The Last Post on Stephen’s Substack From His Loving Family.

Stephen Michael Downing October 28, 1938 — November 20, 2025

Stephen Downing, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, mentor, friend, and champion of justice, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2025.  Born October 28, 1938, in Hanford, California, he was married to Adrienne, the love of his life, for 67 years.

A devoted family man, Stephen placed family first throughout his life. He is survived by his wife, Adrienne, his children, Michael, Tambree, and Julie; his son-in-law, Hank and daughter-in-love, Michele; six grandchildren; Megan, Morgan, Mallory, Henry, Tess, and Molly, his three grandson-in-law’s Steve, Hunter, and Taylor; and six great grandchildren; Hudson, Reagan, Walker, Charlotte, Rhodes, and Hallie Mae.  He loved his community, especially, the LaVerne family, who he cherished the afternoon/evening patio gatherings, their love for each other and the deep sense of community. All who he touched will carry forward his warmth, wisdom, and fierce loyalty. He was a cherished father, grandfather and great grandfather, whose presence and support shaped generations.

One of his favorite family memories was when all his children and their spouses met in Greece.  The family sailed the Aegean Sea on a 100’Schooner “The Irene”, stayed in a beautiful Villa atop the hills of Syros, rode scooters across the island, beach bar hopping all day, and drinking Ouzo on the beaches of Mykonos.  It was a treasured memory as were the dinners, holidays, and birthday celebrations with his family.

Stephen had a storied and impactful career in law enforcement and in television. After more than two decades with the Los Angeles Police Department, where he rose to the rank of Chief Officer, he helped shape investigative and training practices.  Throughout his law enforcement career, dating back to 1965, he brought his deep knowledge of policing to the screen. As a screenwriter, producer and showrunner, he worked on many acclaimed series and made for television movies; MacGyver, T.J. Hooker, Emergency, Kojak, Quincy, Knight Rider, F/X the TV Series, Police Story, Police Woman, RoboCop The TV Series, Dragnet, Adam-12, and Walking Tall. He served as executive producer and showrunner for MacGyver and his bride, Adrienne, was his number one publicist and coordinated the Make-A-Wish Foundation into MacGyver. He wrote over 500 hours of television.  His insistence on integrity, human life as a guiding principle, and responsible depictions of law enforcement left a lasting mark on both institutions.

A passionate activist and investigative journalist, Stephen was an outspoken critic of the war on drugs and the militarization of policing. He was a proud board member and then advocate for Law Enforcement Action Partnership (LEAP).  He used his voice, writing and public speaking to protect the vulnerable, mentor younger officers and content creators, and to advocate for reform and accountability. His investigative work in Long Beach and his public essays reached and influenced people across the country and around the world.

Stephen’s life was defined by service—service to family, community, colleagues and audiences. He combined courage and compassion, a fierce sense of justice with a gentle devotion to those he loved. He will be remembered for his integrity, mentorship, sense of humor, and unwavering commitment to doing what was right.

Stephen left a multi-faceted legacy that touched his family, his profession, and the broader public. Those closest to him remember a man who lived his commitments: loyalty, compassion, and family.

He passed on more than affection. Through example and mentorship, he instilled in his children, grandchildren, colleagues, and the many people he guided a set of core values: integrity, courage, service, and a determined commitment to protect the vulnerable. Those who trained with him or worked under his wing recall not only practical lessons but a moral standard that shaped their choices long after.

Throughout his life he combined professional accomplishment with civic courage. He used his reputation and talents not for preservation of the status quo but to protect others, mentor new generations, and push for systemic change. That combination; steadfast devotion to family, unwavering personal ethics, practical reform, and cultural influence, defines the legacy Stephen Downing leaves behind.

Together these contributions leave a legacy of service, conscience, and concrete reforms that continue to guide his family, colleagues, and community.  In his final days the family told him he was The Patriarch, The Guru, The Main Man; and he replied as he often would with a smile on his face, “The Original Seed.”

There will be an intimate family celebration of life.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to organizations that support criminal justice reform or programs that aid vulnerable youth.

He will be deeply missed and forever loved.