Tacoma, Washington
Robert "Bob" Davidson Robert Alfred Davidson, 89, of Puyallup was born on December 20, 1918 to Alfred and Edith Davidson. Bob was raised by his grandparents in Black Diamond, Washington. He died on June 7, 2008. He married Ethel Mae Whitaker after Ethel's mother introduced the couple. She invited Bob to the family's home one Sunday afternoon for lemon meringue pie. It remained his favorite pie throughout his life. Bob served with the U.S. Marines during World War II. He participated in the battles for the islands of Saipan and Okinawa. He also was with the first Marine unit to march into Tokyo, Japan. He enjoyed telling stories of his adventures and experiences. After returning home, Bob and Ethel opened the Hoot Owl Cafe and then the Blue Note Tavern in Tacoma. They have many fond memories of the long-time customers and employees. The couple later opened the Spout On' Toad, Friendly Duck, and Silver Unicorn restaurants. He was mentioned many times in local newspapers because of his generosity. He loved to travel. His most precious memories were riding the Trans-Siberian Railroad across Russia and seeing the visionaries in Medjugorje, site of the Marian apparitions. He also loved a great conversation. Bob was well-known for his stories about growing up in a coal-mining town, running his restaurants, camping, and hunting. He was great at making friends and being a good friend. Although he did not spend much time gardening, he loved to cut roses in the backyard to bring to his wife. Bob is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 67 years, Ethel; his three sons: Robert M. (LeeAnn) Davidson, William (Beth) Davidson, and Douglas (Kathy) Davidson. He also is survived by a foster son, Bob "B.G." (Bev) Green. His grandchildren include Eden (John) Kramer, Teresa (Paul) Josten, Kim (Cliff) Knight, Monica (Carl) Ott, William (Rhonda) Davidson, Camille (Bob) Shelton, Kara Davidson, Amy (Chuck) Drapeau, Robert (Melissa) Davidson and Jeff (Melissa) Rundlett. Bob enjoyed visiting with his grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, who included Brenden, Zack, Tyler, Keeley, Baylor, Amaya, Ryann, Isabella, Alainnah, Lilyann, Austin, Hunter, Jonathan, Michael, Mariah, Alexander, Anneli, JJ, and Irish,. Bob was predeceased by his brother Myron Davidson. He was a longtime member of St. Rita's Catholic Church in Tacoma, but it wasn't until Bob was 72 years old that he was baptized by Father Carmine Sacco, S.J., a very special person to Bob and Ethel. Bob served as an usher at the Saturday evening Mass for many years and was a member of the Pneuma Prayer Group. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 11 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Rita's Catholic Church at 1403 S. Ainsworth Ave. in Tacoma. Father Sacco will be officiating. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Piper-Morley-Mellinger Funeral home 253-472-3353 www.pipermorleymellingerfh.com
My daughter, Cynthia, just contacted me about Bob. I worked at the Friendly Duck from it's opening for nine years as a cook. I introduced the cinnamon roll to the menu. My memories of Bob are fond ones and remember especially the Christmas parties. My God be with you as a family at this difficult time. De (Kujala) Morgan
De Morgan
June 23, 2008 | Galt, CA
Davidson Family,
I worked for both Bob and Bill at all three of the last restaurants. Bill even wrote a letter which helped me adopt my daughter. I just heard about Bob today. I was at a BBQ with friends who had also worked for Bob. He was fondly remembered in our conversation today. Someone sent me a poem about the dash between a person's birth and death days. It said that the dash between the two days was the most important part since it was the life that was lead and the memories...
Cynthia Taylor (Moore)
June 23, 2008 | Rochester, WA
Dear Ethel and Family...much gratitude to you and Bob for being dearest friends to my Mom, Alberta Kleinhenz Burrows & my Stepdad, Bill Burrows...I will remember fondly our dinners out on the town together with Bob putting out the step stool for you to get into the car...our heartfelt prayers are with you & all your loved ones...may the angels surround you with light...sending millions of blessings of hope & love...Alberta's daughter, Anne Kleinhenz
Anne Kleinhenz
June 12, 2008 | Renton, WA
Bill and Beth,
Our hearts go out to you. We will be thinking of you, in the days ahead. Remember...and smile.
Randy and Karen Wilkinson
June 10, 2008 | Olympia
My thoughts & prayers are with the whole family as you go through this difficult time. I once worked for Bob at the Spout & Toad way back in 1979. My Mom, Dora Leach worked for him as a cook for many years and thought he was a wonderful man. The restaurant was her second home and she loved it! Once the Spout & Toad closed everyone missed it terrible and Bob will also be forever missed.
Gloria Leach
June 10, 2008 | Tcaoma, WA
My heart aches for you. I'm sorry for your loss. Bob was a special man to all,he taught me a great deal about life.Memories of love and friendship to you all.Debbie Smith
Deb Smith
June 10, 2008 | Orting, WA
Ethel, Jim Hendricks was thoughtful enough to send me the Tribune obiturary for Bob. We will rmember Bob in our prayers. We are going to Bellingham to see my folks next week and I will give them a copy. They are both now in a nursing home. Love, Jim
James Stamey
June 10, 2008 | Boise, ID
The Spout & Toad was our favorite of all of your restaurants, we looked foreward to going there every Friday evening for the best French dip sandwiches and macaroni salad. The Friendly Duck was where we usually had breakfast on the weekend, who would think of such funny names for their restaurants!
You can tell alot about people that way and the Davidsons had to be great people, it was always a warm and fun atmosphere with good food at their establishments, thanks for some really,...
patricia schoonover
June 10, 2008 | Malott, WA
To Doug and Bob,
I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers. From an old classmate at All Saints School.
Virginia (Westover) Anderson
June 10, 2008 | Graham, WA
