JOHN DAVIES

DAVIES, JOHN San Diego Civic Leader and Attorney 1934 to 2011 John Davies, a prominent attorney and civic leader died on May 20 in San Diego, following a battle with pancreatic cancer. A successful attorney and businessman, Davies dedicated countless hours to civic matters, helping to ensure educational excellence throughout California, enhance San Diego and its downtown region, and support the state judicial system as an advisor to two California governors on judicial appointments. Davies' service to the University of California began when he was appointed to the Board of Regents by Governor Pete Wilson in 1992; his term on the board ran until 2004. He served as chair of the UC Regents from 1998 to 2000. Davies served as a trustee of the UC San Diego Foundation for a span of nearly two decades; He and his wife Ann were recently awarded with the Chancellor's Medal, one of the university's highest honors. A San Diego native, Davies was born in Chula Vista on June 28, 1934, and attended Chula Vista High School. He attended the University of Southern California and then entered the U.S. Navy for three years, before earning his law degree at UC Berkeley's Boalt Hall School of Law in 1962. Over the years, Davies honed his expertise in real estate and probate law with various firms. Most recently, he served in an of counsel role in the San Diego office of Allen, Matkins, Leck, Gamble, Mallory and Natsis. In 1973, Davies was tapped by Mayor Pete Wilson, who he became friends with in law school, to spearhead a redevelopment initiative in downtown San Diego. Davies served on the City of San Diego Planning Commission and the Centre City Development Corporation for many years. His leadership to improve San Diego's quality of life was recognized in February 2011, when the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce awarded Davies with the prestigious "Spirit of San Diego Award." Davies served as judicial appointments secretary to Governor Wilson from 1995 to 1999; and also chaired Senator Pete Wilson's judicial committee from 1983 to 1990. In 2004, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger appointed him judicial advisor, a position he served through 2007. Davies remained active in the community until his death, and served on the boards of Rady Children's Hospital and H.G. Fenton Company, as well as the UC San Diego Foundation. Davies also served as director of several companies, including Winfield Industries, Fisher Scientific Group, IMED Corporation and IVAC Corporation. Davies is survived by his wife, Ann, and four children: Christopher Davies (San Diego), Thompson Davies (Seattle, WA), Michael Davies (San Diego) and Suzanne Davies Farr (Ann Arbor, MI), and two sisters, Helen Davies Peppard of Los Angeles and Estelle Milch of San Diego. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in his memory be made to the "John Davies Memorial Fund" at UC San Diego or Rady Children's Hospital of San Diego. A celebration of life will be held for John Davies Friday, June 3 at 4 p.m. at the Town and Country Resort Hotel in San Diego.