Background
Downer, William John was born on September 29, 1932 in Springfield, Illinois, United States. Son of William J. Senior and Geraldine (Foster) Downer.
Downer, William John was born on September 29, 1932 in Springfield, Illinois, United States. Son of William J. Senior and Geraldine (Foster) Downer.
Bachelor, Michigan State University, 1954; Master in Hospital Administration, University of Michigan, 1961.
Various management positions, Blodgett Memorial Medical Center, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1961-1974; president, Chief Executive Officer, Blodgett Memorial Medical Center, Grand Rapids, 1974-1984; president, chief Executive officer, Columbus Hospital, Great Falls, Montana, 1985-1995; senior consultant, Columbus Hospital, Great Falls, Montana, 1995-1996. Board directors First Interstate Bank, Great Falls.
City commissioner City of Great Falls, since 1996. Hospital division chairman United Way Kent County, Grand Rapids, 1969. Elder Westminster Presbyterian Church, GrandRapids, 1968-1985, 1st Presbyterian Church, Great Falls, since 1985.
Member commission on ministry Glacier Presbytery, since 1996, moderator, 1997. Member community advisory board Northwest Montana for Horizon Air, 1990-1997. Board directors Northern Rockies Easter Seals/Goodwill, since 1995.
Board directors Big Sky chapter American Red Cross, 1986-1992, 96-97. Lieutenant colonel Army of the United States, retired. Fellow American College Healthcare Executives (life, regent for Michigan 1978-1984, regent for Montana 1986-1989, Regent's award 1996).
Member American Hospital Association (life, member governing county section for metropolitan hospitals 1991-1994), Montana Hospital Association (board directors 1987-1990, chairman 1989), Michigan Hospital Association (board dirs.1973-1982, chairman 1980-1981, Homminga award 1982), Great Falls Chamber of Commerce (member Executive Committee 1988, chairman 1991-1992, military affairs Executive Committee since 1995, vice chairman 1998, chairman 1999), Rotary, Phi Kappa Phi, Beta Gamma Sigma.
Married Wanda M. Parson, Oct.3, 1953. Children: William E., Lawrence R.