Timothy Downs: 1942 – 2012

After being honored by the community six days before, Timothy Downs died peacefully at his home on Aug. 22.

Born in Detroit, Mich., on April 26, 1942, Downs graduated from Wayne State University and Wayne State Law School. He practiced law in Detroit with Craig, Farber and Downs. Soon after moving to the Washington, D.C., area in 1988, he retired from law practice but continued to work nationally on many election contests, including the 2000 recount in Florida. He was active in the Georgetown community, most recently for his efforts on safety concerning the O and P Streets Rehabilitation Project, where historic trolley tracks and streets stones have been refitted and replaced, along with street lamps and other curb work. Downs regularly checked on the project on the west side of Georgetown; work was completed in front of his house. He was almost known as an avid tennis player.

“Tim was a dedicated man who truly cared about his community,” said Jeff Jones, an advisory neighborhood commissioner for Downs’s district. “I found his conversations very engaging, and I enjoyed every minute I was able to spend with him. He will always be an inspiration to me.” Said another ANC member Ed Solomon: “I will miss my friend. Tim was a voice of reason on many issues in Georgetown. I sought his advice and valued his judgement.”

Downs leaves his wife, Barbara; his son, Justin Downs of Brooklyn, N.Y.; three sisters, Elizabeth Collins of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., Katherine Downs of Pinckney, Mich., and Sarah Downs of Orlando, Fla., as well as many devoted friends and admirers. A memorial service will be held at Dumbarton House on Sept 16; time yet to be determined.

See Georgetowner story on the Aug. 16 gathering