MILFORD - Roland M. "Pop" Downes passed away Dec. 31, 2016. A lifelong Milford resident, Roland made his living as a painting contractor while delighting in his hobbies, namely landscape painting and decoy carving, for which he was highly regarded locally. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved wildlife, hunting, and gardening, and was a member for many years of the Greenbrier Hunting Club. A man of quiet and simple faith, Pop took great pride in his family and in his WWII service as a medic in Normandy, France. His bright spirit and calm, compassionate presence will be sorely missed. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roland and Alice (Deputy) Downes; and his siblings, Robert Downes, Donald Downes, and Betty Davidson; as well as by his beloved granddaughter, Leah Beth Downes. He is survived by his devoted wife of 68 years, Nora (Exley); along with their children, Judy Knutstad, Constance Wood, and David Downes with wife, Cora, all of Milford; three grandchildren, Thor (Lisa), Tove, and Cody (Julie); five great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Lena Downes; and many dear nieces, nephews, and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org). Services will be private. Arrangements by Berry-Short Funeral Home, Milford.