PLEASANTON, CA, Sept. 11, 2017 -- IIABCal Past Director and IAA Santa Cruz Past President Charles Downey passed away with his family by his side Aug. 31, 2017. Mr. Downey’s insurance career spanned more than 60 years, and he had many agency and company friends throughout California. 

“Charles Downey was a giver... to his community, his profession and his family,” said Jerry O’Kane, former chief executive officer of IIABCal.  “He exemplified why independent insurance agents are so highly respected.  He will be missed by all of us.”  

Mr. Downey was born in Watsonville, CA, August 28, 1930 and lived throughout California.  He graduated from Point Loma High School, in San Diego, and attended college at the University of Southern California and San Francisco City College.   

Mr. Downey worked for Sayre & Toso/Mission Insurance prior to moving back to his hometown of Santa Cruz in 1963 to become an agent for Andersen & Andersen Insurance Agency. 

He later became a partner and the agency changed names to Downey, Cavadias & Deane, Inc. He retired as president of DCD, Inc. and continued as a part-time independent producer for Moore & Miller and ANB Insurance Services until 2012. 

He was very active in community organizations, including the Dominican Hospital Advisory Board, Rotary Club of Santa Cruz (Paul Harris Fellow), 20/30 Club, President of Santa Cruz High Band Boosters, Docent for Monterey Bay Aquarium, Boy Scouts of America (Scoutmaster for Troop 674), Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce Board, Christians in Commerce, The Elks Club, and many others.  

Mr. Downey is survived by his wife of 57 years, Beverly and his children, Jeff, Kathryn and Carol. His son, Jeff, is active in the insurance business as Director of West Region Sales for Markel Specialty Commercial. Charles’ step-mother, Irma, was a long-time employee at Elk Grove Insurance Agency. 

A “celebration of life” for Mr. Downey will be held Oct. 7, 2017 at the Santa Cruz Elks Lodge,150 Jewell St., Santa Cruz, CA.  Those interested in attending are asked to Email Jeff Downey at jdowney@markelcorp.com. 

Additional details will be available on the website for Santa Cruz Memorial Park website at http://www.scmemorial.com/obituaries/.