Robert Michael "Mike" Downing

Robert Michael "Mike" Downing passed away on Sat., May 17. He was born on May 12, 1946 in Hammond, Indiana to Robert and Eris Downing.

The family moved to California where he spent his youth in Burbank and in North Shore on the Salton Sea. His early adult years were spent in and around Indio, Calif. and he spent the last 25 years as a resident of Fallbrook.

He worked most of this life as a meat cutter in various grocery stores including A&D Market in Coachella and Major Market in Fallbrook, from which he retired at 65.

He was the father of three, a proud Marine, and a Vietnam veteran.

In his youth, Mike loved to water ski and spent summer vacations with his family at the Colorado River. He was also an avid fisherman spending his time chasing dorado and tuna in Mulegé in Baja California, Mexico. He loved wingshooting and shotgun sports.

He was a former vice president of the Temecula Valley Gun Club, a member of the National Rifle Association, and a member of the GTO Association of America.

Mike passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Saturday May 17, 2014 from complications of cancer.

He is survived by his three children, Troy, Robert, and Amanda; two sisters, a brother, and two step-sisters; and nine grandchildren.

A private memorial is scheduled on Saturday, May 31. Please contact the family for information.