Downing SSM CD, Laurie Freestone, 78, Economy, NS – passed away peacefully at the Veteran’s Memorial Building (Camp Hill) on Sunday 3 January 2010. Laurie is survived by his sons, Stewart (Lynne) and Murray; grandchildren, Jason, Sara, Ashley, Christina and Great-Grand Daughter Aaliyah. His grandchildren will greatly miss their “Grampie”, especially his grandson Jason who currently serving his country in Afghanistan in the same tradition as his grandfather. Born in Halifax, NS, April 3rd, 1931, he was a son of the late Roy and Margaret (Dymond) Downing. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by the love of his life and reason for living, Virginia, his wife of 50 years. He was likewise predeceased by brother, Burrell Downing and sister Alicia Colpitts whom he greatly missed. Laurie joined the North Nova Scotia Highlanders in 1948 until he joined the Special Forces in 1951 as a Paratrooper to serve on the initial wave in Korea as a member of the RCR 2nd Battalion. Subsequent to his return he transferred to the Royal Canadian Electrical Mechanical Engineers (RCEME) where he served in 202 Workshop (St John) and Gagetown. Upon his retirement he drove tractor trailer for Bolands , IGA, Superior Propane and a brief stint with the Public Service at CFB Shearwater where he retired to Economy NS in 1982. Both he and his wife Virginia quickly became solid contributors to the community participating in the greater Economy community such as the Great Village Legion Branch 72, Economy Fire Brigade and Economy Clam Festival to name but a few. While Laurie was happiest when showcasing his grandchildren he loved having a fishing rod in his hand, four-wheeling or trudging through the woods during hunting season. The family of Laurie Downing wishes to convey their most sincere thanks for the loving care our father has received by the staff of 4 Westwood at the Veterans’ Memorial (Camp Hill). Your efforts are greatly appreciated.
Cremation has taken place. Visitation will be from 6 to 7 pm today, January 5, and where the Royal Canadian Legion, Cobequid Branch No. 72, Great Village, will conduct a Legion Tribute Service at 7pm and where a memorial service will be held immediately after all in the Mattatall ~ Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street Truro, Rev. Florence Antle-Brison officiating, with a reception to follow in the funeral home. Spring interment will take place in the Economy Cemetery, Economy. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory may be made to the Great Village Legion branch #72 or to a charity of choice. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting the “guest book” at: www.mattatallfh.com