Kenneth Davis

1933 - 2023

KENNETH A. DAVIS

June 5, 1933 to August 28, 2023

Ken Davis, of Grass Valley, passed away on August 28th, 2023 at 90 years of age. He was courageous until the end, as he loved this life and his family. Ken was a beloved son, brother, Dad, Grandpa, Great Papa, and friend. He was born in Chicago, June 5, 1933 to Isabelle & Andy Davis. Ken is survived by brother Gene Davis of Loomis, sister Norida Montsalvo of Sausalito, daughters Lisa Conlan and Shannon VanDusen, son-in-law Daniel Conlan, grandchildren Cole Davis/ Collier Conlan/ Erin Groo/ Shelbi Vergara, great-grandchildren Gage/ Illa/ Gema Groo and Lyric/ Henna/ Raeya Vergara (of Grass Valley, Penn Valley, Yuba City). Ken is preceded in death by his parents, and daughter Kelly Davis (of Grass Valley).

Ken moved from Chicago to W. Sacramento in 1947. He graduated from Woodland High School in 1951, and attended Sac. Junior College before joining the US Navy. During the Korean War, Ken served as a Petty Officer in main propulsion engineering aboard the USS Aircraft Carrier Windham Bay, CVE 92. He returned stateside to earn his B.A. and M.A. degrees at Sac State in 1961-1969. He worked summers in Lake Tahoe where he embraced the great outdoors. Ken married Diane Collier of Dixon in 1960. They had three daughters, Kelly/ Lisa/ Shannon. The Davis family lived in Sacramento/ Stockton/ Morada/ Yuba City, until Ken and Diane parted company in 1993. He proudly called Grass Valley/ Nevada City his home ever since.

Kens career included managing the Tomato Growers and Assn. of N Cal, followed by the Prune Bargaining Assn. Later he became Western Reg. Mgr of Gov. Relations for Monsanto Corp. near the State Capital. Ken ended his professional life as an independent consultant. Retirement did not suit Ken. Due to his love of woodworking and creating unique pieces, he started a side business while also working into his late 80s for Meeks/ B&C Hardware, where he loved serving the community and staying busy.

Ken was a proud, devoted father that cherished the moments and memories of family, as life unfolded. He said it was his most important accomplishment. Ken shared his caring heart by protecting, encouraging, and being an involved parent to his girls. He was a treasure to their families and took his Grandpa role seriously. Birthdays and holidays (esp. Christmas) were his thing, always making everyone feel special. Different chapters of his story brought Ken lifelong friends, always adding new ones. The example he set was to find joy in the little things, work hard, love well, have adventures, face challenges with strength and integrity, and find humor along the way.

Ken was a student/teacher of history, nature, and politics. He was a true American patriot that valued all his country offered. He studied the ever changing aspects of geology and humanity. Ken took a special interest in local government and the history of Nevada County gold country. This included native populations, early settlements, mining claims/ operations, railroads, ghost towns, the Sierras, and exploring back country roads/ trails leading him to treasures of the past. In later years he took random drives to check-out an old historic bridge/ building/ barn, a mountain meadow with the first blooms of spring, or a scenic waterfall/ river/ lake. Ken loved books, music (sang a good ballad and played harmonica), classic movies, photography, travel, and never could resist a good joke!

Be at peace Dad. Thank you for being an amazing father and the many gifts you brought to those who were lucky to know you. You are loved and will be missed every day, until we meet again... somewhere over the rainbow.

A formal service will take place at the VA National Cemetery, Sacramento. A local Celebration of Life for Ken is also forthcoming.