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Daniel R. Davis

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University of Washington

Daniel Davis Obituary

Daniel R. DAVIS The many friends of Dan Davis were deeply saddened by his passing on January 14, 2012. Born in California and raised in Seattle, Dan earned B.S. and M.S. degrees in mathematics from the University of Washington, and worked as a mathematician at Boeing. During the 1960s, Dan emerged at a young age as one of the most distinguished alpinists of North America by virtue of numerous high level first ascents . His calm wisdom combined with enormous strength and skill made him a favorite climbing partner for many. Most notable were his first winter ascent of the N. Peak of Mt. Index and first ascent of Mt. Robson's N. Face in the Canadian Rockies, both emanating from his intense focus and bold initiative. His record of climbing Mt. Rainier 24 times by 23 different routes, including some new routes, is exceptional. In recent years, he had nearly completed his project of reaching the highest summit in each of the 50 states. Dan was equally passionate about cycling, as evidenced by his 900 mile bicycle trip from Seattle to Berkeley at age 17 to visit his grandmother. An avid racer in his early years, Dan continued serious bicycle riding throughout his life, notably participating in the 200 mile Seattle-to-Portland event 19 times, 13 of which he was in the elite group completing the ride in one day. Survivors include his partner, Suzan Reiley and sisters, Juanita Davis, Christine Powell, and Mary Richards, and brother Harry W. Davis. A celebration of Dan's life will be Saturday, July 28, 2012. For further information contact: [email protected]

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

Published by The Seattle Times on Jan. 22, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Daniel Davis

23 Entries

John K.

February 18, 2024

I'm saddened to hear of Dan's passing. I working with him at Boeing back in the late 70's and early 80's. We were young and into Seattle's great outdoors back then and Dan was the wise "mountain man". I remember him eating his bag lunch at his desk while reading his newspaper each day. He gave us good advise and I believe we even went hiking once or twice. He was a quiet man and respectful of all.

The cover for the program for Dan Davis's "Celebration of Life" (held today).

July 28, 2012

Bette Felton

July 27, 2012

My only distinct memory of Dan on a climbing trip is when Lizard and I and Dan went off to conquer a top-hundred peak named Tower. We hiked in and set up camp right below the gully leading to the summit. The next morning was rather rainy and Dan decided not to go. I can't remember whether we teased him or not, but in any case he made the right decision because no sooner did Lizard and I stick our heads around into the gully than we were met with a hail of pebbles knocked loose by the rain. We then promptly followed Dan's example and got out of there.
My other encounters with Dan have to do with his desire to learn. He attended UW lectures in person, and when the TV camera panned the crowd, there was Dan. He frequented Town Hall as well, and to this day, every time I go to Town Hall, my first action is to scan the crowd looking for Dan.

Dan's Friends

June 20, 2012

A Celebration of the Life of Dan Davis will be held on Saturday, July 28, 2012, 11:00 to 2:00 at the home of Eddie and Hille Boulton, 10028 Ashworth Avenue North, Seattle 98133. There will be a brief program at 11:45 with a potluck to follow. Bring your memories, and bring your stories to share (especially the funny ones).

Kalman Brauner

April 2, 2012

Miscellaneous photos of Dan may be seen at http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.322572327793173.91899.100001212253363&type=3&l=5345bb1a28.

Jerry Baillie

February 19, 2012

I knew Dan at Boeing always tried to get him to tell stories, not an easy task! I did take him to Smith Rocks and we did some routes together. Dan brought some new sticky rubber shoes but preferred his old "kletter" shoes!
He will be missed

Louise Kornreich

February 18, 2012

The first time I met Dan was on a bike ride to the Olympic Music Festival. The very hilly route did not dampen either his speed or his attention to the music.

Whenever I went to a performance at Benaroya, despite how many people were in attendance, I always saw Dan in the lobby at intermission; he would nod his head in my direction. He was a man of few words, but I took the time to get to know him a little and found that he could name every peak in a photo and talk about his climbing days which were great in number.

I'd had a feeling there were some great adventures hiding behind his smile.

Kalman Brauner

February 18, 2012

If you are a Facebook-er, some items relating to Dan may be found on his FB page at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001212253363.

Tod Powell

February 11, 2012

Uncle Dan gave the coolest presents, and all he did was clean out his closet.

Uncle Dan's books had the coolest titles, and the contents of the Encylopedia of Graffiti was pretty awesome too.

The last conversation we had may also have been our first. I was telling him how I'd walked from Washington to Oregon (border town to border town virtually), and commemorated my landing in Portland by visiting Powell's books. Ah yes, says Dan, I've biked from Seattle to Portland 19 times, and I always go to Powell's books. I am my uncle's nephew!-- fractionally, at least.

Dan Davis, Pat Callis, & Mickey Schurr atop Shiverick, 2006

Peter Renz

February 5, 2012

Peter Renz

February 5, 2012

I knew Dan Davis in the 1960s, as a student and an emerging power climber. His smile was infectious, as if he knew something that you didn't, and that was OK. He was a solid and sensible student – as a climber he was grander: abler and more ambitious without being off-putting.

It was wonderful when Dan and Pat Callis nailed their ascent of the North Face of Robson in August of 1963. The photo in the American Alpine Journal article was inspiring. I moved out of the Seattle area and lost contact with Dan, though I heard of him now and then from Bob Phelps, a Seattle mathematician and climber, and Mickey Schurr a Seattle chemist and climber and a climbing partner of Pat Callis's as well.

In 2005 Mickey had the happy idea of inviting Pat and Dan on our 2006 trip to the British Columbia Coast Range, a tradition begun by Joe and Joan Firey and carried on by Dave Knudson. Dan and Pat accepted and we spent a week camped on the Isolation-Malamute Glacier divide.

The plum of the trip was the west Ridge of Mt. Shiverick, a second ascent and a new route, the FA made by Bill Putnam and Charlie Shiverick in 1947. The descent was by the untouched South Face. Dan's smile and sense of humor were as always. Bicycling served him well and his skills were undiminished. Here is the summit shot: left to right, Dan, Pat, and Mickey, Mt. Shiverick, July 26, 2006. What a pleasure to share that trip with him.

Doug Damm

February 4, 2012

I can't say that I really knew Dan although, being somewhat of a climber myself, I certainly knew of him. I first met him in the '50s when I met others in his family in their U'District home. As the years passed I saw his name associated with more and more first ascents. I lost track of Dan until two years ago, when we met at a Mountaineers 50 year member lunch. We sat together and got caught up. It was then that I realized what a great person he was apart from his climbing persona. We had a great couple of hours. Like others, I was shocked to hear of his passing ... I feel a sense of loss even though our paths seldom crossed. May the God of peace bring peace to the hearts of those who grieve.

John Marts

February 2, 2012

Dan was one of the original rock jocks in the Leavenworth area. He pioneered routes and was a weekend fixture. Dave and Diana Dailey, climbing partners of his, told me that he had passed. My condolences to Suzan. John Marts (Edmonds, WA)

Stuart Ferguson

January 24, 2012

Climbed with Dan on Mckinely,s Wickersham wall in 1961. That is when It all took off.

John Holland

January 23, 2012

On Mixup, I think.

John Holland

January 23, 2012

Same time frame.

Ridgecrest in Mist

John Holland

January 23, 2012

Another photo, probably from 1960-1962.

Pam Cole

January 22, 2012

Dan was a friend, a superb climber, who took the time to mentor and encourage my basic climbing endeavors, always with grace and patience. I have many fond memories of Dan -- among them are his wry sense of humour, his adventurous spirit, and his spontaneity. Dan was truly a man for all seaons and will be missed.

Juanita Davis

January 22, 2012

There are no words for how sad I am to lose Dan.
His was a noble spirit.

Cascades, Somewhere

John Holland

January 22, 2012

We had plenty of time to talk. But the conversations were uniquely asymmetric: my ramblings interspersed now and then – often after a long pause - with your carefully chosen words. Meaningful endeavor in life was the topic once. I held forth at length about academic and professional achievement. You listened with patience, unmoved. In the end you countered with the concept that the most meaningful endeavor would be spiritual. I get it, Dan. Godspeed and Berg Heil!

David Baker

January 22, 2012

When I first joined Cascade Bicycle Club, Dan's rides appealed to me.His rides made me a better rider. His level of riding challenged me and his smooth and consistant approach left me secure in that I would not be left behind. Now that he has passed, I am left behind but inspired, to conquer the winds and hills knowing that he stands atop the Mountain of mountains is out front at the end of "Tour du Earth"!!

Barbara Dahl

January 22, 2012

I have additional memories of Dan. In addition to being a true and steadfast friend, he was a man of boundless curiosity: He was passionate about a wide variety of music - from symphonic to reggae; he was a world traveler; he dedicated himself to taking Access courses (2-3 per semester) at the University of Washington, often specializing in courses about world religions; and he collected books on mountaineering, art, bycycling, music, religion, as well as many other topics.

Kalman Brauner

January 22, 2012

Dan had a great interest in knowledge and he took joy in its acquisition. His interests were many and varied and included music (both eastern and western), religion (both eastern and western); travel (often emphasizing places not normally visited by Americans), and photography. For the last few years he spent considerable time furthering his knowledge as a student at the University of Washington. Dan was clearly a renaissance man.

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