John Downey

Hi Uncle Marcus - I’ll never forget your dad. He was so sweet and kind to Liz and I. He was so patient when he and I spoke French, despite having a mere year of experience or two under my belt! He was a great man and I can’t help but think of him whenever French enters my mind.

Love,
Rachel

I remember Driving John and Peter Parkman up to River Falls Wisconsin in my Blue 65 Ford Econoline Van. It must have been 1972. On the way up John Composed a Piece (an improvisational work). I’m trying to think of the title but it doesn’t come to me at this moment. we performed the piece that night at UW Riverfalls. Conrad DeJong was our host. Those were halcyon days. I miss John and his wife very much.  

All the best always,
Sigmund Snopek III

I had John as a Form and Analysis professor at UWM in the late 1990’s.  I wasn’t a big fan of music theory, but he always made it entertaining; the first class he had reassigned us all new names, usually with French undertones.  I became “Betty.”  Heh heh… I didn’t know him well, but I still feel very strongly that he was a respected and revered renaissance man.  I am completely convinced that his spirit, and that of his cherished wife Irusha continue on together in spirit and still add flavor to the lives of all they touched.

I have given much thought as to where to begin as I have had the great pleasure and honor to have not only known Professor Downey and his most wonderful and talented wife and companion Irusha for a great many years.

They have always from the day we first met held a most special place in my heart and in my life.  They were and will always remain a second family to me.  They took me into their home and there life as though I had always been a member of their family.  One can go on at great length about John’s accomplishments as a mentor, teacher, friend and one of the most influential contemporary American composers of our time.  I would like to take the time to tell you that they were what I consider would be the definitive description of true human beings.  Caring, loving, friends, and family. I met John and Irusha through their son Marcus who I consider to be one of my few dearest friends and a brother. I treasure my time with John and Irusha and cannot think of them without a warm smile and the best of memories. They live on in my thoughts and hold a special place in my heart. I was blessed to have spent many hours in their company  not only in their home but at many of John’s performances and appearances.

In fact at John’s request I was given the most special opportunity to document a number of his performances and in the early 90’s John allowed me to produce and direct a  documentary/interview piece on his life. Which aired on PBS and resides in the music libraries of some of the most prestigious college music libraries in the country.  The piece is titled:  “John Downey, an American Composer”  I suggest to all that if you haven’t had the opportunity to view this piece,please take the time to do so.  Marcus and I will soon be reviewing the many hours of footage that have never been seen before.  I look forward to this project with feelings of warmth and love for a man and his wife who to me will live on in the hearts and minds of all who’s lives he touched not only with his music, but with his sweet soul. 

I will never foget his kindness and his caring spirit.  To John and Irusha Downey, know that I loved you both with all my heart and shall never forget  the impact you have had on my life.  I wait to see you both again when it is my turn to cross that bridge that will unite us once again. With much love and respect you will be with me always.  To Marcus and Lisa Downey, thank you for being my dearest friends and thank you for sharing this most wonderful man with me.

I love you both, thank you for being in my life.

Rudy Valentino.