It's been a very very long time
If you've been a reader here you've wondered...
If you're new it may strike you as odd that there's been no new updates for years.
There is no better way to explain than what I share now below
It's time
And with this explanation, and the years that have elapsed since,
I'll add only that I'm dedicated to returning to glass and the art we both loved
and that I love still
Obituary of David Davis
David Davis June 1, 1932 - October 24, 2014
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| David Davis, Dad |
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It's
a complex mixture of honor and pain to capture, in words, the
personality and life of a remarkable person you deeply loved....
You
didn't want a service or memorial or eulogy or wake. So typical of you.
I hope you won't mind if I share some parts of your life here.
And I hope I share your story well Dad....
"Dave"
as everyone called him spent his early life where he was born in Ithaca
NY. His traps, trap lines and fishing rods were his constant
companions. The woods and streams were his refuge.
Until he met 'bunny'
who stole his heart.
After high school he began an apprenticeship at
Cornell University but took leave from training to do his duty during
the Korean War as a Navy mechanics mate. Upon return from the war his
previous position at Cornell was no longer available so he was offered
an apprenticeship as a scientific glassblower. It became a career he
loved and which lasted over six decades.
Within those years he won over
the heart of "Jo" (Joyce) aka bunny, They married, had two children
Faith and David R, moved often and for 61 years kept each other laughing
and in love.
His
corporate career took him from Cornell to Motorola, IBM, Xerox.
Ultimately he created his own scientific glass business FayRan Glass.
Over the course of his entire career he collaborated with scientists,
professors and researchers around the globe creating laboratory glass
apparatus systems as unique as each project. Anyone who knew him knew he
loved a challenge. He was exacting and proud of his work, his
innovations, his contributions to research and technology that he
created by hand with his torches and glass.
Yet his career was only part of his life.
He
held a lifelong respect and passion for the martial arts, both the
teachings and the practice. He began to study and teach judo in the
1960's, ultimately running his own do-jo in Webster. Soon to follow was
his passion for and mastery of Karate which never ended ~ he received
his black belt at age 81. In the fifty years he devoted time to the
martial arts and Tai Chi he most loved teaching all of the martial arts
disciplines. He loved every one of his students, always encouraging them
to 'find their personal best'.
He
held a lifelong passion for learning new techniques for working glass.
He studied at Corning in his sixties and seventies (joke being he
outworked most of the far younger students lol). Again his passion
turned to teaching - with existing and new skills he took the greatest
joy in teaching. Many a happy hour were spent by Dave and his daughter
teaching artistic glass-working at Morefire Studio in Rochester.
As they say on infomercials "but wait, there's more"
He
was a fisherman, a conservationist, a mentor to anyone in need of an
ear or advice. A man who LOVED his food, keeping the Lima diner (and
other restaurants) in business single handed, lol. A man who was loyal
beyond measure to his wife, his few close friends, family and students.
He was always willing to lend a hand. He had a great sense of humor.
Gave great hugs. Never ran out of energy - ever.
When
faced with catastrophic illness he was courageous, upbeat and steadfast
~ he worried most about everyone else during each step of his journey.
He complained only once ~ only one time through it all. It was an honor
to be at his side and observe his strength each time he faced the
seemingly endless series of difficult choices, appointments, treatments
and tests. Throughout the 17 month battle Dad (and mom) taught me more
than I could say about determination and strength, sacrifice and love.
There's so much more ~ yet nothing more ~ to say.
Remember
him as the man he was. A special man who loved and was loved. A man
who always knew his mind. A man who thrived on learning and teaching. A
man who made the world a better place. A man who set the bar high. A
man who will always be missed but leaves behind so many memories
shared......
Love you Dad - always
Proud to be your daughter
Faye
*Private Services*
