Long time Little League International employee Chris Downs talks with a member of the LL staff during an evening game at Lamade Stadium, August 19, 2024.
DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

He lived a good 15 minutes away but he knew I hated driving when it snowed. It snowed a lot on this bleak January day in 1999, but we both had a sports section to produce.

Chris Downs thought about me before he thought of himself that day–and just about every day we worked together. He offered to drive through the border line blizzard and pick me up. He didn’t tell me to suck it up or complain. He then drove me home later that night. All the while, he was upbeat and positive.

It was a completely selfless act. It also was quintessential Chris Downs.

Chris was one of the best people I’ve known in my 25 years working at the Sun-Gazette; one of the best people I’ve known, period.

I was beyond saddened upon learning of his passing Tuesday, but I also know he is in a great place now. If acceptance into Heaven is based on kind acts and being a wonderful person, Chris earned an Easy Pass there.

I began working at the Sun-Gazette in late May of 1999. I had just graduated from Penn State 11 days earlier, so my head was spinning and I was perpetually nervous that I would screw up. Chris provided the calm in my storming mind.

Always encouraging, always supportive, Chris helped ease my transition into the real world. Whether it was the job, handling living on my own or even relationships I could turn to Chris for advice.

We work odd hours in sports and usually did not leave the office until well after midnight back then. Many nights Chris was listen to me vent and/or whine about a multitude of subjects in the parking lot across the street. He kept me grounded, confident and believing.

There is little doubt in my mind, that if not for Chris, I wouldn’t have made it here. He guided me through rough times and helped me grow to love this area as well as the job.

On a professional level, Chris helped me adapt the writing style I have used throughout my career. I tried something different in March of 2000 when covering St. John Neumann boys’ basketball defeating Lourdes for the District 4 Class A championship. I wanted to go beyond the stats, and highlight the team’s journey as well as try and give the readers a more personal look at the players.

After I filed the story, Chris said he really liked it. He had no idea how much that compliment impacted me and helped me grow as a writer but it marked a turning point. Everyone needs a person who can bring out their best. So early in my career when things seemed chaotic, Chris became that person and I owe so much of whatever success I have achieved to Chris and his constant guidance and support.

I’ve long said role models come in all ages and all forms. Although he was just five years older, Chris, in many ways, was a father figure for me. Viewing his work and how he lived his life, I knew that Chris was a person I wanted to emulate.

Who wouldn’t?

A loving husband, a wonderful father to two sons and a friend to everyone he met, Chris really was an ambassador for everything that is good in this world. He was a true people’s person and was a natural in his role working at Little League since 2004.

Working there, Chris’s impact could reach a global scale and, whether it was International teams or national media, I guarantee you no one will ever find anyone who has anything negative to say about Chris.

When off the clock, Chris still volunteered his time, working as an umpire and making a positive impact in a multitude of capacities throughout the local Little League scene. He was a true jack of all trades and seemingly had an endless motor, brilliantly balancing work, family and volunteerism.

All these years later, I still strive to be like Chris, but that’s pretty much impossible because he was one of a kind. And I know that I am just one of countless individuals who share similar stories, recollections and happy memories.

NFL Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott often talks about exhausting life, meaning that one must do everything he or she can to make the most of their opportunities. Chris Downs certainly exhausted life and, not only embraced his opportunities, but created so many for others who will never forget him, or the impact he made upon them.

I’ll miss you, friend, but hope to see you again someday. They say this area is small-town, but in this tight-knit community, Chris Downs stood as a giant.

–Masse may be reached at cmasse@sungazette.com