Dennis Howard Davis

Dennis Davis Obituary

DAVIS, DENNIS HOWARD

Passed away Thursday, September 8, 2005 at age 72. He died of complications from multiple myeloma in the company of loving family. He was diagnosed in February 2005.

Dennis was born in Mulberry, Indiana, and grew up in Muskegon, Michigan where he was an active boy scout. In his early twenties he developed a love for Asian culture, languages, and cuisine. He joined the Army and studied Mandarin Chinese (Defense Language Institute) and Japanese (U of Michigan), working as a linguist for the US Military in Japan, Hawaii, and Taiwan for over fifteen years. In Taiwan he developed a passion for photography and pottery, building a dark room and pottery studio with his then wife Judy. After returning to the US, Dennis became a full-time potter.

Dennis was a potter at Waterfront Potters, Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria, VA for 29 years. His home studio until 1999 was in Stafford, VA. We looked forward to his kiln openings and clay egg parties, enjoying beautiful craftsmanship, community, and good food. He held raku and salt workshops, always excited by the transforming power of fire in clay. Dennis taught at the Art League Pottery School for 22 years and was the school's director for five years. He was a well-loved teacher and mentor.

Dennis moved to Whidbey Island, WA in 2003 to be close to his children and grandchildren. He found great joy in their company and loved the woods. He built a pottery studio, had plans for a gas kiln, and was active until the end.

Dennis was preceded in death by his brother, Terry Lee Davis, in 1969. He is survived by loving parents, Lewis Marshall and Lucy Pauline Davis of Mulberry, IN; daughters, Susan Irene Davis (Julia Froese) and Laurie Ann (Mark) Milodragovich; grandchildren, John Lewis (8), Henry Varelia (6), Lucy Ann (2) of Seattle; companion, Lee McInerney of Sterling, VA; extended family in Indiana, Florida and countless friends. We will miss him with all our hearts.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Remembrances to The Art League Dennis Davis Award, 105 N. Union St. Alexandria, VA 22314 or The International Myeloma Foundation, 12650 Riverside Dr. Ste. 206, N. Hollywood, CA 91607.

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Published by The Washington Post on Sep. 18, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Davis

12 Entries

David Steward

October 18, 2005

I took my first pottery class from Dennis thinking I would be taking a class as a diversion from the art classes in which I put pressure on myself to achieve some degree of success, not realizing I was going to be hooked. I became his long term teacher's aide for his Thursday evening class at The Art League. When he retired from teaching, he looked at his shelf of demo pots that he kept in the classroom, decided he no longer needed them and offered them to me. Of course, I accepted.

Dennis had a big heart and although he did not consider himself a cat person, he took in a stray in need and gave her a home for three years. Shortly thereafter she showed her appreciation by giving him five more. When Dennis left Stafford, Kitty came to live with me. I still have her here with me. She comes running to greet me every evening when I get home. She brightens my life every day and I have Dennis to thank for her.

Susan and Laurie, you have my deepest sympathies. Even though I had lost touch with Dennis when he moved west, I have missed him every day since I learned of his passing. I owe him a great deal.

Thank you Dennis.

David

Claire Hasselbeck

October 17, 2005

Dennis had a deep knowledge and love of the qualities that made a pot great.

He also loved making his own pots and so many of them were wonderful--true and honest like Dennis.

He will be missed by his friends and the pottery world.

In appreciation, Claire Hasselbeck

Grandpa Dennis with grandkids Henry, John, Lucy, daughter Laurie

October 15, 2005

Dad, Susan, Laurie, baby Lucy, Grandma and Grandpa Davis (Dennis' parents)

October 15, 2005

Dennis, opening the salt kiln.

October 15, 2005

Jack Johnson

October 15, 2005

Dennis was a gift to me. He not only taught me pottery but he showed me how to enjoy and appreciate the simple things in life. He was an example of living your dream and doing what you are good at and enjoying it. His gift will always be with me. Thanks Dennis.

Jack Johnson

Chris Hollyer

September 25, 2005

My condolences to Dennis' family and friends.

Dennis was a member of the MMA list, a discussion and support group for patients with Multiple Myeloma, and their caregivers.

Please accept my best wishes.

Chris

Mizue Croswell

September 22, 2005

The first time I saw Dennis, he was throwing a pot at the Torpedo Factory, and I knew immediately that I wanted to study with him. I took several workshops with him at his home studio in Stafford, where we had the time of our lives learning, playing, working, eating, and loving life. He was a great teacher, mentor, and loving friend. I still have a plant he gave me over ten years ago, and each time I water it, I think of him.

Dennis, see you in the next life.

Hollis Engley

September 22, 2005

Dennis was my first pottery teacher, at the Art League in Alexandria. He was a good teacher, and tough on beginning potters who were willing to settle for less than their best. How many cylinders did we all have to cut, even when we wanted to save a good one? Many.

His place in Stafford was a wonderful gathering place for the group of potter-friends - men and women alike - who were enthralled by raku or salt-glazing and liked each other and wanted to hang out together. And eat together. Often, the best part of a day of raku was not the pots, but the potluck lunch break at noon. I think Dennis loved being fed that way.

I am a potter today because of the teachers who inspired me, and Dennis was the first. He was a good potter and a good man.

Hollis Engley

Hatchville Pottery

E. Falmouth, MA 02536

Gayle Petersen

September 21, 2005

Dearest Sussan and Laurie,

You both know how much I loved and cared for your father. He was a wonderful friend, teacher and an inspiration to those who took classes with him or spent so many wonderful hours in Stafford doing Raku or other firings. He inspired me to always reach a bit higher, take chances and not stop to worry about the broken pots. "Make more" was his mantra over the years.

I'll see you in the Afterlife, Dennis.

With love,

Gayle

Jennifer Pease

September 19, 2005

Susan and Laurie,

I was distressed to hear about Dennis and wanted to extend my condolences to you and your family.

I was Dennis' teaching assistant at the Art League for several years and was the first student to sign up for the new Resident's program Dennis created at the school. I think of Dennis every time I throw a cylinder or coach someone in the studio.

Dennis was a wonderful teacher and a great friend.

Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you in this difficult time.

Jennifer