John Joseph Downes 91, of Larkspur, died at Marin General Hospital on February 7, after a long and wonderfully blessed life. Born on September 26, 1916, in San Francisco to Irish immigrant parents, Catherine (McNally) of Strokestown, County Longford, and John Joseph Downes of Kilrush, County Clare, John graduated in 1934 from St. Ignatius High School. In 1938, awarded the summa cum laude, he was chosen to give the valedictory address at the San Francisco Opera House for his University of San Francisco graduating class. John then traveled to Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he earned his Juris Doctor at Harvard University in 1941. After working as an attorney for the United States government in Washington, D.C., he enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as captain in its Department of Transportation for the duration of World War II. Returning to San Francisco, he served on the board of the Catholic Social Service Agency and worked for many years in law and banking, retiring as executive vice-president and chairman of the Trust Department of Crocker Citizens Bank. One of his greatest delights was the 20 years he spent in service to Dominican College (now Dominican University), for eight years as a board member of the Mother Mary Raymond Scholarship Fund and for the following 12 years on Dominican's Board of Trustees. He was preceded in death by his greatly loved sister, Marion Downes O'Dea; his brother-in-law, Martin T. O'Dea, Sr.; his adored nephew Marty O'Dea and his dear niece Monica O'Dea. "Uncle Shan" to many, he is survived by his niece Catherine Plocki of Larkspur; his nephew Brian O'Dea of Alamo, and their spouses Gene Plocki and Anne O'Dea. He is also survived by his greatly adored and adoring grandnieces and nephews, Jennifer Plocki Bowler (Rich) of Salisbury, Maryland, Michael Plocki (Gemma) of Larkspur, Katie Plocki Aguirre (Tomas) of Salt Lake City, Utah, Joanna Plocki of Sausalito, Suzanne Plocki Whitney (Jamie) of Ashland, Oregon, Christopher O'Dea of Alamo, and Elizabeth O'Dea Madrid (Marcus) of Concord. To his constant amazement and delight, he is also survived by several great-grandnieces and nephews, Matthew, Sarah, and Claire Bowler of Maryland, Jack and Tara Aguirre of Utah, Logan Whitney of Oregon, Caroline and David Plocki of Larkspur, and soon to arrive Baby Madrid of Concord. He is also survived by his devoted cousin Jeanne Glennon of San Francisco and a large clan on the East Coast. Family and friends are invited to celebrate of John's life. Following a 4:30 P.M. visitation at St. Patrick's Church on Wednesday, February 13, 2008, there will be a vigil at 5:30 P.M. On Thursday, February 14, at 10:30 A.M., a Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated in his honor. Arrangements under the direction of ADOBE CREEK FUNERAL HOME, 331 Lakeville St., Petaluma, CA 94952. CHEDA & LYONS - Directors 415-883-8070