Ivor Davis

Ivor Davis

July 27, 1938 - March 29th, 2025

Ivor Davis, journalist, raconteur, unofficial Mayor of Ventura, and the only man who could charm his way from London's East End to a career as a top tier journalist and author, died peacefully on Sunday March 29th with "Let it Be" playing in the background. He was 87 and had finally run out of stories to tell, though not for lack of material.

Born into poverty in London's Jewish East End in 1938, Ivor had the kind of origin story he'd later interview others about. He was embedded with the Beatles during their 1964 American invasion, covered the Manson murders for the Times of London, and wrote a book about it that would've made Truman Capote jealous if Truman had been paying attention.

Over a seven-decade career, Ivor interviewed virtually everyone worth interviewing; Muhammad Ali, King Charles Elizabeth Taylor, Robert Redford, Paul Newman, and hundreds more. He had a gift for making A-listers feel like they were talking to an old friend, mostly because within ten minutes they were. His Rolodex read like an invite list to the Oscars and his stories were better than the movies.

In 1967, in what he always called the smartest thing he ever did, he married Sally Ogle, the brilliant BBC journalist he'd been madly in love with since they were teenagers in London. They built a remarkable life together: two journalists, two children, and a partnership that everyone wanted to emulate. Sally's death in 2012 devastated him though he spent the last twelve years doing his best to honor her by embracing life, his friends and his partner and organizer extraordinaire, Louise.

After moving to Ventura in 1980, Ivor became the town's most enthusiastic resident. He knew everyone; the local barista, the mayor, the mailman, the Patagonia hipsters and the couple running the corner flower shop. He remembered names, asked about grandchildren, brought flowers to the hospital during times of crisis and made every conversation feel important. People joked that a walk down Main Street was never complete without running into Ivor.

Ivor was the kind of extrovert who energized everyone around him. He hosted events at the Ventura Museum and lectured at the local city colleges, spinning outrageous but true stories about his life and the people he had interviewed. He was generous, warm, curious, and never met a person with whom he couldn't find something to talk about. His grandchildren thought he was magic, and the feeling was mutual.

In his final chapter, Ivor struggled with dementia, a disease that slowly stole the man who lived by words and connection. But even then, moments of his essential self would break through. His laugh and charming smile were infectious. On his last day, his daughter Rebecca and son Gideon were with him, holding him as he slipped away. It was peaceful and exactly what he deserved.

Ivor is survived by his daughter Rebecca Davis-Suskind and son-in-law David Suskind, grandchildren Elias and Sadie of Seattle, WA, son Gideon Davis, daughter-in-law Tricia Eatherly Davis, grandchildren Levi and Ezra of Ventura, CA, as well as countless friends who will miss him terribly and tell Ivor stories for decades.

In lieu of flowers, do what Ivor would do:.. introduce yourself to a stranger, ask them about their life, listen to their answers and maybe even buy them a coffee. He'd have loved that.

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life to be officiated by Rabbi Lisa Hochberg-Miller at Temple Beth Torah, 7620 Foothill Road, Ventura. Sunday April 19, 2026 at 3:30pm. Arrangements are under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, Ventura.