Frederic G. Davis

RYE - Frederic Gordon Davis, 91, of Rye, formerly of Sanbornville, and Squantum, Mass., died peacefully surrounded by his family Monday, Nov. 22, 2010.

Gordon was born in Boston on Sept. 22, 1919, to Jared William and Grace Ellsworth (Chandler) Davis. He graduated from Dorchester High School for Boys and Wentworth Institute of Technology with a degree in engineering. Gordon enlisted in the Army as a Second Lieutenant and served in World War II, retiring after 30 years of active and reserve service as a Lieutenant Colonel.

He married Marjorie Ruth Walmsley on June 9, 1942, with whom he shared 56 years of marriage.

After the war, they settled in Squantum and were avid boating enthusiasts. Gordon was Commodore of Squantum Yacht Club as well as Commodore of Quincy Bay Race Week.

He is survived by his daughters: Linda D. Allen of Byfield, Mass., Jeanne C. Doherty and her husband, David, of Conway, and Carol A. Sullivan and her husband, Daniel, of Stratham; and son-in-law, James R. Spear of Southwick, Mass.

He was predeceased by his wife, Marjorie; his daughter, Barbara D. Spear; and his son-in-law, Arthur Allen. He is also survived by grandchildren: Melissa J. (Spear) Neylon, her husband, Michael, of Ludlow, Mass., and their children Stephanie, Michael and Michaela; Robert G. Spear, his wife, Teresa, of Chicopee, Mass., and their children Isabella and Colby; Kimberly (Allen) Lugo, her husband, Lt. Col. Anthony Lugo, currently stationed in Honolulu, and their children, Matthew, Chandler, Riley and Jackson; Elissa (Allen) Schlotterbeck, her husband, Armin, of Tewksbury, N.J., and their children Abigail and Ainsley; Jared K. Doherty of Conway, Daniel and Patrick Sullivan of Stratham.

WE REMEMBER: He worked for New England Gas and Electric Association as a draftsman and then became fleet manager for all the vehicles in NEGEA's fleet. When he retired, he and Marge made their home on Pine River Pond in Sanbornville, where they had spent their honeymoon. It was always special to them.

Always an active person, Gordon needed more of a challenge in retirement and volunteered for the vacant position of Sanbornville/Wakefield building inspector. Gordon was building inspector for several years while Marge volunteered in the town clerk's office.

Both also enjoyed their volunteer work at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church. Gordon was also responsible for drafting the plans for building the new fire station and oversaw its construction. In 1992, Gordon and Marge were honored as Volunteers of the Year by the Town of Wakefield.

Several years after losing Marge, Gordon found a new home and wonderful friends at Webster at Rye. He set up a woodworking shop at Webster and built over 40 dollhouses, wooden signs, pens, pencils and Christmas tree ornaments.

Each year for the Christmas craft fair, Gordon built and donated a dollhouse for Webster to raffle with the proceeds going to the activities fund. Gordon's last dollhouse will be raffled at this year's craft fair on Dec. 4 at Webster at Rye.

SERVICES: There will be a Celebration of His Life and funeral services in Sanbornville, at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in the spring. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gordon's name to the Activities Fund at Webster at Rye, 795 Washington Road, Rye, NH 03870, or to the charity of your choice. Arrangements are by Remick and Gendron Funeral Home-Crematory, Hampton. An online guestbook is available at: www.RemickGendron.com.