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FUNERAL HOME

Bauer Funeral Chapel - Snohomish

701 First Street

Snohomish, Washington

Ralph Davis Obituary

Ralph Davis of Snohomish, Wash. beloved husband, brother, father, uncle, and grandfather, passed away on December, 25, 2014. Ralph was born in Toronto, Ohio, on April 10, 1934, the youngest of seven children. He went to live with his older brother, Don and family at the age of 16 and graduated from Marysville High School in 1952. He then earned a bachelor's degree from Northwest Nazarene University in 1956. Soon afterwards he moved to Snohomish where he raised his sons Gary, Randy, John, and Bryan. He became a proud and cherished member of the community. Ralph had a fascination and enjoyment of history that he shared with his students in the Snohomish schools for 30 years, retiring in 1988. He taught about good government and then became a part of good government by serving on the city council for 12 years and as mayor for 6 years. He presided with grace and humor, always willing to talk and listen to all. In 1985, he was chosen to participate in the first State of Washington-Szechuan Province teacher exchange program which he helped carry on for 12 years. He also served on the board of commissioners of the Housing Authority of Snohomish County for 17 years, providing affordable housing for low-income families and seniors. Most of all, Ralph valued sharing time and laughter with family and friends. He had an amazingly warm and open heart and such a playful spirit. He was gregarious and charming with everyone and interested in the ideas and beliefs of all people. As the self-proclaimed "champion of the Snohomish Seniors," he was always ready for a game of Ping-Pong. Inspired by his wife Julie, travel became an important part of his life. Together they visited locations and people all across the globe. Just in September, they traveled with friends to Namibia in southern Africa, the experience of a lifetime. When you think of this special man, remember his philosophy of life: Love your family; be adventurous; take road trips; read a newspaper; ride a bike; remember a good joke and share it as often as possible; make new friends; keep old ones; embrace life, family and friends. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at the Snohomish United Methodist Church, 2400 Lake Avenue. Memorial donations will be gratefully accepted by the Snohomish Senior Center, Attn: Ping Pong Club, P.O. Box 1426 Snohomish, WA 98291.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Herald (Everett) on Dec. 30, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Davis

43 Entries

Ying Chen

November 8, 2023

Mr.Davis taught me English in Chengdu Shi Shi High School in Sichuan province back in 1980s. He was such a great teacher with great sense of humor. I have painted this painting as a parting gift. I am in US for many years and tried to get in touch with him.

January 17, 2015

From Xia Ling
Shi Shi Middle School

I can still clearly remember Davis, his smile, his voice as well as his appearance. He is so great a teacher and friend, kind, humorous, helpful! How come such a great friend can suddenly leave us!May he have a peaceful and happy time in heaven!

Teresa Borseth

January 8, 2015

I am so sorry to hear about your loss-- I experienced this with my mom last Christmas. Randy, thanks for sharing your story with the MSD teachers. Your dad sounds like a great person. Take care.

Ann (Jansen) Beyerlein

January 7, 2015

Ralph and my dad taught together for many years at the high school. He would let me take care of his house when would go on vacation and I always loved helping him. He was wonderful. I ran into a couple years ago at one of the 7-11's. Im so glad I got to see him again. So sad he is gone. Best wishes to his family.

larry prigg

January 5, 2015

Julie, Sorry to hear about Ralph. I will miss seeing him at Basketball games. We both loved the game and it was always fun to catch up and hear about his wonderful life. I will miss him.

Mary (Dixon) Clemmer

January 4, 2015

Sending my condolences Julie on the loss of your beloved Ralph. I will keep you in my prayers for comfort.

Sherry Weatherby

January 4, 2015

From: JiaFeng Rong
ShiShi Middle School

I am so sorry to hear the sad news! I just wouldn't believe it ! I still remember what I wrote to him " I am drowned in your blue eyes " and he laughed a lot :) The memory of him is so vivid that it seems that everything had happened yesterday! I love him and miss him !! Please send my deepest love to him and his family!!

From: Sherry Weatherby

I will miss seeing Ralph at the YMCA. He was a fun person to teach with. Always made me laugh.

January 4, 2015

I am so sorry to hear the sad news! I just wouldn't believe it ! I still remember what I wrote to him " I am drowned in your blue eyes " and he laughed a lot :) The memory of him is so vivid that it seems that everything had happened yesterday! I love him and miss him !! Please send my deepest love to him and his family!!
From JiaFeng Rong

Shelly Rollins

January 3, 2015

Today I attended a Memorial for a man that I will always remember for his Kindness, his smile, his gentle nature with animals and his endearing love for his wife.
I learned a LOT more about him today from his family, his co-workers, his peers.
But the repeating message,,,,,,and what I knew in my heart was his positive attitude and attentiveness to those he interacted with.
Our local church was literally filled to the rafters with those that were touched by his life.
Ralph was "Just" my neighbor. He, his wife, his dog just "passed" through my life, our little neighborhood, for many years. But there was always a kind word, always a smile, always a caring interaction.
When I looked around the Church,,I felt blessed to be just a SMALL part of his life, his corner of the world,,,,,,and I spied SO many others in my little town that I also know and love and care about in the congregation. Of course I'll never know in which way he touched SO many, but I DO know he interacted with that same kindness and gentleness he and his wife Julie always radiated towards me.
Yep,,,,,,,Blessed to know him and blessed to remember what life IS all about through your actions! You will ALWAYS be with us and I will always remember that SMILE and Wave, Neighbor!

June Shirey

January 3, 2015

Thinking of the whole Davis family in their loss of this wonderful man. Working with him and laughing with Julie and him for many years has added to my life. We had great times at SHS!! I know he will be catching up and laughing with Grandma Doris now!

Kirk Williams

January 3, 2015

Back in the day when I was a student or as an adult at the Lake Stevens Grange for a Friday lunch I take one look at the guy (with Julie) and I immediately want to smile...a GREAT teacher a real good man I sincerely will miss Ralph.

Kelly Outcelt

January 3, 2015

Was so sorry to hear about Mr. Davis. I loved having him as a teacher,so kind and will remember his sweet smile! God Bless his family. Kelly outcelt (Petersen ). Class of 79

Crispin Wilhelm

January 2, 2015

Ralph was a core member of the Everett Mens Book Club for many years up to the present. I enjoyed his company, and hearing about his travels to China, his cabin at Stevens Pass, and most recently, the beloved Tesla. We will all miss him.
May our lives be as full as his was.
Cris Wilhelm

Loli Moe

January 2, 2015

My deepest sympathy goes out to Julie and the Davis and Jarrett families. Ralph was an amazing teacher and friend who touched so many people in so many, positive ways throughout his lifetime. He will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered.

Brent Wanamaker

January 2, 2015

I was sorry to here of Ralph's passing. Randy and Gary, I know the pain you are going through right now and I pray for your comfort. Your dad was a great man and a kind friend to many. He taught so much to so many and lived a life full of grace. God bless your family!

Cindy Andersen (Hublou)

January 1, 2015

So very sad to learn of the loss of a wonderful man. We all have a favorite teacher we never forget...Mr. Davis was that teacher; as well as being a kind person, a community leader and a friend. He was beloved by all of us at SHS. I will always remember his smile, his quick wit, and his wonderful teachings. Always in our hearts and memories, Mr. Davis. My thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with your family.

Carol Janssen, class of '85

January 1, 2015

So very sad to hear about Mr Davis's passing. He was my favorite History teacher & made the class fun. I will always remember his warm smile & how accepting he was of all his students.
RIP Mr. Davis, you were a truly wonderful person!

marlene hedahl-maier

December 31, 2014

Thank you Mr.Davis for not only being one of my favorite teachers of all time, but being so many students favorite teacher. You truly are a gem and I will be looking for a brighter star to show up in the heavens.

Linda Lundeberg

December 31, 2014

Dear Julie and Davis family, I was so sorry to hear of Ralph's passing. He will be remembered fondly by everyone whose life he touched. May you find peace in this time of grief.

Mark Jarrett

December 31, 2014

Julie, our love and prayers are with you. Uncle Ralph was truly special. He was a role model for me, and a deep source of joy whenever we met. We will all miss him very much. Hugs and love . . .

Loretta Lasley-Knapp"1974"

December 31, 2014

R.I.P. Mr. Davis

December 31, 2014

Julie. . we were so sorry to hear about Ralph. He will be missed by so many. Our love & thoughts are with you and yours. Sam & Lee Calles

December 31, 2014

Julie and family . . we were so sorry to hear of your loss. We know Ralph will be missed by many. Our love & thoughts are with you. Sam & Lee Calles

December 31, 2014

Julie and family,
We will all miss Ralph. He is one of the few people we have met that truly found only the good in everyone.
We are truly sorry for you and your family.

Steve and Shannon Cotterill

Beverly Selmer-Bigelow

December 31, 2014

So sorry to here of Mr. Davis Passing. I had him as my history teacher, and also drivers Ed. He was a wonderful teacher. So sorry for your loss Randy.

Burt Haskins

December 31, 2014

Julie. I am so sorry for your and our loss. He was a kind and gentle person always with a kind word and a smile he will be greatly missed

Jenn Doucette

December 31, 2014

I have such wonderful memories of dear Mr. Davis. We have lost a sweet, kind, gentle member of our community. Prayers and hugs to his family.

Mary Williams

December 31, 2014

So very, very sorry to hear this news. Prayers and comfort to you, Julie and to the boys. I can only imagine that heaven has a little more glow with Ralph telling a few stories. He will most certainly be missed here on earth. Love to you.

Haven Borgias

December 30, 2014

I feel I grew up with Mr. Davis, I had him for World History, US History, and he taught me the on the road portion of driver' ed. I will always remember the aplomb he had when a cow jumped out in the middle of the road. He was an inspiration for me to become a teacher as well. My heartfelt condolences.

Haven Borgias class of '79

Kathy Wgeishofski-Nicholson

December 30, 2014

Mr.Davis was an awesome teacher-loved and respected by so many. I was in Randys class at SHS Class of 76! Also hung out with Gary. My younger brother Larry Wgeishofski and Brian Davis were best friends. Thoughts and prayers to the whole family. You'll be missed by so many but not forgotten! RIP.

Jack and Nancy Salvadalena

December 30, 2014

Peace and love to all of Ralph's family and friends as we mourn his passing and celebrate his accomplished life.
He truly earned the honor of being a " Special Man".

Lisa Jenney Carlson

December 30, 2014

Mr. Davis was my favorite teacher at SHS (class of '88). I credit him with my lifelong love of history, politics and travel. He made the globe come alive for his students. I'm sad not to be in town on Jan 3 for his memorial. I'll be en route to Argentina to climb Aconcagua for breast cancer research. Somehow I think he'd like that since he was always adventurous too. His impact reached far beyond his Snohomish community. He was the example of a good man, and a teacher I've referenced many times over the years as the best.
Rest in peace, Mr. Davis. My condolences to his whole family.

Kay Jones

December 30, 2014

Ray and my thoughts are with Julie and the boys as you have lost a very gentle, loving soul that will be truly missed. He was my best teacher ever and touched my soul in many ways. It was okay to be me, warts and all in the 6th grade. So glad to run into him at the bakery and share a laugh and good memories. May the angels be with you forever, With love, Ray and Kay (Smith) Jones

Janet Duvardo

December 30, 2014

Hugs to you, Julie! Such a loss for you, your family and Snohomish.

Mariane McLean (Morse)

December 29, 2014

So sorry to hear this. Mr Davis was one of my favourite teachers. I loved the world history class that I had him as a teacher for.

cory fisher

December 29, 2014

One of my best teachers! What a huge loss.
Very sorry for your loss Randy. My thoughts are with you...

cory fisher

December 29, 2014

One of my best teachers! What a huge loss.
Very sorry for your loss Randy. My thoughts are with you...

Debbie Thompson-Jackson

December 29, 2014

Such a wonderful teacher. I have nothing but good memories of him and what he taught in his class. Condolences to his family and friends.

Kathleen McCann

December 29, 2014

Very sad to hear about his passing. He was like a bright light for me in high school.

Lorena Tuengel/Jones

December 29, 2014

The world has lost a kind, caring & gentle man. Every memory I have of Mr. Davis is remembered with a smile - he was the best teacher I ever had. The few times I saw him after graduating, he always remembered my name, which always surprised & amazed me. Rest in peace, my prayers are with your family during this difficult time.

Volkert Volkersz

December 29, 2014

I've enjoyed knowing Ralph since almost the beginning of my life in Snohomish in 1978. He was husband of one of my colleagues, Julie, and he was mayor of the town during my brief tenure on the Snohomish Arts Commission. I enjoyed heading to the old Snohomish Bakery on a Saturday morning to find Ralph and Julie (and what seemed like half the town of Snohomish) enjoying a meal and chatting over coffee. Later in life, I rented a home behind them on Avenue A. Several times they tried to persuade me to buy the house right beside them, and I did take a few walks through the place. I will miss running into Ralph at various places around town. I regret that when I finally made it to Snohomish High School, he had already retired. Rest in peace, Mr Mayor!

Cindy Harrington

December 28, 2014

I am so sorry for the loss of a great man he was such a great teacher loved that I got to have him as a teacher. May the angles watch over u at this time.

With Julie's help we surprised Mr. Davis at our 1972 SHS Alumni Luncheon (he is sitting in front of me on the right). We had such a good time.

Lori Arndt

December 28, 2014

For Julie and the family...I was so shocked to hear this news...Mr. Davis (He laughed at me because I could not call him Ralph) was such a good man and I am so glad we got to spend some time together last fall at the Grange Luncheons and with my classmates and Julie and him...He was funny as can be and we shared many laughs. My deepest regard goes out to you at this time.If there is anything I can do please let me know.

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