Gary Downie Sr., 76, a longtime resident of Sitka, Alaska, a Vietnam veteran, and a loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on October 24 at his daughter’s home in Lubbock, Texas, after a determined and courageous medical battle.
Gary was born in Shelton, Washington, in 1949 and moved to Sitka with his family in 1959. He graduated from Sitka High School in 1968 and began working at Alaska Lumber and Pulp Corporation.
Gary enlisted and served four years in the United States Navy, from 1968 to 1972. After graduating from the U.S. Navy's 12-week Basic Training program at Recruit Training Command, San Diego, Gary attended Signalman A School. Gary had an advanced knowledge of Morse Code, obtained while listening to his dad operating his ham radio at night (while Gary should have been sleeping), and that led him to graduate at the top of his class; he was honorably asked to teach Signalman A School until he deployed. Gary was deployed to Vietnam for a total of three years and was assigned to several commands, two of which were Beachmaster Unit ONE (BMU-1) and the USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19).
While assigned to Beachmaster Unit ONE, Gary was solely responsible for all communications between the Admiral's staff and all Special Forces Teams operating in the area, by utilizing covert Morse code messages through light signals and radio, as well as using semiphor flags.
Gary's recognition led him to be the Admiral's personal Signalman on all covert operations conducted throughout Northern Vietnam.
Signalman Third Class Petty Officer Downie, Gary was honorably discharged from the United States Navy in 1972 and received multiple service medals and awards for his exceptional communication skills that resulted in more than 100 successful covert operations that acquired significant intelligence.
Following his military service, Gary returned to Alaska Lumber and Pulp before continuing his career with the City of Sitka, where he worked as an electrician at the wastewater treatment plant until his retirement.
In 1977, Gary married the love of his life, Lyndene, in Sitka. They shared 48 years of marriage filled with love, adventure, and partnership. Together, they enjoyed camping, fishing, and, after retirement, traveling throughout the United States—first in their camper and later in their fifth-wheel—creating many cherished memories along the way.
Gary was well known in the community as a dedicated employee and an avid ham radio operator, a pastime that reflected both his curiosity and his love of staying connected with others. He also enjoyed camping, fishing, and hunting, especially when shared with friends and family.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Larry and Dorothy Downie, and his beloved cousin Margaret Greene.
Gary is survived by his wife, Lyndene Downie; his son, Jeremy Downie (partner Jessica Benjamin) of Sitka and his daughters Avery and McKinley; his daughter Jenna Downie of Lubbock, Texas, and her daughter Andrea and son Terran; and son Gary Lee Downie Jr. (partner Koali Pontual-Thorne), and their daughter Genevieve; and by his granddog, Yeager.
Gary will be remembered for his strength, resilience, and the deep love he had for his family and community.
A graveside service will be held 2 p.m. August 6 at Sitka National Cemetery, to be followed by a reception at the Elks Lodge. A celebration of his life gathering will take place 1 p.m. August 8 at 3113 Halibut Point Road. Family and friends are invited to bring a dish and share stories in his honor.
