Obituaries
Seger Drew Downey, 23
On Tuesday, February 19, 2008, our beloved Seger Drew Downey, 23 passed away unexpectedly at his family home. Seger, born in Ardmore, Oklahoma to parents Barbara and Clifford Downey, moved to Lititz as a child and later was a graduate of Warwick High School in the class of 2002. Seger was drawn to the fine arts and attended Emerson College in Boston where he studied creative writing and poetry. His studies extended to a memorable semester spent in Ireland where he deeply admired and grew to love Irish music, literature, and rugby. Seger was especially drawn to the beautiful landscape and loved it there almost as much as he loved Boston.
Seger portrayed a bold courage, daring to speak up for notable causes around the world and to speak against injustice as he saw it. He believed in the common man and the need to treat all people with equal dignity and compassion. Apathy was not a part of his vocabulary and he lived by this axiom every day. He was a loving and kind young man and his passions were heart felt and unwavering. We deeply mourn his passing and yet pay homage to his life, celebrating all that was good and true in Seger. He blessed our lives and for that we are profoundly grateful.
Seger is survived by his parents: Clifford and Barbara Downey of Lititz, his grandparents Herman and Naomi Downey of Ratliff City, Oklahoma, grandparents Bruce and Barbara Pratten of Lancaster, his aunt and uncle Willie and Sharon Castro of Oklahoma, Aunts Linda Harmsen of Manassas, VA and Pamela De Leon of Glasco, New York, aunt and uncle Susan and Steven Craighead Manassas, VA, his cousins, Spencer and Anya Leon, Cancun Mexico, Jaime Craighead Manassas, VA, his youngest cousin Andrew Montero, Cancun, Mexico and numerous great aunts, uncles and cousins in Oklahoma, Texas and New York.
Services will be held at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home and Chapel, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, Pa. on Sunday, February, 24, at 3:00PM. A viewing will be held at the funeral home on Sunday from 2:00-3:00 PM.
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Condolences to the Family
seger had the heart of gold. i never had a friend so big hearted and carring. we will all miss you seger.i know you are at peace now, but it still hurts to have a person with the heart that you had leave us prematurily.
WE LOVE YA SEG!
We are clients and friends of Naomi Downey here in Ardmore, Oklahoma. We have seen Seger’s pictures in her office since he was a baby, and are so saddened to hear of your loss. We will certainly have you all in our prayers daily. May you find strength in God and with your family. God’s presence be with you all. We love you Naomi!
Will, Tracy & Reece Conway
I know you don’t know us but we are from the Downey line. We met Herman and Naomi Downey at the Downey Family reunion and played music with them. They were there for us when my mother passed away a few months ago. They are very special people. We are so sorry for the loss of your son and their grandson. Our hearts and prayers are with the whole family at this time. May God bring you comfort and peace that only He can.
Lynn and Sherry Tracy
Kansas City, MO
BJ and Cliff and Family:
I was a close friend of Seger’s at the Omega Institute and continued a friendship after our meeting there. He was so well loved by the many other friends he made there and coworkers that got to know him, I know they will be deeply saddened by the news of his passing. Our hearts and prayers go out to you, your family and community.
Dean Mogelgaard
I just want you to know, even though I can’t be there in person, that you both are in our thoughts and prayers. We can’t even imagine what you both are going through right now, but with the love you have of family and friends and all the wonderful memories you have of your beautiful son, let that give you the strength you both need. You were very blessed to have such a unique and kind child. He is now safe with God.
Love, your friend Helen in NY (and her family)
Seger had that indefinable spark that made you want to be around him all the time. Smart, caring, creative, and full of enthusiastic energy. He was a kind and gentle soul who will be sadly missed by those who knew him and admired by those who never got the chance. Goodbye my friend. You are at peace.
Tobin
Elaine and I wish to extend our sympathy to you in the loss of your son, Seger Drew. Elaine and I lost our oldest son in June of 2002.
May God comfort you and your family during this devastating time of loss.
Stephen Robinson
Formerly of Madill/Ardmore, OK
Washington, MO
Cliff and Barbara, we are so saddened to hear of the untimely loss of Seger.
We want you to know that we love you so much and are praying for you.
Lee and Willa Mae Downey Carter
Hennepin, Oklahoma
Cliff & B.J.
There is no way to prepare for the loss of ones own child. We are at a loss to find words to express the sorrow we both feel for you and your family at this tragic loss. Terry was sharing memories of Seger when he was small and then he told me about some of his later accomplishments. Seger’s memories will continue to Bless your lives and the lives of others for years to come. Our heart felt sorrow, our prayers for your comfort and peace to you both are sent with our Love. May God hold you close and guide you gently.
Terry & Barbara Horn
Mustang, OK
Dear Cliff and Barb,
We want to send this message with the utmost sympathy for the loss of your dear son Seger. Your loss shocked and saddened our family. We are so sorry,Our thoughts are with you today and always.
Mark,Sue,Dan and Lori Lilly
Seger was a great guy. I was a High School Classmate of Segers and I must say that I wish I had more courage like Seger did to stand up and be active for what you believe in. He was truely unique in a way that he inspired people to do better for themselves. He will be greatly missed!!!
I haven’t seen Seger in a long time, but it’s still hard to believe he’s gone. I remember our early tennis years and how he was a great mixed doubles partner and a wonderful person to talk to. He was quiet but kind…even to my little brother who many people didn’t understand. My parents remember him too, and all the crazy hair colors he had (probably to distract other tennis players!). So I know it’s been a long time, but my family and I miss Seger. It’s comforting to know that he is at peace now and will be watching over the world and everyone closest to his heart.
~Barb Andersen
Dear BJ and Cliff,
It is with the utmost sympathy and condolence that we send this message to you and your family. There is no way to prepare for the loss of ones own child. Our heart goes out to you all, we send our love and support to you in your time of need.
John and Rene’ Hanna and family
I was a classmate of Seger’s and his untimely passing has shocked and saddened me. We were in art class together and he was the best of the best. Great all around guy. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Ethan Smith.
We are very sad to hear about the untimely death of Seger. I often heard Bobbie talk about him and what a special child he was. No life can ever be replaced. The loss of Seger is a poignant and tragic reminder of how fragile and precious life is and how important it is to hold our love ones dear and close.
Our condolences and prayers go to the Downey, Pratten families and numerous aunts and cousins.
Joan Lintault and Jaimee Uhlenbrock
My old pal Seger. I have a funny memory of how much it irritated him when people incorrectly pronounced R.E.M. I think their naivety boggled his mind.
In those same years, I was envious of Seger’s rat tail, and I would take out my frustration by teasing my cousin. I would say, "My friend’s rat tail is longer than yours!"
Seger was a dude that I only understood again after high school. We had a lot of good chats at Dosie Dough, and I really dug his positive outlook on things. He didn’t make excuses.
To my Tang Soo Do brother, Sega Genesis master, and recent inspiration. Till we meet again.
Colin Deibler
Cliff, Barbara, and Family,
We are so sad to hear that Seger passed away. We remember him very fondly from his tennis days at Hempfield Sports Complex when he played mixed doubles with our daughter, Barb. Even at that young age, he was not only a talented singles player, but a wonderful mixed doubles partner as well. We will never forget Seger’s kindness, creativity and unique spirit. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Much love,
Tom and Barbara M. Andersen
I am in Colorado on a job and just received the news about Seger this afternoon… I write this with a very heavy heart and can not find the words to express to you our sadness and deepest sympathies to you and your entire family during your time of loss. We want you to know that you are in our constant thoughts, and prayers. Please know that we are here for you if you need anything.
I hope you don’t mind, but would like to share a short poem with you that a dear friend sent to me when I lost my Mom a few years ago:
‘Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there, I do not sleep
I am a thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond’s gift of snow
I am the sunlight on ripened grain
I am the Autumn’s gentle rain
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight
I am the soft stars that shine at night
Do not stand at my grave and cry
I am not there, I did not die’
We Love You…
Ron, Cecelia, Rhonda, Kristi, Rachel, Amanda Miller South Jordan, Utah
Dear Barbara and Cliff,
I was shocked and saddened to hear of Seger’s passing. I’m sorry I was out of town for the service. Please call on me when you are ready for company, an ear, a shoulder to cry on. Wishing you strength for this difficult time, offering you support if I can help. I always loved Seger’s sensitive soul. He was one third of a very special family.
God bless you all.
Love, Carla Stull
I didn’t know Seger but I do know what it’s like to lose a child. My deepest sympathy goes out to you guys and I will continue to lift you up in prayer.
Erman Downey Jr.
Gainesville,Tx
Seger was the only person who understood all of me. the depth of my pain. the ache within my heart. the beauty and tragedy of addiction.
we didn’t have a conventional friendship. it was deep, rocky, and infinite. i felt his pain, his anguish, his sensitivity for life. we were kindred spirits in that respect. I’m profoundly saddened by his death. my heart is broken into a million pieces. a spirit and energy so bright and true is gone forever. i still can’t believe he’s gone…
seger,
there won’t be any more late night jetta rides, coffee dates, or phone calls in our future, and i’m not so sure if that’s okay by me. i can’t imagine living in a world where you don’t exist. the past few times that we had gotten together, i went "tough love" on you- i was trying in my own way, to love you without having myself hurt in the process. i’m sorry i didn’t love you harder. i’m sorry you felt alone in your pain, it’s just not fair.
I’m a better person for knowing you, seger drew. you’ve inspired me to persue my dreams and follow my heart. i’ll think about you when i drive through boston, when i hear "belief" on the radio, draw strength from you when i’m having a bad day, and always keep your passions and interests close at heart. you may have been "most likely to save the world," but let’s face it, you absolutely saved me and i’m forever grateful for you because of it.
i love you, friend. you’ll forever be safely nestled within my heart.
i know we’ll see each other in the great hereafter- i’ll bring the swedish fish.
Katie MacIntyre
We were so sorry to hear of Seger’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers and I hope you can let Jesus help fill the big hole that I know is in your hearts. I remember the cute little boy with the long tail hanging down his back that came to the family reunions with Herman and Naomi. Our granddaughters enjoyed playing with him.
Love
Hamp & Cora Downey
Ratliff City
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Betty Downey Jackson
I didn’t know Seger but I do know what it’s like to lose a child. My deepest sympathy goes out to you guys and I will continue to lift you up in prayer.
Erman Downey Jr.
Gainesville,Tx
Clifford, Barbara & Families
So sorry to hear of your loss of Seger. I had not seen him since he was a cute little boy at the family reunion at Alton’s house. Sounds like he was a fine, loving, caring and talented young man. My heart goes out to you. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
May God Bless and Comfort You.
Love Joe & Vickie Downey Mitchell
Ratliff City, Oklahoma
A Segar-ism ran trough my mind not one day before hearing the sad news. I met Seger at Omega and have fond memories of our adventures and times there. He was warm-hearted and gracious to the core – and a formidable chess opponent to boot. Being around him helped me feel more connected to the greatness and potential that surrounds all of us in every moment.
Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss.
David Turner, Raleigh, North Carolina
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Downey:
I want to extend my sympathies to both of you. My name is Patrick Donley and I worked with Seger in Campus Support at Omega. I’m very sorry to hear of his death. I had many wonderful and memorable times with him and we laughed and joked often throughout our work together. He made a deep impression on me and I always enjoyed his company. He will be deeply missed. I send you my prayers. Seger and your family will be on my mind and I wish you all the best during this difficult time.
Take care…Patrick Donley
I got to know Seger during his time at Omega, I am so sorry to hear of his passing. He was a beautiful soul who I will always remember for his glowing smile and good nature.
peace,
matt
i’m so sorry.my personal regret is that i was all "tough love" on seger the last time we talked. what i always always wanted to do was wrap him in a blanket and sing him lullabies.so so sad.
my name is adam and i run the camp that your son worked at a few year’s ago.
i loved your son and was so amazed by him. he had such a big heart and so many gifts and talents.
i knew he was struggling but somehow i always thought things would turn around for him because he was so beautiful and special.
i am very, very sorry that he is gone from this world, and i hope his spirit has found a deep peace.
adam
Im truely sorry for this tragic loss. In the three years I attended Warwick High School, Seger was a great guy, and always quick to say his opinion on a topic or hand out help if needed. My thoughts are with you as you go through this time.
Sincerly,
Dave Price
At first, I have to say that I was angry with Seger for leaving us, for leaving me, because I loved him, because I felt that I needed him to be my friend. I loved and needed how sweet and funny and irreverent he was. Seger knew what it meant to be an outsider; he knew what it meant to be picked on, to be the outcast, to be the stranger. And while others would have become recluse under such pressure, Seger became strong and firm in his convictions to defend people who had no voice. And after difficult times in his own life, Seger would find humor in his own situation, however absurd, and he would find forgiveness for people who would judge him harshly for his actions. Seger loved everyone, even those petty, small-minded people who had no idea how Seger’s sensitivity to life caused him so much grief, so much angst, so much pain. Seger was honest with himself, he was honest with his friends about his own shortcomings, and yet he always encouraged us to have confidence in who we are, to believe in our own goodness. I cannot be angry with him, because I know he would not have been angry with me. Oh, he was a beautiful person, and I will miss him, and I will be forever grateful for how good he was.
Gary Skinner
BJ and Cliff,
We are so sad to hear of the loss of your precious son. All of our thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your family. We can not even imagine how difficult a time this is for you in your lives. No parent should ever have to put their child to rest. Please know that we are all with you and love you all.
Philip and Wendy Passero and family