Robert Downing Robert Downing, 61, of Mackinaw City, was a well known coach for high school sports for more than 30 years, earning a spot as Coach of the Year by the Michigan High School Coaches Association, a Special Service Award, and a place in the Softball Hall of Fame. Mr. Downing died Thursday, March 18, 2010, at Hospice House in Cheboygan.

He was born in Cheboygan June 20, 1948, to Neil and Jeanette (nee Kenville) Downing.

Mr. Downing attended Mackinaw City school and was graduated from Mackinaw City High School in 1966. He was active in several sports in high school, including football, basketball, and baseball. He received All State honors his senior year in football. He went on to play football at Northern Michigan University in Marquette during his freshman year at college. He was graduated from the university in 1972 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in teaching.

He married Deborah Forreider August 19, 1972, at Church of the Straits in Mackinaw City.

Mr. Downing began teaching in the Mackinaw City school system in the fall of 1972, where he also coached football, basketball, baseball, and softball. He coached football for two years at Pellston High School. He coached high school sports for more than 30 years. In 2004, he was named Coach of the Year by the Michigan High School Coaches Association for his 387 wins as a softball coach. In 2006, he received the Special Service Award for having more than 20 years of coaching high school softball. He was inducted into the Michigan State Softball Hall of Fame in 2009 for his accomplishments in coaching.

Mr. Downing retired from teaching in 2007 after 32 years at Mackinaw City Schools. He continued to coach for another two years following his retirement. He loved sports and enjoyed the times he spent coaching and watching the young athletes progress. He also enjoyed spending time with his friends, particularly traveling to watch the state finals in basketball or going to a Detroit Tigers game.

Mr. Downing worked for many years at Arnold Line Ferry in the summer.

He is survived by his wife, Deborah, two daughters, Kellie Downing of Maywood, Nebraska, and Meghan Downing of Grand Blanc; a daughter-in-law, Liana Downing; two brothers and their families, Neil and Mary Downing and Fred and Julie Downing, and two granddaughters, Rosemary Downing and Rian Erica Esper. Also surviving are brothers-in-law and their families, Rick and Tracey Forreider, Leonard and Joan Forreider, sisters-in-law and their families, Diane and Larry Valot and Sharon Zulski; many nieces and nephews, and special friends John Malatinsky and John Martin.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Derek Downing.

Friends and family gathered Sunday, March 21, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Church of the Straits in Mackinaw City. Services were Monday, March 22, at 3 p.m. at the church with the Reverend David Wallis officiating.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Mackinaw City High School softball program.

Nordman Funeral Home in Cheboygan is assisting the family with arrangements.