Obituary of Pamela Yvonne Downs

Pamela Yvonne Downs, 74, of Parker, Colorado, passed away on February 15th. She was born to parents Yvonne and Dewitt McNeel, on 12/26/1946  in Vancouver, WA. She graduated from Hudson Bay High School in 1965. In high school, she was a concert violinist and had the opportunity to play for the famous Doc Severinsen. She received a full-ride music scholarship that she declined to raise a family.

Pamela met Kenneth Downs in 1964 picking beans and fruit in the state of Washington. They were married on 07/01/1965 in Vancouver, WA. Her husband, Ken, joined the Navy in 1965. Their first years were spent naval base to naval base. Together they raised 3 children: Patty, Philip, and Keith in Livermore, CA.

 

Pamela worked alongside her husband Ken as a crafter traveling the country at various artisan venues for 20 years. She enjoyed most of her spare time gardening and collecting antiques especially Quimper. She loved Kenny G, sunflowers, and the color blue.

 

Her favorite memories are when she lived on Grand Ave in Vancouver. Her brother Paul and her would play around the neighborhood with their red flyer wagon loaded up with toys and pets. When she was a young girl she traveled on the Queen Mary with her mom and brother Paul to England and spent a year going to school in London. She loved going to the beach with her family. She also loved seeing her children play soccer. 

 

Pamela is survived by Husband Ken Downs of Parker, CO, Daughter Patty Hayes of Parker, CO, Son Philip Downs of Modesto, CA, Son Keith Downs of Tracy, CA, Brother Paul McNeel of Vancouver, WA. Brother Michael McNeel of Vancouver, WA, Brother Eric McNeel of Vernal, UT,  7 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by Mother Yvonne McNeel, Father Dewitt McNeel, Sister Sandra McNeel, Sister Diane McNeel.

 

The family has entrusted Ponderosa Valley with the arrangements. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Plant A Tree or Rocky Mountain Parkinson's Foundation.

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