Monday, November 24, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.
Neville Downs
1936 – 2025
Neville tied his last fly and cast his last line with memories of growing up on a dairy farm in New Zealand, fishing trout laden waters and representing Waikato in crowd pleasing rugby games.
Neville tied his last fly and cast his last line with memories of growing up on a dairy farm in New Zealand, fishing trout laden waters and representing Waikato in crowd pleasing rugby games.
He began his agricultural career with Wright Stephenson N.Z. Curiosity about farming in other countries led him to Australia, the Canada West Grain Co. in Edmonton and subsequent transfer to Lethbridge in 1966 to establish United Grain Growers Proven Seed distribution centre dealing with certified seed and forage producers. Neville felt it was a privilege to walk on their land and a greater privilege to earn their open gate trust. He also served on the Ag Expo Committee for 25 years.
Neville was a conservationist, hunter and fly-fisherman. He greatly appreciated the companionship of his fishing buddies and proud of leading Team Canz to two world titles at Air New Zealand World Salt-Fly tournaments.
Always a “rugger”, and with some rugby strip donated by the Edmonton Barbarians, he revived the game in Lethbridge in 1966 and gratified to see it become a successful competitive local sport.
WE WILL MISS AND REMEMBER YOU AS LONG AS THE “NORTHERN DOWNS” GRASS WILL GROW.
Adele, Karen, David, Tami, Amanda, Brendan, Chase, Jordan, Grayson, Wren Adele, Matt
A Celebration of Neville’s life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Monday, November 24, 2025 at 11:00 A.M.
Guestbook (9)
Share a memory or send a tribute in memory of Neville.
Adele, sympathy to all, especially you as your mate has moved on. May the good memories keep you well and sustained in the days n years ahead. Sorry I missed the service, I had a mix up on my calendar. Since I broke my wrist, my brain gets confused these days. Blessing of peace and Christmas love. shelby j
My sincere condolences to Adele and the Downs family. My memory of Neville is him proudly showing me his skill at growing tomatoes. His plants were more than 2 metres high a covered in fruit. May your memories of Neville provide comfort you.
Neville was always a gentleman and a pleasure to deal with. See you on the next round.
So sorry to hear of Neville’s passing. Our family send our sincere sympathies to Adele and family. We do have great memories when the kids all played together and grew up on 24th street. Thinking of you all and keep strong. The Kinnell family
Mrs. Downs, David, Karen, & extended family, Sending my deepest condolences. Uncle Neville was my fly fishing mentor. I will always cherish our days on the lakes, Uncle Neville on the left, me on the right, casting our lines with fishermen's anticipation. He taught me to read the winds, the waves, and the hatch. The days always started with coffee and ended with ice cream. They were special times. May Uncle Neville continue to cast his line and may the warm westerlies continue to carry it. He will be deeply missed. Steven Huxley
Sorry to hear of your loss. Friends and family (and even the fish)will miss your dad.
Sending our deepest condolences. Neville was a good man and Vince says "he will miss his fishing buddy". Sending you our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. The Poch Family 💛
My deepest sympathies. Many happy memories of 14th Lethbridge scouting days.
Karen, your Dad was such a special man. May you find comfort in your special memories. Sending our sincere condolences Stacy and Grant