John Davis Obituary

HOLYOKE -- John Davis died Jan. 3, 2018, at the age of 86. He was born in Manchester, New Hampshire, grew up in Winchester, and had lived in Amherst for most of his adult life.

He was devoted to Ruthie, his late of wife 43 years. He loved antique airplanes, Dixieland jazz, and especially astronomy.

For many decades he was involved in and attended amateur astronomy organizations and events all over New England, including the Astronomy Association and Springfield Stars. He was an active longtime member of the Amherst Area Amateur Astronomers Association (the 5As) from whom he received a Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Arunah Hill Natural Science Center.

An exuberant and gregarious man, he loved his family, his old friends, and making new ones. He leaves his daughter Susan and his sister Maryjane and her family. He will be greatly missed by all of us.

At 10 a.m. tomorrow, Thursday, Jan. 11, there will be a calling hour and service at 11 a.m. at the Douglass Funeral Service, Amherst followed by burial at Wildwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation or The Michael J. Fox Foundation.

Memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com

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

Published by Daily Hampshire Gazette on Jan. 10, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for John Davis

8 Entries

Richard Sanderson

January 4, 2022

Amateur astronomy enriched the life of John Davis, and John Davis enriched the amateur-astronomy community.

The photo shows John addressing the Connecticut River Valley Astronomers´ Conjunction in 2014, which was the last time I saw him speak at an astronomy event.

Eileen Myers

January 8, 2021

When astronomy conventions start up again I know I will automatically start searching for John's eager smiling face in the crowds - but he won't be there...

John O'Hara

January 15, 2018

Though I've never met John, I'll very much miss his article, Deep Sky Treasures, published quarterly in Amateur Astronomy Magazine. This man truly loved the Heavens.

Eileen Myers

January 13, 2018

John showed me the Veil Nebula in his large binoculars. At the time I was a newbie to astronomy. I had never seen large binoculars, and I had no idea what to expect. I will never forget the experience, with John guiding the way. John's enthusiasm was stimulating and made you want to learn and see more. Every conversation with him was inspiring. I will miss him.

Gary Walker

January 13, 2018

John Davis was a great guy, I really enjoyed talking to him. Sad to see him move on, but he now has clear skies forever.

Gary

Glenn Chaple

January 10, 2018

Over the years, I've had the pleasure of meeting dozens of astronomy enthusiasts. None matched John's love of the night sky. It was always a pleasure to see him at an astronomy convention - notably Stellafane, the Conjunction, and his beloved Arunah Hill Days. His "Deep Sky Treasures" column in the Arunah Hill publication was wonderfully written. I still have a notebook containing copies of his articles.My condolences to his family and close friends. We in the astronomical community share in your sadness.

Richard Sanderson

January 10, 2018

I first met John back in the 1980s through our shared interest in astronomy. John had a truly remarkable passion for astronomy and an encyclopedic knowledge of the nighttime sky. Even though he never stopped learning about the universe, he was always willing to share his expertise with others, either in person or through his astronomy articles. John was an eager and active participant in local astronomy clubs and he greatly enjoyed the many friendships he made at regional conventions like Stellafane (VT), AstroAssembly (RI), the Northeast Astronomy Forum (NY), and the Astronomers' Conjunction (MA). He also loved to bask in his memories of traveling to witness total solar eclipses. The astronomy community is deeply saddened by the loss of a dear friend.

Phil Harrington

January 10, 2018

I am heartbroken to hear of John's passing. He was a wonderful person to be around, whether just talking at the Stellafane swap tables or viewing through binoculars side-by-side at the Conjunction convention in Northfield. John had a rare gift for observational astronomy, seeing objects that others would miss simply because he knew *how* to look, not just what to look at. An astronomer's astronomer! I learned much form him and will cherish those memories for the rest of my life.

RIP, John. When I look up toward Davis' Dog, the Garden Trowel, or the Muscleman Cluster, I know you will be right there with me in spirit.

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