Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Barry Davis Obituary
Born Aug. 19, 1931, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Barry attended the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. He was an accomplished pianist and spent many years performing professionally. Barry married Esther Kubishta in 1960, and in 1964, they created the Seven Seas in Mandan, N.D.
Barry, Esther, and their children ran the restaurant and hotel for many years, winning awards and earning a reputation for great food and atmosphere. He would also play from time to time in the lounge, and enjoyed entertaining his many fans. In 1976, he became a U.S. citizen. In 1993, he sold the business and moved to Billings, where he was active performing piano at various venues in the Billings area.
Barry was active in the Federation of Musicians and the Shriners, was a Best Western International Governor and was active in the American Hotel and Motel Association. He also enjoyed boating, hunting, model trains, and collecting items such as antique guns, nautical items, etc.
Barry is survived by his wife, Wendy Thorogood Davis, Billings; ex-wife, Esther Davis, Seattle, and their children, son Bob (Andee) Davis and granddaughters Joy (Jim) Fahn and Christy Davis, Bismarck, N.D.; son Doug (Betsy) Davis, West Haven, Conn., and granddaughters Abby and Haley; daughter Nancy (Tim) Langford, Seattle, and grandson Derek, granddaughter Danielle and great-granddaughter Annika. He was preceded in death by his mother, Beth (Cotterell), father Fred Davis, brother Don Davis, and sister Betty Davis, all of Toronto.
Cremains will be spread at a later date in a private service. In lieu of flowers or memorials, the family asks that you make a donation in his name to the Alzheimer's foundation/association of your choice.
This obituary was originally published in the Billings Gazette.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Paulette Mertz (Helfrich)
December 20, 2007
My thoughts and prayers go to the family. I worked for Barry and Esther at the Seven Seas. I have many fond memories of those days.
Nanci Schwindt
December 20, 2007
Another voice from the old neighborhood -- The Thomas family from across the street wish to extend sincere sympathy to Barry's family. I recall fond memories of hanging out at the Davis house with Bob, Doug and Nancy.
Hang on to the memories of him . . . .
Leta Eckroth
December 16, 2007
Dear Davis Family:
Our prayers are with you all at this sad time. As you remember all the dear times you shared with your father and grandfather, may God replace your mourning with loving memories. All our love.
The Eckroths
Sher Harildstad
December 16, 2007
My sincere sympathy to the family of Barry Davis. I worked for & with Barry for several years. I enjoyed this gentle man and his music and the opportunities I was given. Working at the Seven Seas was like working with family. I have fond memories of Barry, his establishment, and his family.
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Rod Wright
December 15, 2007
I remember walking into the Porthole lounge and you always played 'As Time Goes By' for me. That made my day! I learned allot from Barry. He would turn out a light bulb or misspell a word simply to teach us to pay attention. He was a task master! We bumped heads more than once. He was an original and a good man. Peace to all the Davis'. Sincerely, Rod Wright, former manager Seven Seas.
Mark Wanner
December 15, 2007
I am very sorry to hear of your loss. Barry was such a great piano player and a very fine gentleman. I have many memories of The Seven Seas, meeting at your house in Mandan in the mornings before walking to Central Junior High, and of course the neighborhood just to name a few things. I wish the best for all of you and your families. Have a good Holiday Season, from Mark, Valarie, Serena, and Damon Wanner.
Dwight Hopfauf
December 15, 2007
Dear Davis Family
My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours at this time. I enjoyed my time working with your father at the 7Seas. It was such a cool place to work at for all of us during our high school years. I often wondered where all of you ended up at! It is great to read of the grand children you have given your father! He will always watch over them.
Take care,
Dwight Hopfauf
Ernie and Donna Borr
December 14, 2007
Our sympathy to the Davis family. We loved to hear Barry play and entertain us at the piano these many years. We have many fond memories of the Seven Seas. Barry did much to promote music in the Mandan community. He will be missed, but certainly remembered.
Vern Cermak, Past President, Musicians Association
December 14, 2007
We wish to extend our sympathy to the family of Barry Davis. Know that the thoughts and prayers of family and friends are with Barry. His kindness and love for music will be missed by many.
Bert & Rose Gerhart
December 14, 2007
My wife and I enjoy many fond memories of Barry from the days when we lived in Mandan. His great sense of humor, his wonderful smile, and yes....his beautiful music. He was such a joy to so many. Our smypathy to his entire family.
Bernie Eckroth
December 14, 2007
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Allen and Jacque Gillette
December 14, 2007
So sorry to hear of the passing of Barry, he was a good man and will be missed.
Patricia Erickson
December 14, 2007
My Deepest Sympathy to all of you in your hours of sorrow! I have many wonderful memories of working for Barry, at both the old Seven Seas downtown and the New one, as I am sure you all have, and these are what can help all of you at this time and the days ahead.
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results
Make a Donation
in Barry Davis's name
How to support Barry's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Barry Davis's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
Sponsored