It is with profound sadness the family of Desmond Downton of Campbellton, NL, announce his sudden passing on Thursday, December 26th, 2019 at 66 years old. Desmond passed peacefully, in an ocean of love, surrounded by his loving family and listening to his favourite music. It is said that in the end, it is not the years in your life that count, rather the life in your years. A larger than life personality, who was a beacon of light to all who were fortunate enough to have known him, Desmond was a kind and gentle soul, with an animated and comical personality. Desmond was the youngest son of nine children born to Fred and Meta Downton. Raised in Lewisporte, as an adult he made Campbellton his home.

At the age of 15, Desmond began his devotion to a life at sea. He worked on the sea for 47 years, retiring 3 years ago. Desmond had many talents; he was a master model ship maker, he could tie just about any kind of knot in the universe, he loved to sing and play guitar, he enjoyed researching old ship plans, he was a voracious reader and a perfectionist in his painting and carpentry work. He worked hard to provide a great life for his family. He sailed to the end his way.

Desmond's pride and joy were his three daughters and eight precious grandchildren. He was also a devoted son, brother, uncle, partner and friend. Anchored to them forever, Desmond leaves to mourn his three 'girls': Colleen Budgell (Perry), Pauline Head (Jeff), Charlene Downton Brown (Glen), his eight grandchildren: Daulton, Samantha, Brooklyn, Rebecca, Chloe, Eric, Gabe and Adelia, his partner: Judy Smith, his siblings: Jerome (Cheryl), Fred Junior (Joan), Margaret (Eddy), Arnold (Veta), Madge (Gord), Trudy (Gerald), Veronica (Byron), and Cynthia, many nieces and nephews, all his crew mates on the Oceanex Sanderling, and a large circle of extended family and friends. Desmond was predeceased by his mother Meta, father Fred, infant niece, Courtney and nephew Anthony.

"We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea - whether it is to sail or to watch it - we are going back to whence we came."

Go rest easy in the most peaceful port.

The public visitation will take place from the Pentecostal Church, Campbellton, NL on Saturday, December 28, 2019 from 7-9 PM and Sunday, December 29, 2019 from 2-4 PM & 7-9 PM.

The funeral Service will take place from the The Pentecostal Church on Monday, December 30, 2019 at 2 PM. The interment will take place at the Pentecostal Church Cemetery, Campbellton, NL.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in Desmond's memory may be made to the Health Care Foundation's Peaceful Ports Project by contacting gennette.martin@healthcarefoundation.ca or (709)777-5926.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Gordon Woolfrey Funeral Home, 262 Main Street, Lewisporte, NL.