Gary R. Davis

1952 - 2013

Gary R. Davis, a long time resident of Cottage Grove, passed away suddenly on August 19, 2013 due to complications of leukemia. He was born July 27, 1952 in Eugene, where his parents, Cal and Doris Davis, attended the U of O. The family moved to Cottage Grove in 1953.

Growing up as a Grover, he picked beans and strawberries, played sports, and grew to love hunting and fishing with family in the foothills around town. Working the glue line at Weyerhaeuser and digging fire trails for Heath Logging paid for his schooling at Oregon State where he met many lifelong friends at the FIGI House. His degree gave him opportunities in business, but his real love was teaching and working with youths. He went on an adventure to Alaska where he stayed for six years teaching in remote villages, always enjoying the out-of-doors.

While in Alaska, he met his future wife, Candy, a teacher and author. Together they moved back to Cottage Grove to be with family and friends. Gary and Candy turned a house into a home where they rehabbed and released wild animals under the auspices of the Wildlife Center of Eugene. They also raised many domestic animals.

Gary thoroughly enjoyed his fishing club, and he took his turn as the club secretary and helped plan events throughout the state. He was active with Old Time Fiddlers where he played his banjo and told corny jokes. Gary worked at the U of O where he enjoyed conversing with students and visitors.

He was a patient, gentle man. When his mother moved into the nursing center, he made time to visit and play cards with her. They had a running tally of hearts, cribbage, and rummy. He visited his father several times a week at the memory unit and made small talk. He was his father's barber. Ne could no ask for a better son.

Gary will be missed by many. He is survived by his wife, Candy; his brother Tom and wife Chris; sister Marcia and husband Gary Trujillo; cousin and good friend JoLynn Zeller, along with his nephew and many nieces. We will miss him very much.

Although there will be no public celebration of life, friends are encouraged to donate to Gary's favorite, the KVRM radio station at 1574 Coburg Rd #237, Eugene, OR 97401 to keep the fiddlers and banjo pickers playing.