Ralph E. Downes, 46, of Center Road, died Friday, June 1, 2018 at his home surrounded by his family.

He was born in New London, NH on September 26, 1971.  Ralph graduated from Merrimack Valley High School in 1989.

He worked for the Merrimack County Nursing Home in building maintenance and then for the Merrimack County Jail as a corrections officer.  He had been employed by Hodges Development Co. in Concord for several years and for the past 10 years had worked as Director of Building and Grounds for the Franklin School District.

A lifelong resident of Salisbury, Ralph was a member of the Salisbury Volunteer Fire, Rescue and Auxiliary Department and was also a deputy fire warden for many years. He had been an Explorers Advisor for many years.  Ralph served on the Salisbury Budget Committee for six years. Years ago he was active with the Merrimack County Oxbow 4-H and showed oxen for four years. He loved life, worked hard, played hard, and always enjoyed his bonfires. He was a huge Kansas City Chiefs Fan and liked camping and motorcycles. An animal lover, Ralph took great pleasure in showing their horses, Tiny and Shannon and liked to spend time with his donkey, Daphne, his dogs, Mayz, Ace and Cosmo and their pig, Hamlet.

Members of his family surviving include his wife and soulmate, Kelli (Conway) Downes of Salisbury, NH; his parents, Roy and Kathie (Keyser) Downes of Salisbury, NH; his daughters, Dakoda Downes of Manchester, NH and McKenzie Downes of Goffstown, NH; his son and friend, Ross Downes and Emma Little of Franklin, NH; a grandson, Jayce; his sister and her children, Karen Downes of Salibury, NH and Zachary, Jared and Amanda; a stepdaughter, Nichole and her husband, Brooks Henningsen of Winchester, NH; a stepgrandson, Harris; nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

At Ralph’s request, there will be no calling hours or public service.

Memorial contributions may be made to Salisbury Volunteer Fire Rescue Auxiliary, P.O. Box 100, Salisbury, NH 03268.

To sign an online guestbook please visit www.chadwickfuneralservice.com.