Obituary of Richard Davis

Richard Paul Davis, 69, peacefully passed away on August 7, 2010 at Vista Medical Center East, with his family at his bedside, following a five month battle with cancer. He was born in Lake Forest, Illinois on September 18, 1940, and lived the first half of his life in Waukegan, graduating from Waukegan Township High School in 1959. He worked for many years at United Parcel Service, first as a driver, then as a driver trainer, and finally as a supervisor. He has resided in Wisconsin for the past 30 years, save for the two year residency in Maui, Hawaii. He was working full-time for Steiner Electric until he was diagnosed with cancer in March of this year. He was looking forward to retirement after completing 20 years with the company in October. Richard had many interests, including woodworking, vintage cars, and aviation. He had been a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) for the past 30 years. He dreamed of purchasing and restoring a vintage hotrod after he retired. He also loved to travel. He and his wife had been planning a trip to Savannah, GA and St. Augustine, FL in late October. He is survived by his devoted wife of 30 years, Patricia Davis (nee Leatherman), a daughter Tammy (Adam) Malchow, a son Richard Davis, both of Portage, WI. He is also survived by two granddaughters, Angela and Sarah Malchow, a sister Rosemary (Richard) Crouthers, sisters-in-law Diane Hacke and Gail Anderson, a niece Desirae (Cemore) Young, a nephew Jason (Jennefer) Hacke, a nephew Richard (Berni) Crouthers, great-nieces Kiara, Olivia, and Samantha Hacke, great-nephew Devon Young, and his little four -legged Pug buddy, Max. He will be remembered by his family and friends as a kind and caring man, always ready and willing to help anyone in need. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Marion, his parents Clara Ingram and Beryl Davis, his nephew Bobby Crouthers, and his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Mary and Blaine Leatherman. His wish was to be cremated. CONGDON FUNERAL HOME is handling those arrangements, after which his wife will take him home. Anyone wishing to make a donation in his memory may do so to your local animal shelter or the American Cancer Society. He and Pat loved dogs and cats, taking in strays through the years and going door-to-door trying to find their owners. A memorial service and celebration of Richard's life is being planned for what would have been his 70th birthday in September.