It’s pretty incredible, this chance we have. This chance we have called life. We can decide many things and choose many paths. It’s like those “Choose Your Own Adventure” books I used to read as a kid only with virtually infinite options that only expand and collapse depending on the door you decide to open. Well, my dad had the kind of life that is more like “lives”. He had so many incarnations. He was a farmer, construction worker, mayor, softball pitcher and coach, small business owner, lawyer, father, husband,brother, son, and so much more. Well, let’s let him tell you. He wrote his own obituary and you all are the first to see it.
1/23/1948 – 8/14/2010
Age: 62
Residence: Greeley
I was born in Meeker, Colorado on January 23, 1948 to Herbert Lester Davis and Iris Florane Lovelace. My family and I lived in a log cabin on my grand-dad’s homestead for a little over three years. In my third year, my brother Edwin L. Davis was born and we moved to Portland, Oregon because Dad had been called up for the Korean Conflict.
We lived in Portland, Oregon for six years until we moved back to Colorado when I was about nine years old. I graduated from Meeker High School in 1966. Later that year, I joined the Army Security Agency as an analyst. I left the Army in 1969 and worked in farming and construction until the early 1970’s when I moved to Greeley, Colorado.
In Greeley I started and ran a successful lawn care company called Davis Lawn Care for over 20 years. In 1976 I met the love of my life, Charlotte G. LeBlanc. I finally persuaded her to marry me on July 4, 1978. All of the really great things in my life have come from Char including my two children. Cassandra Iris (Cassie) was born on July 18, 1980 and Justin Tyler on September 8, 1985. Our family moved to Nunn, Colorado in 1991 where we renovated and lived in the old school house there until 2007.
I finally graduated from the University of Northern Colorado in 1995. In 1998 I graduated from the University of Wyoming: College of Law; the same year Cassie graduated from Highland High School and Char received her Master’s Degree from UNC.
Much to my enormous happiness, Cassie married Britton L. Kauffman on August 6, 2005.
I practiced law in Weld County and was a member of the Weld County Bar Association until I became too ill to continue my practice in 2008. One of my greatest honors in life was to be a member of that Bar Association and to practice law in Colorado. In 2004 I was presented with the A. Andrew Borg Award for my volunteer Pro Bono services in support of Weld County Legal Services.
I was preceded in death by my mother, father and brother. I am survived by my wife, children, half brother, Bill Davis, niece, Madison Davis, mother-in-law, Grace LeBlanc and many friends.
I also leave an open chair in my monthly poker game with some of my best friends and the best card players in Greeley.
-JFD
John F. (Jack) Davis passed away on Saturday morning, August 14, 2010 in Greeley after a long battle with cancer under care by Hospice. Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, August 21st at UNC’s University Center Columbine Suites at 2pm. Condolences may be sent to: http://www.stoddardsunset.com. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Northern Colorado, Inc.
Update***Today, August 18, the Greeley Tribune published his obituary***
I miss you already, Jack. We were diagnosed at the same time and I so enjoyed our conversations and our mutually defiant attitudes toward the treatment and some of the providers. I saw Char not too long ago and have regretted since then that I didn’t get a phone number or a way to contact you; you’ve been right there in my mind and I suspected I didn’t have much time to reach you. My heart broke when I learned of your passing. I knew you could handle what was coming, but I’m slapped with the reality of the incredible pain our survivors must bear. You were a good, kind, honest man, Jack, and I will never forget the positive influence you had on my life and Gage’s. Godspeed, my friend. Char, please let me help you in any way I can. Love, Karen
We’ve been thinking of you, Cassie.
Dear Cassie and family,
For many years I only knew of Jack through his reputation and through the words of my sister, Karen DeMello. Then I began working for a divorce attorney in Greeley and had the great pleasure of meeting and working with Jack. We laughed on many occasions over the silly things people do and say. He always had a kind word, was willing to go out of his way to help, and will forever live in my memory as one of the most honest and hard-working lawyers I’ve ever met. I am saddened by his passing but heartened that I got to share some time with him while he was with us. We were all so lucky to have known him. My sincere condolences to you all.
Dear Char, Cassie, Justin and Britton,
I am so very sorry to hear about Jack. He was a good man and a special friend. I would give anything to be at the service on Saturday to give you a hug, Char. I will be thinking of you. And I’ll send a letter and card next week. My thoughts and prayers go out to each of you. Love, Teri
Hi Cassie,
I was a high school friend of your Mom’s, tho I’m sad to say we lost touch years ago. (I have googled she and Jack over the years but never really came up with anything until today) I came to CO to visit them the first summer they were together, 1975. We even took a road trip in that old Ford Van/pickup I saw in your Dad’s memorial video. I just want to say that I really liked your Dad, and am very sad to see that he’s gone. He always had a smile on his face, always positive. It looks like they gave you a wonderful life.
Again, my condolences to you and your family.
Sheryl Miller