"He always stayed in his community," Chris says. "My father would be the first one at the tournament," he adds of the event that has doubled its number of golfers. "That's just how he was." It's the quality, his children say, that allows them to do what they do, and, specifically, in the last two years raise $45,000 to help find a cure for the asbestos-related illness that claimed their father. "If it wasn't for the community," Kristen says, "we couldn't do this. It means so much to us to know that people remember him."

It means thousands to the program, gratitude to its lead, Dr. David Sugarbaker, who bonded with the straight-shooting, no-nonsense Downey and, in a rare change of protocol, came to Lynn for his services in 2004. It's the kind of connection, his children say, for which their father was known, the "always there" guy whose friends are still here now.

"The police, the fire departments, his brothers and sisters, friends, family," Carolyn says. "It's so hard to include everyone, but we appreciate every one." Business supporters include Cuffe-McGinn Funeral Home, Greg Rogers, Pastore Construction, Eastern Bank, Wayne Alarm and Ferrari Landscape among others.

It's the kind of support - business to buddy - Steve Downey's family says that includes friends like Tim and Bob Ferrari, Chris Reddy, Charlie Griffin, Audre Harshman, a police chief who's "the first" to send his confirmation, a fire department that lines the links and people who still tell Steve Downey stories.

Mike Dews, a nearly seven year survivor from Milwaukee, Wis., tells his story at this year's event. Dews, told he had "90 days to live" stands testament to IMP and its importance. It's the survival story of one in "about 3,000" diagnosed yearly with the cancer that attacks the lung lining, often doesn't show symptoms for up to "20 or 30 years" and aggressively attacks from the onset. It's the story of a man who advises those with the illness to play "the cards you're dealt and develop a sense of humor," the kind of story Steve Downey would have grinned at.

It's the grin that shows up during the tournament/barbecue when slides flash on the screen. They are stills of Downey and friends, Marines, family, Downey as dad, Downey and Downey and lots of other Downeys. They are pictures of a life that remains.

They are Lt. Stevan Downey, a seven-year-old's Grampy, still there.

The Stevan E. Downey Memorial Golf Tournament is Aug. 10 at the Far Corner Golf Course in W. Boxford. For information, visit www.stevedowneygolf.com.

To donate, send checks to Kristen Robinson, 32 Gardiner St., Lynn, MA 01905 or call 781-599-4158.