Buddy enjoyed going to the fairs when one was in town.  Buddy and his niece, Nickie Dow could always be found riding the rides together.  Buddy also greatly enjoyed traveling around Vermont and New Hampshire with his niece, Jessica Downing, because whenever Jessica picked up her car keys Buddy was ready to go any place with her.

Buddy was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Richard Dow.

The family includes one brother, Mark Downing of East Wallingford, VT; two sisters, Deborah Dow and Robin Downing both of Claremont; one sister-in-law, Nancy Downing of West Rutland, VT; several nieces, nephews, great nephews and cousin.

Graveside services will be held on Sunday, May 12, 2013 at 2:00 PM in Edminster Cemetery on Edminster Road (off Route 120) in Cornish.

Flowers may be sent to Deborah Dow at 43 High Street, Claremont, NH for transport to the cemetery.  A gathering will follow the service at Deborah’s house.

Special thanks to all the staff at Sullivan County Nursing Home, Valley Regional Hospital and Stringer Funeral Home for their help and support.