(Editor’s Note: This story was reported by Wendi Kromash for the Evanston Roundtable, a neighboring independent newsroom. It was shared with The Record as part of an ongoing collaborative effort.)

Guy H. Downer Sr., the former owner of Bennison’s Bakery in Evanston, died at Accolade Healthcare Center in Savoy, Illinois, on Jan. 8, just five hours before his 101st birthday. He was a longtime resident of Wilmette.

In 1967, Downer Sr. purchased Bennison’s Bakery in Evanston from the Bennison family. For the next 50 years, he worked there full-time. He officially retired in 2017; although he still came in to help from time to time.

Jory Downer, of Wilmette, his son and current owner of Bennison’s, said Downer Sr. was an expert in cake decorating and continued sharing his artistry until he was 96 years old.

Jory Downer wrote a message on Bennison’s Instagram account announcing the news.

“I lost a dear friend just five hours before his 101st birthday. He was not only a great father, grandfather, and business partner, but also the kindest man I’ve ever known. We worked side by side for 40 years, spending every day together. Throughout it all, his kindness and wisdom shaped my life in ways words can hardly express.”

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From South Bend to Evanston

Downer Sr. grew up in South Bend, Indiana, and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. His father worked in the office at Blue Ribbon Pie Factory in South Bend. After his military service ended, Downer Sr. returned to South Bend and his father helped get him a job at Fleischmann’s Yeast Company, part of Standard Brands, as a salesman. The company eventually moved Downer Sr. to Chicago. They also sent him to take a baking course at the American Institute of Baking.

One of the accounts on Downer Sr.’s route was Bennison’s Bakery, with locations in Evanston and Wilmette. The owner, John Lawrence Bennison, who went by Larry, operated three bakeries along with his brother, Albert. The other locations were: 1000 Davis St., 2922 Central St. (the current location of Curt’s Café), and 1183 Wilmette Ave. (the current location of Hotcakes).

Jory Downer said Downer Sr. and Bennison came up with a plan to add a fourth location and become partners.

But Bennison had a heart attack on Oct. 18, 1966, and died at 61 years old before the two men could finalize the deal.

Buying Bennison’s

Less than a year later, Bennison’s widow Eleanor contacted Downer Sr. and asked if he was interested in buying the bakeries. He was. The sale went through in 1967.

Downer Sr., his wife and Jory Downer lived on the South Side of Chicago for nine years. In 1976, they bought a home in Wilmette.

The Downers ended their connection with the Central Street location in 1975 and with the Wilmette location in 1997.

Downer Sr. expanded the product line, all while maintaining the high product standards and use of farm fresh ingredients practiced by Larry Bennison. Bennison’s still uses butter, real buttermilk, cream and fresh eggs.

A doting grandpa

Outside of work, Downer Sr. was a family man who loved spending time with his many grandchildren who called him Grandpa. He was a lifelong Cubs fan.

Although he was bereft by the death of his first wife, Evadine Downer, of 42 years, Downer Sr. found happiness in a long second marriage of 26 years with Phyllis Downer. She died in 2018.

More recently, Downer Sr. courted Gail Hague and regularly commuted between Wilmette and Champaign, where Gail lived.

“He drove until he was 99,” Jory Downer said. “His death is a huge loss, but luckily he was in good health until really the last six weeks. He outlived all of his former customers at the bakery. I have great memories of making gingerbread houses with him and just having him around the bakery. He sort of drifted out of his baking life, which made the adjustment easier for me.”

Downer Sr. is survived by his son Jory (Patricia) Downer; stepsons Doug Vella (Nancy), David Vella, and Greg Vella; grandchildren Guy H. (Blaine) Downer Jr., Jordana (Garrett) VanBergen and Deanne (Kevin) O’Such; step-grandchildren Kasey Vella, Ted Vella, Mark Vella and Angela Vella; great-grandchildren Jory Bowe VanBergen, Olive Leta O’Such and Emma Vella; brother of Eleanor “Zub” (the late Arthur Eugene) Marler; and fiance Gail Hague.

Memorial services were held was held Thursday, Jan. 16. Interment will take place at Fairview Cemetery in Mishawaka, Indiana. Those wishing to leave a note for the family may do so on this online tribute wall.

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