Fay Howard Downing, 79, of Belgrade, Maine, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2026, at the Maine Veterans’ Home in Augusta, with his beloved wife of 56 years, Sally, by his side.

Howard was born on December 16, 1946, in Waterville, Maine, to Fay and Esther Downing. He grew up in Belgrade and graduated from Belgrade High School in 1965. He attended the University of Maine, where he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1969. That same year, he joined the Maine National Guard.

On December 6, 1969, Howard married Sally Cook in Fayette, Maine. Together, they built a life and family in Rome/Belgrade, sharing 56 years of marriage, countless adventures, and a lifetime of memories.

Howard spent more than 30 years working as an engineer for Central Maine Power before retiring in 2001. He took great pride in his work and in the life, he built in the community.

An avid outdoorsman, Howard loved spending time in the Maine woods. He especially enjoyed hunting deer, partridge, and moose. He made many of his favorite memories hunting in the woods with family and friends and celebrating a successful day afterward. He was often joined in his hunting adventures by special hunting partners Tracy, Phil, Wade, Dan, Troy, and George(predeceased).

In 2002, Howard and Sally set out on a once-in-a-lifetime cross-country road trip, traveling through Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, South Dakota, and Montana before continuing to Alaska. The adventure was highlighted by a memorable salmon fishing trip in Alaska, creating a special collection of memories they shared together.

Above all, Howard was devoted to his family and cherished the time they spent together, especially during his favorite holidays, Christmas and Easter. He loved spending time with his granddaughters, Julia and Molly, and was always happy to help, whether it was with math homework or building several homes alongside his son-in-law, Dan. His family will remember him for his hard work, dry sense of humor, and the many ways he was always there to help.

Howard is survived by his wife, Sally Downing of Belgrade; his daughter, Jill MacKenzie, and her husband, Dan of Belgrade; his son, Wade Downing, of Belgrade; his granddaughters, Julia Pickett and her husband, Devin, and Molly MacKenzie, all of Belgrade; his sister, Gail Rizzo, of Virginia; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fay and Esther Downing, and his brother, Myron Downing.

A public burial will be held at Belgrade Cemetery on Friday October 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Belgrade Fire and Rescue Department, 990 Augusta Road, Belgrade, ME 04917.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the staff of the Maine Veterans’ Home, particularly the staff of the Freedom Bay Delta wing in Augusta, for their kindness, compassion, and exceptional care of Howard during his time there. Their support and the dignity they showed Howard and his family during his final days will always be remembered.