Dan Davis
June 17, 1914 - August 10, 2006
Obituary
Dan Davis of Bellevue died Aug. 10, 2006, in Redmond, Washington. He was 92. He was born June 17, 1914, in Maryhill, Washington to Walter W. Davis and Hazel Fern Klinger He grew up in Seattle, where he attended Green Lake Grade School and Lincoln High School. At the University of Washington his studies included Forestry and music. He married Kathryn Katie Stockfeld on April 4, 1942 in Annapolis, Md. At that time he worked as a police officer in Washington, D. C. being a part of the national security and worked as gatekeeper at the White House. They moved to Seattle in the following year, where he then worked for Boeing, building B17s. He moved to Mercer Island in 1947 where he and Katie raised their children until her passing in 1961. In the late 50’s, he worked at the post offices on Mercer Island and in Bellevue until he retired in 1973 and became a full time musician. While in the Boy Scouts, he played his first instrument, the bugle. As a gifted musician, he mastered piano, accordion, saxophone and clarinet, and was a member of the Musicians’ Union Local 76, having joined that organization in his teens. He played the accordion on a cruise ship that traveled the inside passage to Alaska in the 30’s, played Jazz Piano at Doc Maynard’s in Pioneer square and performed in many dance bands over his professional career, at such establishments as the Spanish Castle, Avalon Ballroom and the Trianon just to name a few. He could be found around the Puget Sound area playing music with many groups over the years, but Jazz was his all time favorite. He was a member of the Seattle Letter Carrier’s Band and was the oldest participating member of the Bellevue Community College Concert Band. He arranged music for saxophone quartets and quintets and his ad-lib solos were often the highlight of the entire concert. He was preceded in death by his first wife Katie in 1961, his grandson; Mark Alan Wallace in 1985 and daughter, Ellen Gentry in 2004. In addition to his loving wife of 36 years, Lisle Davis of Bellevue, survivors include his children; Marjorie Wallace of Lacy; Dave Davis of Auburn; Tom Davis of Marysville and John Davis of Renton. His grandchildren; Kathryn Kryston of Bend, Oregon; Albert Dan Wallace of Tacoma, Glen Davis and Robert Davis of Auburn, Christina Fazio of Addy, Washington, Matthew Davis of Everett, Washington, Steven Davis, William Davis, Alan Davis, Kendra Davis and Alex Davis; all of Renton, Washington. Shane Gentry, of Renton, Washington and April McKean of Virginia Beach, Virginia. Eleven great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. We will remember Dan for the joy he brought to everyone with his music. We will think of how much he loved his music and all of the dear friends he made of the years in his profession and the special gift he possessed. He considered his wife and fellow musician, Lisle to be his very best friend. At one time they had two Pianos in their living room and would often serenade guests and family alike. He was a dedicated fisherman, spending many hours out on Puget Sound in West Seattle. He enjoyed gardening and growing vegetables and roses. His animals were always very special to him and brought him endless hours of joy and companionship. We will remember his gentle ways and quiet nature and his appreciation of the special things in life. Oftentimes, his silences said more than words ever could, but in the end, I think his music spoke for him the best. Private services only for family members. Remembrances may be made to King County Humane Society or the animal rescue organization of your choice.
My love and prayers are with all of you. Dan and Lisle gave so much at Silver Glen and have been missed greatly. Dan’s generous spirit and talent was truly appreciated. Pattsie Brown