Darrian Michael Davis

"Inside the tent the light came through the brown canvas. It smelled pleasantly of canvas. Already there was something mysterious and home-like. Nick was happy as he crawled inside the tent. He had not been unhappy all day. This was different though. Now things were done. There had been this to do. Now it was done. It had been a hard trip. He was very tired. That was done. He had made his camp. He was settled. Nothing could touch him. It was a good place to camp. He was there, in the good place. He was in his home where he had made it."
-Big Two Hearted River, E. Hemmingway.
Darrian Michael Davis, 69, of Marquette, died Sunday July 21, 2024, peacefully at his home.
He was born February 19, 1955 in Traverse City, Michigan, a son of Neil B. and Luella J. (Harwood) Davis. He was raised in Cheboygan and was a 1973 graduate of Cheboygan Area High School. He attended Alpena Community College where he earned an Associate degree in Applied Science in 1976. He then enrolled at Lake Superior State University earning a Bachelor's degree in Fisheries & Wildlife Management in 1979.
Darrian had a passion for the great outdoors. In 1979 Darrian began his career with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Sea Lamprey Management Program, as a Physical Science Technician at the Ludington Biological Station. He was promoted to Fish Biologist in 1982 which required a move to the Marquette Biological Station. He earned multiple promotions up to Treatment Supervisor. Throughout the years, Darrian's abilities to successfully rise to the to the challenge of sea lamprey management was recognized. For 28 field seasons, he battled variable field conditions, biting insects and remote locations, to complete hundreds of treatments to eradicate larval sea lampreys. Darrian frequently and successfully completed acid tests for lampricide treatments, even when rainstorms jeopardized project completion and effectiveness.
His natural interest and familiarity with vehicles and equipment were invaluable, and his efforts to inventory and purchase motor vehicles, trailers, all-terrain vehicles, and other equipment improved the quality of the program and contributed to the efficient efforts of the treatment crews he led. Darrian was an integral part of the Sea Lamprey Management Program which has a worldwide reputation as one of the most successful programs ever to manage an exotic species, and to permit the recovery of native Great Lakes species. He is remembered as a leader in the difficult process of applying pesticides to eradicate millions of larval sea lampreys while protecting non-target species. Darrian worked 31 years, his entire career, in the Sea Lamprey Management Program, retiring in 2010.
Darrian enjoyed relaxing and spending quiet moments at home, with book in hand. When he felt like socializing with friends, he headed to the American Legion post 44, as he was a member of the Sons of the American Legion. He also spent time with friends at local neighborhood pubs. He enjoyed steelhead fishing, duck hunting, listening to classic rock, reading, and playing cribbage where he had a couple of perfect hands.
When Darrian's father, Neil, was alive, the two would take many motorcycle trips all over the country. They enjoyed each other's company immensely as they took in the raw, majestic beauty of our land. Darrian's love for nature stemmed from childhood, as his family drove north for camping and fishing trips. This exploration led them to find their own piece of heaven on earth, which later became known as Fudpucker Lodge. This was Darrian's church.
One of Darrian's closest friends, Lars Larson, had this to add about Darrian:
"Darrian and I became friends later in his life, around the time he was set to enjoy his retirement. We both seemed to share a common and agreeable outlook on life and the wonders of nature.
Darrian was a quiet man; however, if you took a step toward him, he would easily take three steps back to you. He was measured and concise- those who knew him best understood he was a man of science and deep curiosity. He knew most things could be explained, but that some things were beyond the pages of a book. Darrian had a strong faith in tradition and for those who shaped his life. Darrian is remembered by countless achievements, dedication to family and friends, and let's not forget his love and respect for a good list. Darrian loved his camp at the Two Hearted. It was his world, which may sound odd to those who have never been there. It is where he went to remember, to celebrate and to pass on the gift of what that place had given him. He shared this gift with friends and family, and we are all grateful as it helped to shape our own lives. Darrian will always be with his family and friends. Listen to the distant waves crash on Lake Superior, feel the cold Water around your waiters or shiver as the brisk wind blows down your neck, making waves on the river that send you shuffling back to the glow in the window and the warmth of camp. Most of all, like a good mentor and great friend should do, he left us with more questions than answers."
Darrian is survived by his mother, Luella Davis of Sarasota, FL; children, Amy (Dominic) Hagerty of Marquette and Steven (Amber) Yatchak of Negaunee; grandchildren, Bethany, Victoria, Asher, Jaxson and Everly; brother, Jefferey (Joanne) Davis of Sarasota, FL; and numerous nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, and wife Beth Main-Davis.
A private celebration of Darrian's life will be held at a later date.
Anyone who wishes to honor Darrian's memory may do so by helping to protect the Two Hearted River Forest Reserve by donating to The Nature Conservancy.
Canale-Tonella Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family. Memories of Darrian may be shared at canalefuneral.com