Roy Charles Downes of Center Road, Salisbury, NH, Roy, 79 passed away on Friday, December 22, 2023, at his home surrounded by loved ones after several months of declining health.

He was born in Franklin on December 31, 1943, the son of Frank and Faith (Johndro) Downes.  Roy grew up in Andover during his youth attending Andover High School, then moving to Salisbury when he married in 1965.  He was a veteran of the New Hampshire National Guard.

Roy was employed by several truck companies as a truck driver until he sustained a spine injury in 1979 while cutting trees. Although his life was changed overnight by the accident he fought to rebuild and create a new beginning. Roy did not let circumstances shatter him, and with the love and support of his family and his community, he discovered many new talents.

Roy’s creativity and crafts were inspiring; he was known for many woodworking and shop crafts e.g., baskets, lawn ornaments, repairing tools etc. He would even tackle cutting and splitting the winter wood. For twenty years Roy managed to climb on his tractor to mow lawns for the town of Salisbury. He served the town as the Supervisor of the Checklist for many years, and he is a lifetime member of the Salisbury Historical Society. Roy’s kindness and social nature was enjoyed by all that had the opportunity to know him. He enjoyed being the timekeeper for horse pulls at Hopkinton fair for almost twenty years, camping in Vermont, and spending time at his little cabin in the woods. 

Roy’s surviving immediate family includes his wife of 58 years, Kathleen “Kathie” (Keyser) Downes, his daughter Karen Downes, three siblings and their spouses:  Cheryl and Bob Fiske of Loudon, Joan Young of Salisbury, and Frank and Linda Downes of Potter Place.  Roy found joy in his role as “Gramps,” leaving behind six grandchildren: Ross Downes, Dakoda Downes, Mckenzie (Downes) Mathison, Amanda Baird, Jared Baird, and Zack Ruddy. Roy was blessed with the presence of six great-grandchildren and three step great-grandchildren. Additionally, he leaves his son Ralph’s widow, Kelli Downes and step grandchildren Nicole & Brooks Henningsen and many close friends and family who will miss him dearly.

He is predeceased by his son Ralph Downes, his parents Faith and Frank Downes, Sr., and his sister Mary Minter, and his brother Randy Downes.

There are no calling hours; the family will be holding a Celebration of Life later in the Spring of 2024.  The Chadwick Funeral Home in New London has the honor of assisting the family with funeral arrangements.