Timothy John Downey passed peacefully on the early morning of December 26, 2021 lovingly surrounded by the comforts of home, family and friends. Tim was born on June 9, 1946 in Butte, Montana to John and Ann (Rotar) Downey.  The middle of three children, he joined sister Helen and later welcomed little brother Jim.

Tim grew up on Evans Street and was educated at St. John's Catholic Grade School and Boy's Central Catholic High School.  He attended Montana State University with an interest in veterinary medicine, graduating with a degree in animal husbandry.  While at MSU he was on the Rodeo team, where he made many life-long friends.  Following graduation he worked as an oiler in the Butte mines for one year.  He then attended the University of Montana earning a degree in Pharmacy, graduating in 1974 with his brother Jim.

While attending the U of M Tim competed on the rodeo team.  He earned the notable distinction of lettering in rodeo at both of the Montana universities and competed in the College National Finals Rodeo (CNFR).  It was at the U of M rodeo club, where he met Nancy Fillmore.  After graduation from the university the two were married in 1974 and lived in Butte.  They had two children, Mitzi and Tucker.  Tim and Nancy were later amicably divorced.

Tim worked along-side his parents and brother running the family business, Downey Drug.  He practiced pharmacy and developed a substantial veterinary department where he serviced many ranchers.  Downey Drug was a Butte establishment for 57 years.  After the family sold the business Tim worked for Horizon Pharmacy, then Safeway Pharmacy.  He happily retired at the age of 65 and enjoyed traveling, attending rodeos, horse sales, and futurity events.  He also took pleasure in cooking for many family and friends, and surprising many of us with his dishes.

His pride and joy were his two children.  He beamed when he spoke of his daughter Mitzi and her many successes.  He was particularly proud, and rightfully so, of her many professional accomplishments in the oil and gas industry.  He had many fond memories of time spent with his son Tucker and particularly enjoyed following his athletic successes in both wrestling and football.  Tim was loved among the Butte Wrestling Club where he was dubbed the "Party Coach".

A life-long cowboy, Tim was a lover of horses, a talented roper and horse trainer; it was through these activities that he widened his large circle of friends.  He loved his friends dearly and had many.  He idolized famed cowboy, and close friend, Ray Hunt and hosted several of Ray's clinics at his home in Butte.  Tim respected horses and they respected him.  It is Ray Hunt that Tim gave credit to, for teaching him this valued skill.

Tim was hard working, stubborn, and a straight shooter.  All who knew Tim expected to hear a story or joke while in his presence.  He never disappointed.  Above all, Tim had a big heart and showed his love through his generosity.  As someone who would never ask for help, he always went above and beyond to help others.  He took much pleasure in seeing others succeed.

Don't Sell Your Saddle

Don't give up on dreams.

Take time to see 'em through.

There are no easy trails.

Hard work makes dreams come true.

You'll make it through tough times.

Friends will stick like glue.

Don't ever sell your saddle,

Dreams won't give up on you.

Tim was proceeded in death by his father John Downey, his mother Ann Downey, his son Tucker Downey and infant brother, Jim's twin.

He is survived in death by his daughter Mitzi Downey, former spouse Nancy Downey, both of Houston, Texas, sister and brother-in-law Helen and Wayne Boedecker, of Anchorage, Alaska, brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Janet Downey of Butte, Montana, nephew Brad Boedecker (Michelle), niece Janet Maier (Arnie), nephews Alex Downey and Bryan (Emily) Downey, great niece Mallory Boedecker, and great nephew, Hunter Maier.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 04, 2022,after 10:00 am in St. Ann's Catholic Church in Butte, Montana.  Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am.  A reception will follow the Mass in the king Ballroom at the Clarion/Copper King Hotel.

Memorials in Tim's honor may be made to the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund, the Working Ranch Cowboy's Association (WRCA), or the Butte Wresting Club (Silver Bow Amateur Association, PO Box 3391, Butte, MT 59702).