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Robert Howard Davis

1944 - 2014

Robert Howard Davis obituary, 1944-2014, Watsonville, CA

BORN

1944

DIED

2014

Robert Davis Obituary

Robert Howard Davis
March 2, 1944 - January 20, 2014
Resident of Watsonville
Robert (Bob) Davis, 69, of Watsonville died unexpectedly Monday. He was born to the late Margot Howard and Robert Bernard Davis, March 2, 1944, in Holyoke, MA where his father was stationed in the US Army. Because his father was an English professor, Bob spent the remainder of his childhood in towns with small liberal arts colleges in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Iowa. He graduated from Columbian High School in Tiffin, Ohio in 1962; Occidental College in 1966; and the University of Southern California School of Dentistry in 1970, where he met his future wife, Caroline Malmgren.
In 1972, Bob and Caroline moved to Watsonville where he practiced dentistry for 34 years. He had a unique talent for turning a patient into a friend. He also took great pleasure as a teacher of dentistry in helping both other dentists and assistants to improve their skills.
The Pajaro Valley and his ranch provided the perfect setting for Bob to be: a 4-H leader, Santa Cruz County Fair supporter and a youth basketball and baseball coach. Bob found a lot of enjoyment in woodworking, fishing and fence mending, as well as in being an avid San Francisco 49ers and Giants fan. Bob was well known by both family and friends as an enthusiastic storyteller.
He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Caroline, his three daughters: Heather (Raymond) Desrocher of Naples, FL; Autumn (Chris) Moran of Marblehead, MA; Lauren (Justin) Taylor of Aptos, CA; and a son, Brian Davis. He is also survived by five grandchildren; and his brother, Charlie Davis of Burlingame, CA.
The family asks, that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Watsonville YMCA, the Salsipuedes Little League, or the Watsonville High School Athletic Department. A memorial will be held this coming summer.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Santa Cruz Sentinel on Jan. 26, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Davis

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Grove of 100 Memorial Trees

Linda Ayers Zimmer

Planted Trees

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Linda Ayers Zimmer

Planted Trees

Dolly Garlo

October 24, 2014

Bob, brother Charlie and their folks were friends prior to my entering grade school, he was a contemporary of my older brother, and our folks/families were long time friends despite the distance between Ohio and California. I didn't get to read this lovely tribute until now; it was a surprise to find it. It was a surprise to learn of the passing of this wonderful man. I'm glad to be able to add a note here. The planet has lost a great friend, brother, husband, father, and grandfather ... not to mention dentist. My love and condolences to all the family, and everyone who was touched by his life on earth.

Caroline, Heather, Autumn, Lauren, Brian & Charlie

April 9, 2014

We Have planned his memorial service for
SATURDAY, JULY 19, 2014, FROM 11:00AM UNTIL 2:00PM
at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship,
6401 Freedom Boulevard, Aptos, CA 95003.

Because he was always on the lookout for them,
we are asking those who join us to bring a heart shaped rock or shell
to be used for the creation of a personal memorial.

Roxanne Cummings

March 13, 2014

Caroline, I just learned today about Bob. You may remember that I would rather give birth than go to the Dentist. Bob was the best Dentist/friend I ever had. He would distract me with stories of his family. I'm so sorry for your family's great loss. He really was a special man.

Mike Swan

February 24, 2014

Bob was a wonderful dentist - skilled, knowledgeable compassionate. Ahead of his time in minimally invasive conservative dentistry, he trained many dentists in this paradigm. Additionally he was a great friend to all of us at Crystalmark who had a pleasure to know him. Our hearts go out to Caroline and his family.
Mike Swan - Crystalmark Dental

Mary Freeland

February 7, 2014

As a Freedom Starbuck regular I enjoyed talking with Dr. Bob on many occasions. He was a very nice man who was very proud of his family. I will miss seeing his smile and conversing with him. My condolences to his family.

Don and Catherine Coluzzi

February 5, 2014

Catherine and I wish our deepest sympathies to Caroline and family. We were shocked to just learn of Bob's death. We haven't connected for a number of years, and that's makes his passing all the more sad. We'll cherish the great memories of him, starting in 1966 at dental school. All our love and prayers

Linda Mathis

February 3, 2014

Dr Davis was a wonderful dentist, boss, teacher,mentor and friend. I had the pleasure of working for Dr Davis and Caroline for many years. They both gave so much of themselves to helping others and making this world a better place. He touched the lives of many people and will be greatly missed.

Bob Biller

January 31, 2014

I know the pain and sadness from the loss of a spouse and I am so sorry. I will pray for all of you.

Jim Mathias

January 31, 2014

Bob brought light and life to any relationship. May his legacy continue to influence others.

Paul M Thomas, DMD, MS, FDSRCS[Edin]

Paul Thomas

January 30, 2014

Words can't express the shock at losing a friend and colleague from my childhood all through to our recent high school reunion. Bob and I were the two token dentists in a class of other high achievers. We reconnected last August and shared our love and adventures we had experience with family; our love for the land, our love of motorized vehicles, our love of the profession of dentistry. Safe journey my friend!

Pamela Webb

January 28, 2014

Words cannot express how much Dr. Bob will be missed. You touched my life and opened my heart Dr. Bob with your wonderful stories of your family and friends. Thank you for the many special conversations and the time you took to listen and guide. Condolences to your cherished family in their time of loss.

Esther Avila

January 28, 2014

I was so saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Davis. He was a great dentist, dad and gave back to the Watsonville Community. He helped me coach Girls Basketball at E. A. Hall School. I will miss his friendly smile and the stores he shared with me. I pray for his whole family. I was fortunate enough to have Heather and Autumn as wonderful athletes. Rest in Peace, my Friend.

Dawn Langjahr

January 26, 2014

I knew Dr Davis from his work at Dientes Community Dental in Santa Cruz. He was so excited about helping his patients and teaching the staff! We enjoyed his humor and appreciated his heart for the community...Condolences to his family

Freedom Starbucks crew

January 25, 2014

All of us here at the Freedom Starbucks send our deepest sympathies to Bob's wife and family. He was a cherished member of our family here too. We'll all miss talking about the giants and 49ers with him, as well a hearing all of his stories about his life. Much love to you all at this difficult time. <3

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