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Harvard University

EDWARD DAVIS Obituary

DAVIS--Edward J.

The partners, counsel, associates and staff of the firm Davis Wright Tremaine LLP note with profound sorrow the untimely death of our beloved partner Edward J. Davis on June 27, 2016 after a valiant battle with cancer. A New Jersey native, Ed graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Harvard College and magna cum laude from Harvard Law School. Ed was a Marshall Scholar and received masters' degrees from the London School of Economics and Political Science and the London School of Oriental and African Studies. His brilliant mind and devotion to their interests made him a valued advisor to his many clients who benefited from his unerring judgment. Ed's humility and generosity of spirit made him a mentor to all who had the privilege and good fortune to know and work with him. Ed was committed to providing pro bono assistance to individuals and organizations in need of assistance, and was recognized for his efforts with the Dramatists Legal Defense Fund's "Defenders Award" and the Arthur Liman Public Interest Award by the Legal Action Center. We extend our deepest sympathies to his husband, Tom Phillips; his mother, Marian Davis; sister, Kathleen Davis; niece, Marissa Davis; extended family, and wide network of devoted friends. A celebration of Ed's life is being planned.

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Published by New York Times on Jun. 29, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for EDWARD DAVIS

Sponsored by We miss you, Ed.

37 Entries

Don Bernhardt

December 11, 2022

He was the most brilliant star in a galaxy of light. He was kind and generous and won an important case on defamation against an attorney speaking about his client. I will never forget your radiance. My wife and three children will learn more about you this holiday season. RIP Don Bernhardt

Gail Nelson-Bonebrake

June 24, 2021

I think of Ed often, year after year, and I miss his friendship. What a wonderful person he was, so brilliant and so giving with such humility. No one like him. Love to his husband, Tom.

Kathleen Conkey

June 23, 2021

Hard to believe it's been five years since we lost Ed. I think of him often, such a fine man, such heart and soul. Love to all his loved ones, Kathleen

Claire Silberman

July 5, 2016

Our deepest sympathies to Tom and to everyone else in the Davis family. Ed was, quite simply, one of my favorite people, and I know we will all miss him deeply.

Peggy Brooks

July 3, 2016

A bright light and gentle soul has left the earth.

Maitland McDonagh

July 2, 2016

Kind, smart and dryly funny, Ed was a good friend who never lost the ability to surprise me with his sly wit and his low-key delivery. I still find it hard to believe that I'll never see him again, and my heart goes out to his husband,his mother and the rest of his family. His passing diminishes the world.

marcia

July 2, 2016

I am very sorry to hear of Eds sudden passing. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
I hope the good memories will guide you through this difficult time.

Maria Fernandez-Williams

July 1, 2016

My deepest condolences to his husband, his mother and the rest of his family. Ed and I met through John Jay Pre-Law Institute and I was struck within a few seconds how caring he was. He was an amazing person who gave back to the community every way he could and who was there for me when the Director of the Pre-Law Institute passed. May he rest in peace, may his family find comfort in the memories and amazing legacy he has left in the community. Thank you Ed for everything you did.

Liz Savicz

July 1, 2016

I met Ed about 13 years ago through my partner Kathleen. Although I did not spend much time with him to get to know him well, it only took 5 minutes in his presence to know he was a rare and truly special person. My deepest condolences to Tom and Ed's family.

Paul Rouzer

June 30, 2016

Though I hadn't seen Ed for many years, I always knew he was there and that I'd be in touch. My world has shrunk knowing he's no longer in it. My dearest love to Tom.

Jacqueline Bausch

June 30, 2016

I am so sorry to learn of the loss of Ed and extend deepest condolences to his husband, mother and family, and all the friends, colleagues and people that he touched during his remarkable life. He was so kind, generous, brilliant and funny. I am grateful to have met him when he was Chair of the New York City Bar Copyright Committee ~20 years ago and, thanks to his efforts, to have stayed in contact over the years. May peace be with him and all those who love him.

Gail Nelson-Bonebrake

June 30, 2016

I met Ed back in college, when we used to sing together in the Harvard-Radcliffe Collegium Musicum in the 1980s. I looked forward to seeing his open smile and catching up with him at every rehearsal. He has been a wonderful friend ever since. I was so thrilled to see him find happiness with his partner Tom. The positive influence he had on everyone around him, and in the world in his actions, cannot be overstated. He was and will continue to be an inspiration to try to do the right thing as best you can. He was also really, really fun to spend time with, had a great sense of humor, was a fantastic listener, and kept surprising me with hidden talents (Mandarin, who knew?). I'm honored to have had Ed as a friend. My heart hurts. Love to Tom.

Evelyn Karlsberg

June 30, 2016

I first met Ed over 30 years ago in London, and it was clear to me immediately how extraordinary he was, so intelligent and erudite, generous and funny, a lovely human being. To say he will be missed is an understatement. To Tom and all the family, to everyone who knew and loved Ed, my heartfelt condolences. Ed, I will never forget you.

Emer Sweeney Davis

June 30, 2016

My heart goes out to Tom, his much loved Mother Marian and his sister Kathleen, and his extended family. You touched us all so deeply with your love and compassion Ed - we will hold you in our hearts and minds forever . phis auntsmdMarian, k

Michelle Mellion

June 30, 2016

I will miss you my wonderful, smart, kind and very generous brother. I was so fortunate to have you in my life. Thank you for listening and for guidance. Your are a gentle soul and will be missed. Love you.

Mark Schaffer

June 30, 2016

I am terribly saddened and at a loss for words. Clever, funny, principled, accomplished, all those things, but I remember him first as such a deeply good person, in every sense of the word. My deepest condolences to Tom and to all their family and friends.

Kathleen Conkey

June 30, 2016

The finest man I've ever known. Such a terrible loss

Helene Rider

June 29, 2016

To my cousin, Tom, who I love dearly and who loves fiercely

Only people who are capable of loving strongly can also suffer great sorrow, but this same necessity of loving serves to counteract their grief and heals them. Leo Tolstoy via AB

When I first met Edward I was struck by how easy he was to like. As time passed, how absolutely brilliant he was, then how easy he was to love, how kind,encouraging, selfless he was. How much he loved Tom and how right they were for each other. Then one day he was taken from us. Long before he finished encouraging us making us all as good as we could be. I miss him

My love and thoughts to Tom, Edward's Mom, Marion and sister Kathleen, and the Davis family.

June 29, 2016

Goodbye, Edward. You made my life happier and easier to understand; I know you know what I mean. Tom, I send you strength and blessings.

Andy Gold

June 29, 2016

One of the kindest and smartest people I've ever known. A prince and a mensch. It was a privilege to be his friend.

Davud Kosower

June 29, 2016

I am deeply sorry to read of Ed's so untimely passing. I've known him and will remember him as a refined and thoughtful man. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.

Wendy Witterschein

June 29, 2016

Ed was a lovely man and I am better for having met and known him. May God rest him!

Roberta "Toni" Meyers

June 29, 2016

My heart is broken but my spirit overjoyed by the fact that I had the opportunity to work with Ed at Legal Action Center. He lifted me up and gave me confidence when I felt unsure, ill-equipped and unqualified to move up or forward. People never know who operates behind the scenes whispering to you that you are important, amazing, and a true gift to humanity. He was that person for me and so many other people. I wish peace to all of Ed's loved ones and send my condolences.

Brad Karp

June 29, 2016

I have never met a kinder, more humane person. Ed was brilliant beyond description, passionate, compassionate, dedicated, loyal, wise and unfailingly modest. Ed lived his life fighting injustice and serving the underdog. Ed was a role model to me and to so many others -- and for all the right reasons. His passing leaves a cavernous void in this world.

Flo Kaczorowski

June 29, 2016

So very sorry to hear of Ed Davis' passing.
He was a lovely person to deal with professionally.

Dori Hanswirth

June 29, 2016

I am deeply sorrowed and feel a bottomless sense of loss. Ed accomplished so much in his life, yet would have done so much more. He was a wonderful friend and his light cannot be replaced.

Brian M. Davis

June 29, 2016

My nephew was the most unselfish man I have ever known. He brought depth, compassion and joy to to all our family gatherings, and guidance to all in need. My wife and children looked to him for insight, stories, and love. He always gave his all. To those who knew him, consider yourselves blessed.

Jamie Gallagher

June 29, 2016

Ed was such a lovely man. I was privileged to have known him.

Ralph Sevush

June 29, 2016

Ed Davis was as smart as he was principled, and as principled as he was kind. On behalf of the Dramatists Legal Defense Fund, our condolences to his loved ones.

Steve Chung

June 29, 2016

I miss you Ed. You were just a wonderful person in every way. I will always look up to you.

Laurie Woog

June 29, 2016

You were such a model of modesty, intelligence and generosity, sharing your legal talents with as many people you could help as possible. Not to mention lovely, kind and fun - your participation in a special song at my wedding will never be forgotten! Tom and Marian, there are so few words, but we are sending you love and deepest condolences.

Pierre Lefevre

June 29, 2016

So sorry for your loss. I remember a charming guy I had pleasure to talk with about cinéma when I visited New York.

cindy cole

June 29, 2016

Tom our love and prayers go out to you.

Clare and Thomas Wexler

June 29, 2016

A wonderful obituary for a wonderful man. Ed remained authentic to his values in both his personal and professional life and used his gifted intelligence to improve people's lives. His legacy will live on in so many intangible ways. Thomas and Clare Wexler were privileged to have shared his friendship. Much love and deepest sympathy to his husband, Tom Phillips.

Charles Glasser

June 29, 2016

I'll treasure your smile, your clarity, but most of all, your kindness.

We shall remain like this: together and happy. You will stay with us, Ed, generous to a fault, rigorous in your modesty, a beacon of grace

Justo J. SANCHEZ

June 29, 2016

In your understated way, you galvanized people's lives around you. You were the friend ready to help, to reaffirm and bring out the best in each one of us. Your legacy is one of kindness and concern for others. I am different, made rich for having had you in my life. I celebrate the miracle that was Ed's life and grieve his absence with Tom, Kathleen and Mrs. Davis.

June 28, 2016

Dear Ed .. It was an honour to have known you and to have a small part of your life. My deepest sympathy to Tom
Bruce Finlayson , Perth ,Australia

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