Chris Downs, a longtime Little League International employee, speaks with a member of the LL staff during an evening game at Lamard Stadium, Aug. 19, 2024. Dave Kennedy/Sun Gazette
He lived about 15 minutes away but knew I hated driving when it snowed. There was a lot of snow on this dark January day in 1999, but we both had a job producing the sports section.
Chris Downs was thinking about me that day before he was thinking about himself. And almost every day we worked together. He offered to drive through a snowstorm on the border to pick me up. He didn’t tell me to absorb it or complain. Then he drove me home later that night. During that time, he was always upbeat and positive.
It was a completely selfless act. It was also typical Chris Downs.
Chris was one of the nicest people I’ve ever known during my 25 years at the Sun-Gazette. One of the best people I know, well.
I was very sad when I learned of his passing on Tuesday, but I also know that he is in a great place right now. If acceptance into heaven is based on acts of kindness and being a great human being, then Chris has earned an easy pass to heaven.
I started working at the Sun-Gazette in late May 1999. I had just graduated from Penn State 11 days earlier, and I was feeling light-headed and constantly nervous that I was going to fail. Chris brought calm to my turbulent heart.
Chris was always encouraging, always supportive, and helped me make a smooth transition into the real world. Whether it was work, living alone, or relationships, I was able to ask Chris for advice.
We worked odd hours in sports, and back then we usually didn’t leave the office until after midnight. Chris listened to me complain and complain about various topics every night in the parking lot across the street. He kept me grounded and gave me confidence and belief.
There is little doubt in my mind that I would not have gotten to this point without Chris. He guided me through some tough times and helped me fall in love with this field and work.
On a professional level, Chris has helped me adapt the writing style I have used throughout my career. I tried something different in March 2000, when I covered St. John Neumann boys basketball’s win over Lourdes for the District 4 Class A championship. I wanted to go beyond statistics and focus on the team’s journey and give readers a more personal perspective on the players.
After I posted this story, Chris told me he really liked it. He had no idea how much that compliment affected me and helped me grow as a writer, but it was a turning point. We all need people who can bring out their best. Early in my career, when things seemed to be in turmoil, Chris became that person. The success I have achieved is due to Chris and his constant guidance and support.
I’ve long said that role models come at all ages and in all forms. Although Chris was only five years older, he was like a father figure to me in many ways. After seeing his work and the way he lived his life, I knew Chris was someone I wanted to emulate.
Who wouldn’t?
A loving husband, wonderful father of two sons, and a friend to everyone he met, Chris was truly an ambassador for all that is good in this world. He was a true people person and was a natural in his role, having worked in Little League since 2004.
By working there, Chris’ impact can be global and I guarantee you won’t find anyone who has anything negative to say about Chris, whether it’s on the international team or in the national media. Masu.
Chris volunteered his time outside of office hours, worked as an umpire, and positively impacted the entire local Little League scene in a variety of capacities. He was a true jack-of-all-trades, balancing work, family, and volunteer work perfectly, and seemed to have endless athletic ability.
All these years later, I still try to be like Chris, but it’s nearly impossible because he was one of a kind. And I know that I am just one of countless individuals who share similar stories, memories, and happy memories.
NFL Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott often talks about the weariness of life. This means that one must do everything possible to make the most of the opportunity. Chris Downs certainly lived a life that was exhausting and not only embraced his opportunities, but also created so much for others who will never forget him or the impact he had on them. Ta.
My friend, I miss you and hope to see you again someday. Although the area is described as a small town, Chris Downs was a giant in this close-knit community.
–Masse can be reached at cmasse@sungazette.com.
Montoursville Mayor Steve Bagwell presents the shoe trophy to Montoursville for winning the Walk-A-Thon Battle of the Walk-A-Thon.
