C.B. Tertius Downs

C.B. Tertius “Terry” Downs, 85, of Topsfield, passed away on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. He was the devoted husband of Emily (Buckley) Downs, with whom he shared 62 years of marriage.

Born in Philadelphia on October 30, 1939, he was the son of the late Francis and E. Hope (Broome) Downs. Terry attended St. Mark’s School before graduating from Lenox School, and later pursued his studies at Haverford College.

A lifelong sailor, Terry grew up on the water with his father’s sailboat, competed on the sailing teams at Lenox and Haverford, and cherished a lifetime of sailing on his own boat. Birch Island, Maine, where he spent summers throughout his life, held a special place in his heart, and was where he shared enduring friendships and countless memories.

As a young man, Terry had a formative experience traveling to the Arctic with the National Weather Bureau at Thule Air Force Base in Greenland, an adventure he fondly recalled throughout his life.

He built a successful career as a stockbroker in Boston, where he combined sharp financial insight with a love for spirited discussion. An avid reader of The Wall Street Journal, Terry especially enjoyed conversations on politics and the markets. With Emily, he shared a subscription to the Boston Symphony Orchestra for more than 25 years, reflecting their mutual love of music. He was also a proud owner of a 1960 MGA 1600, a prized possession he maintained throughout his life.

Above all, Terry was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Matthew and his wife Christine Downs of Boxford, and Allison and her husband Michael Feldhusen of Salem; and his grandsons, Nathan and Jacob Downs.

Terry’s son, Matthew, shared the following words about his father:

He was an honest, hard-working man, who often skipped vacations.

He taught us how to use marine equipment and how to make a fire. He was the first to use a solar panel on a boat for the bilge pump.

He was a smart guy who figured things out with a lack of resources. He taught us to make things work without the correct tools or supplies.

He taught us not to panic when things and the environment are trying to get you.

He always helped his friends, financially and otherwise. He took care of his stepmother after his father’s death, until she died.

He loved sailing around Birch Island.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Trinity Episcopal Church, 124 River Rd., Topsfield, MA 01983. Arrangements are under the care of C.R. Lyons & Sons Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers.