Obituary of Bradford Ross Downs

Bradford Ross Downs of Woodstock Valley, CT, passed unexpectedly surrounded by family. He leaves behind his wife of 28 years, Patricia A. Downs; his daughter, Cynthia Karen Downs; step-children Wendy, Tonia, and Earl; first wife Helen; his sister Peg; 10 nieces and nephews, and many friends and extended family. Brad was born in Fairfield, CT and was the son of Clara Evelyn Walker Downs and E. Wallace Downs. He moved to Woodstock, CT on his own at the age of 16 where he attended and graduated from Woodstock Academy. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1961 to 1964 earning the USMC Good Conduct Medal. He was an accomplished horseman, breeding champion Appaloosa horses and later enjoying working with his beloved Percheron horses. He held a life time interest in farming, starting as a member of Future Farmers of America and continuing his love for the outdoors through gardening and maintaining property. A master mechanic who could "fix anything", he enjoyed projects that took extra effort to repair. He and Patricia liked to travel together seeing landmarks and going on cruises. He loved his family, his horses, his garden, and being at the pastures. A graveside service will be held at Mt. Zion Cemetery, 48 Worcester Road, (Route 12), Webster, MA on Friday, June 23, 2017 at 11AM, followed by Military Honors.  www.smithandwalkerfh.com