Robert Chenault Davis, 92, died quietly November 30, 2017 at his home in Ephraim, WI with his dear wife Nancy of 66 years at his side. Bob was born April 1, 1925 in Toronto to Warren Thorp Davis and Marguerite (Minie) Morency Davis. He graduated from New Trier High School and enlisted in the Navy in 1943. Bob graduated from Carleton College. He joined The United Educators, his father's publishing company, where he worked until retiring to Ephraim, his summer residence since four years old. During the 40 years in Lake Bluff Bob was an active leader of the community including village mayor. In 1951 he married Nancy Wilterding Davis. Together they raised five children in Lake Bluff and in Ephraim. Nancy and all of his children survive Bob: Rob - Ephraim; Martha Pohl - Apple Valley, MN; Cole (Tina) Davis - Williston, ND; Sarah (Ralph) Maas - Weston, WI; Laura (Theresa Farris) Davis - Madison, WI; and foster daughter Sabina (Dalton) Kruse, Byron, IL. Also surviving are thirteen grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and two more great grandchildren due in 2018. Bob was a passionate sailor and life-long member of the Ephraim Yacht Club. He and Nancy loved to cruise the Great Lakes on Great Bear II. Over time his passion for the seas expanded to hiking and canoeing to explore Door County's natural gems. Bob was also actively involved in Rotary, the Ephraim Historical Foundation, The Clearing, and The Door County Land Trust. He joyfully gave his time to raise money for projects dear to his heart. Always with a twinkle in his eye and a bounce in his step, Bob enjoyed interacting with people especially if he could show off with a word pun or joke. The Nancy and Bob partnership loved to entertain their many friends in Lake Bluff and in Ephraim. In lieu of flowers you may send a memorial to any of the organizations mentioned above.

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Published by PL-Lake from Dec. 7 to Dec. 10, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Davis

14 Entries

Wanda & Kevin McDonald

December 19, 2017

Dearest Nancy,

We've never met but my husband and I had the good fortune to meet Bob on a gentle afternoon walking South on Norway some years back. After hearing the clatter of footsteps, he called out, "who goes there?" We introduced ourselves and our two dogs. He spoke of the beauty of Door County especially Ephraim and how much he cared for this place. He said that while he had lost lots of his vision it wasn't going to stop him from taking a walk on a beautiful day. When you say he had a twinkle in his eye and a skip in his step that is so true. He waived, gave us a big smile, and continued his walk with birds in song. We often looked over toward your home as we walked by in hopes we'd see again the kindred spirit we met on a fine day. He left a mark.

Our sincerest condolences to you and your family.

Richard Rutledge

December 13, 2017

Dear Nancy and family,
Bob was my sponsor at the time I joined the then Lake Forest Rotary Club in which he was such an active force. This was in the early 1980's, in connection with which my wife and I mingled with Nancy and him. We enjoyed talking of our mutual love of sailing, and of Door County. We share connections to Canada, and especially to Toronto where Bob was born. The last time I saw Bob was in Lake Forest at the Deer Path Inn around the time of his purchase of a wonderful new full size pick-up truck. He was so happy when he said, Every man sometime in his lifetime should own a pickup truck, and he proceeded to show me his new acquisition, beaming at the prospect of enjoying this first truck and moment in his life. Please accept our sincere expressions of sympathy at the time of Bob's passing. He touched many friends in positive ways, and will be missed.
Sincerely,
Dick (and Betsy) Rutledge
Wilmette, Illinois

AZ1 USN

December 10, 2017

Shipmate: Rest in Peace.....

Fair Winds and Following Seas

December 9, 2017

May the God of all comfort be with you all during this time of grief.

Anita

December 9, 2017

I'm so sorry for your loss, may these words from our Heavenly Father bring you comfort - Jeremiah 29:12, 13.

G R

December 8, 2017

I'm sorry for your loss. God comforts those who mourn, may he comfort and stregthen each of you during this difficult time - Mathew 5:4.

Michael Farmer

December 7, 2017

You will be sorely missed. Condolences to the family. MF

December 7, 2017

We are thinking of you and your family as you remember Robert's remarkable life and the memories you shared

Kelvin Henley

December 6, 2017

Sail ever onward, Bob, into the rising sun.
Richard Miller
Great Lakes Cruising Club

V C

December 4, 2017

Deepest condolences. May God's words at 1 Corthinians 1:3,4 bring the family comfort along with loving memories of days gone by

December 4, 2017

Please accept my deepest sympathies. May God bind up the brokenhearted. ..... and comfort all you mourn. - Isaiah 61:1,2

D S

December 4, 2017

Please accept my condolences during this time of grief and sorrow for the passing of Robert. Please be assured that Almighty God will provide your family with the comfort and strength that you need during this difficult time to help you endure.- Matthew 5:4

Poyau

December 4, 2017

May God's comforting love be with the family. John 3:16

E P

December 4, 2017

11415 Huron Ln, Little Rock, AR 72211

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