Remembering Bevan Downing
It is with deep sadness that we record the death on Friday , 14 January of Bevan Downing . Apart from being neighbours of Margaret and Don Erickson in our first Manse in Harris Place , Hackett , then close friends with them ever since , Bevan and wife , Anne , were then members of Holy Cross .
After serving in the Navy , Bevan joined DFAT and served in Dar-es-Salam , Jakarta , Dublin , Moscow and Beijing . It was while in Beijing that Bevan became very ill with Hepatitis which meant no more DFAT appointments . They then settled into their home in Sherbrooke Street , Ainslie and became very loyal members of All Saints ’ Anglican Church in Ainslie .
Throughout this time they were still in close touch with the Ericksons while they moved between Griffith , Turramurra and then back to Canberra . It was then since their retirements that Bevan and Anne joined Margaret and Don travelling with the St Margaret ’ s Travel Club and longer trips with Bruce and Lindy Bishop so many of our people would remember Bevan and Anne during these travels . The last wonderful holiday with us St Margaret ’ s folk was to Norfolk Island a few years ago .
Since then Bevan has suffered very poor health which he has borne so bravely throughout which he never lost his “ wicked ” sense of humour . Bevan ’ s faith and his loyalty to his church has been an example for all to Follow .
Bevan will be remembered at a private funeral service which is to be livestreamed .”
- Margaret Erickson
St Margaret ’ s News 18 February 2022