Michael James Downes, a resident of South Carolina (formerly New York and Florida), passed away in Myrtle Beach on July 25, 2024 at the age of 88. His compassion and humor will be missed by all who knew him.

He was born in Queens, NY to Anne Grady and John Downes. In 1956, he married Marion Popp (later divorced) and had three sons. In 1987, he married Jane Baardsen in New York before moving to Myrtle Beach in 1998.

Michael was full of knowledge, humor, and he could tell a great story. He loved golf, music, reading, and his family. He was a hard worker who had a hand in many jobs. At a young age he worked at an A&P supermarket with his future brother-in-law Jack Hanley. He later ran a forklift, drove trucks, tended bar, was a conductor for the Long Island Railroad, a payroll administrator, a window cleaning supervisor in Manhattan, and finally his favorite job was cutting the grass on a golf course in Myrtle Beach. That job gave him the ability to play on over 25 courses for free!

The last few years were not easy for him. His body broke down slowly, but with every downturn, he optimistically looked for a workaround to get past the new limitations. As bad as things got physically, he never lost his sense of humor. His mind was sharp as ever as he continued to read two books a week and do his daily Wordle and Quordle puzzles.

He will be deeply missed, but he is in a much better place. You can bet he’ll have some great stories for us when we see him again!

Michael is survived by his beloved wife, Jane Downes; his sons Michael (Daphne) Downes, Daniel (Cathleen) Downes, and James Downes; stepsons Brian (Stacey) Baardsen and Erik Baardsen; and grandsons Derik and Anthony Baardsen. He is also survived by his sisters, Sheila Buono and Brigid St Amand, and many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends. He was predeceased by his sisters Nancy Hanley and Kathleen Duffy.

Michael did not want a funeral service, but we appreciate all the love and support and encourage everyone to share their favorite memories of him on this memorial website.

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