Robert Woodling Downing

September 18, 1913 - August 02, 2010

Robert Woodling Downing Obituary Robert W. Downing, Bob, Dad, Grampy, died August 2, 2010, from complications following surgery. He lived 96 years, a long and fruitful life, having devoted himself to his family, his work, his church and his community. He is survived by his three children, Nancy, Robert and Susan, their spouses, five grandchildren and spouses, and five great-grandchildren. Spokane family includes Richard and Susan Matthews and sons and Virginia Harger. Born in Sewickley, PA, Bob graduated from Mercersburg Academy and Yale University. He married Mary Matthews in 1935 and moved West, joining the Great Northern Railway as Roadmaster in Whitefish, MT, in 1938. His memorable career as a "railroad man" flourished from this time onward. At retirement in 1976, Bob was the Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer of the Burlington Northern Railway. His many contributions to the industry and national railroad transportation include designing and implementing the merger of the Great Northern, Northern Pacific, Burlington and the SP&S railways, working to expand the railroad to develop the Wyoming coal fields and facilitating Spokane Expo'74 by negotiating a new rail system for the city. Retiring in 1976, Bob and Mary moved to Spokane. His retirement was filled with great service: to Mary in her illness, to the Episcopal Diocese of Spokane and St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, to Rockwood Retirement Community, to the Lilac Society for the Blind, the Alzheimer's Association , the Great Northern Historical Society and the Northwest Museum of American Arts and Culture. Bob is remembered for his modest good nature, his fine mind, and his willingness to give financial expertise, but especially for his friendship. As father, grandfather, uncle, mentor, advisor, friend, Bob will be treasured in grateful memories. A Memorial Service will be held August 23, 2010, at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, at 10:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Stephen's, the Rockwood Residents' Foundation, the Northwest Museum of American Arts and Culture or a charity of your choice.