Roger Chase Downs Jr., 46, of Portland, died unexpectedly at Mercy Hospital on May 7. He was born July 5, 1963 in Augusta. He lived in Portland for the last 10 years. He grew up in Freeport and graduated from Freeport High School in 1981. During his high school years he worked at Down’s Food Store in Freeport. After high school he worked on numerous fishing vessels and owned and operated his lobster boat the Mattie-Pearl. He loved the ocean and loved being on it. He also worked at Bath Iron Works and for Cianbro.
Roger was an avid sports fan and loved the New England Patriots, Boston Red Sox and golf. He was happiest fishing Harvey Brook, Shin Pond or planning his next fishing trip somewhere else. Roger also loved the family gatherings on holidays and birthdays, enjoying good food and laughing with all his family. His daughter, Carly, was a special highlight in his life.
He is survived by his parents, Roger and Rochelle (Parlin) Downs Sr. of Whitefield; daughter, Carly M. Downs of Lewiston; sister, Vicki L. Legere and husband Joseph Legere; nieces, Blair and Grace Legere, all of Falmouth; brother, Daniel Downs of Saco; ex-sister-in-law, Peggy Flanagan of Whitefield; uncle, David and aunt Marilyn (Parlin) Allen of West Gardiner; maternal grandmother, Mattie Parlin of Gardiner; best friend, John McManus with whom he enjoyed many hours of chess playing; long-time high school friend, Dale Erickson; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Celebration of Roger’s life 11 a.m., Sat., May 15 at Staples Funeral Home, Brunswick Ave., Gardiner. Graveside service will follow at the Whitefield Cemetery on Rt. 218, Whitefield.
Arrangements are entrusted to Staples Funeral Home, Brunswick.
