Remembering John “Buddy” Downey – February 18, 1950 – July 3, 2016

Well-known dog show photographer John “Buddy” Downey passed away Sunday, July 3, 2016, in his home after a short illness. He was 66. As a professional handler in the 1980s, Buddy showed many dogs to top wins. One favorite dog was the Labrador Retriever he handled to break the Best in Show record for the breed, a record that stood for some two decades. Buddy later apprenticed with photographer Don Petrulis, and founded his own business, Downey Photography, in 1990. He and his wife, Diane, were familiar faces as “official photographers” at many dog shows throughout the midwest and south. Diane will be carrying on the family business.

Buddy is survived by his wife, Diane Larson-Downey; son Jeff Downey; daughter Kristen Parker; three grandchildren and one great-grandchild as well as two sisters. Memorial services were held at Greenlawn Funeral Home North, Springfield, MO. The family is asking that any memorial contributions made in Buddy’s name be sent to the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be made at www.greenlawnfuneralhome.com.

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Posted by chesliepickett on Jul 12 2016. Filed under Breaking News, Featured. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.