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Wayne Davidson Obituary
Robert Wayne Davidson
August 11, 1944 - January 3, 2025
NAPA - It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Robert Wayne Davidson. Known to all as Wayne, he was born on August 11, 1944, and was a Napa native.
Wayne graduated from Napa High School in 1963 where he was a two-sport star in baseball and football as well as a class officer in student government. He also attended Napa Junior College, where he played football for legendary coach Dick Vermeil of Calistoga.
Wayne graduated from Sacramento State College in 1967 where he majored in business.
He served in the United States Army and was stationed in Korea.
Wayne served for over 48 years as a real estate agent and then broker. He and his partner Richard Bennett founded Davidson and Bennett Realtors in 1978. He served as Secretary, Vice President, and President of the Napa Board of Realtors.
Wayne was a man who found peace and joy in a variety of outdoor activities, such as backpacking, camping, fishing, and boating. He enjoyed numerous houseboating trips to Lake Shasta with groups of close friends. He also loved hunting and looked forward to annual ten-day trips in the fall to Idaho and other locations to hunt with his beloved stepfather Obadiah Johnson and stepbrother Tom Johnson.
Wayne and his wife Linda traveled extensively during their marriage. They enjoyed frequent getaways to their Lake County vineyard property, backpacked in the Sierras, took annual trips to Hawaii with their family, and traveled in their Airstream throughout the western states. Wayne and Linda also traveled abroad to Europe, Egypt, and Africa.
Wayne was an aficionado of the old West and loved Western films, television series, and books, particularly those by Louis L'Amour.
Wayne loved sports and played city league softball for years with Al's Auto Wreckers.
He was also a diehard San Francisco 49er fan as well as a San Francisco Giants fan. He and his daughter Nikki frequently attended Giants games together; and if you were lucky, Wayne would invite you if Nikki was unable to go.
His role as a real estate broker defined him, touching the lives of the countless people he served. His motto was "Be fair, be honest, and do the right thing." His commitment to his clients was unparalleled, and they considered him not just a real estate broker, but a friend. His legacy of service, compassion, and dedication will live on in the hearts of all who knew him in the Napa Valley.
Wayne was known for his warm heart, kind spirit, and unwavering dedication to those he cared about.
He is survived by his wife Linda Glass, his daughter Nikki Gonsalves, his six grandchildren (Kylinn Breaw, Jace Breaw, Destin Gonsalves, Cora Gonsalves, Chance Gonsalves, and Harlow Gonsalves), and his brother Ed Davidson. He is also survived by his two sons-in-law, Kyle Breaw and Matt Gonsalves, step-siblings John Johnson, Tom Johnson, and Susie Jacobson; stepchildren Mark Davisson and Keeley Harrison, as well as many extended family members. He was preceded in death by his daughter Shasta Breaw and brother Vern Davidson.
In addition to his family, Wayne will be missed by his English Cream Retriever, Zula, who was his constant companion.
A Celebration of Life will be held in honor of his memory on February 2, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. It will be held at the Native Sons of the Golden West Hall located at 937 Coombs Street, Napa, California.
Wayne will be deeply missed, but his spirit and love will continue to inspire all who were fortunate to know him. May he rest in peace.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to: Share the Care of Napa Valley, 162 S. Coombs, Napa, CA 94559.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Wayne Davidson
Don Grassmann
April 15, 2025
I always knew Wayne as a fellow athlete, sharing several the outfield with him as well as football. He was always someone I appreciated as not only an athlete, but as a first rate wonderful human being. He always had a genuine smile for me and I will always remember him this way: A great human being, caring and genuine. The world already misses his presence.
Anne Canevari Stornetta
March 16, 2025
Knew Wayne from late 80s and he sold us our first house; truly best guy ever. Anne Canevari/Stornetta
Cindy Claymore Watter
February 10, 2025
I was sad to read this. Wayne was a good person. He sold me a house I still own, and he was a pleasure to work with. He had quite a few stories of old Napa. I always liked to run into him. My condolences to his family. He is interviewed in Ray Guadagni's book about LendVest--"If it's too good to be true, it's probably a bad idea," or words to that effect. A smart man.
Pat Parker
February 9, 2025
My husband Dale and I loved being around Wayne and Linda. Wayne was so warm and friendly, Linda lively and funny. I think Wayne loved Linda´s laugh. We all did! My Dale died a few years ago but he would have wanted to say how much he liked Wayne. I am sorry I did not come to his service but Wayne has been in my thought for so many years since his daughter died. Grief is so personal and affects us all in so many ways. My love to Wayne and his family. Pat Parker
maureen paladini
February 2, 2025
Wayne Davidson...practiced the profession of real estate the way it should be...with knowledge, honesty and kindness...he will be missed among his peers.
Heli Sairanen
February 2, 2025
I am deeply saddened to hear that Wayne has passed away. A fellow Realtor, a genuinely nice guy who will be missed.
Deepest condolences to Linda and all of Wayne's family.
Rose-Marie Yull
February 1, 2025
Dear Linda and family it´s with heavy heart to learn about Wayne´s passing. He was an icon in the Napa real estate community for decades. Always the consummate professional. He ran an admirable company expecting and giving the best to his clients and other Realtors. I remember meeting him in late `80s he gave me a hard time and we´d laugh about it years later. The two of you had an enviable full loving relationship. How wonderful you had so many great adventures together. I´m honored to have known and worked with Wayne. love Rose-Marie Yull
Bill Maudru
January 29, 2025
As a neighbor with a common side property line, not only will we miss Wayne, but also his dedication to mowing the pasture every week for hours on end on that little John Deere mower.
Ken & Dawn Lloyd
January 22, 2025
Longtime friend of my wife Dawn Lloyd. Wayne will be missed by all who knew him. RIP
Chris Wheelan - Salem, OR
January 21, 2025
I am so saddened to hear of Wayne's passing. I was the property manager for his rental department at Davidson & Bennett in 2000 - 2004 and again 2007 - 2008. He was such a pleasure to work for, always supportive, fair and professional. The office Christmas parties were the BEST. My deepest condolences to Linda and the family at this very sad time. RIP Wayne, I am richer for knowing you.
Doug and Stephanie Fowler
January 21, 2025
Linda, Nikki, and loved ones, we send our heartfelt condolences. Wayne had a rare combination of being genuine, fun, caring, modest, and intelligent. He was an encouragement and inspiration to many of us.
Mary Pieratt
January 21, 2025
All sympathies to Wayne´s family, wife Linda and brothers. Wayne was one of the best of Napa. He always had a bright, kind demeanor, a very sweet man. Certainly he will be missed.
Kelli Marchbanks
January 21, 2025
Wayne was a true gentleman, he was kind, smart and always willing to pitch in a hand when needed. I left every conversation with him with a smile on my face. He was one of the greats. I will miss him. I am so sorry that he is gone.
Phil Lamoreaux
January 20, 2025
His older brother Eddie and I were, and are, good friends and through him I knew Wayne. The Davidsons were always "a Class Act" and lots of fun with jokes, music and integrity. Eternal Rest Wayne, you handled a lot with class.
Jerry Johnson
January 20, 2025
Wayne and I have been best friends since 1st grade at lincoln school. He will be missed!!!! My prayers go out to Linda, Nikki and all of Waynes family.
Pauline Seago
January 19, 2025
We became friends securing a good place to view 4th of July Napa Parade for several years. We were always the first on the block to hold seats for family and friends. Had some wonderful conversations. Rest in peace Wayne!!!
Bill Jabin
January 19, 2025
A true gentleman with a terrific sense of humor. Linda and I were Charter members of Napa Sunrise Rotary, so Pam and I got to spend a lot of occasions with Wayne and Linda. His friendship will truly be missed. Our condolences to Linda and the family.
Paul McCluskey
January 19, 2025
I remember Wayne from high school. He was a quality person then and throughout his life. Over the years I bought two houses from Wayne and was impressed that he never used a calculator when running the numbers. A man of his character and integrity is always missed. Many blessings to Wayne´s family.
Charley Heitz
January 18, 2025
Classmate, teammate, roommate, but most of all, friend. Sincere condolences to the "good" Linda and all who loved him. Charley Heitz
Michael Mitchell
January 18, 2025
My condolences to Linda and the family. Wayne was one of the "good" guys in our business and I enjoyed everytime we were in an escrow together. He will be missed but not forgotten. RIP Wayne.
Ray Guadagni
January 18, 2025
Wayne cared deeply for his clients, was a true problem solver, and the best friend a person could have.
Mike Sunnafrank
January 18, 2025
Many good memories of you, old friend. My condolences to all who loved him.
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