Grant Davis
Grant Davis, 84, passed away on April 13, 2010. His extraordinarily rich and full life was distinguished by energy, activity, accomplishments, loving and giving. Grant’s appreciation for life, good humor, and contributions to others leave an endearing impression and serve as an inspiration to all who knew him.
Mr. Davis was born to William and Lois Davis on January 9, 1926, in Norristown, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Penn State University with a B.S. in Forestry and a M.S. in Wildlife Management. While there Grant was a member of the Phi Kappa Sigma fraternity and Sigma Xi, the National Scientific Research Society, as well as playing on the varsity lacrosse, wrestling, track and soccer teams. Later he earned a post graduate degree in Forest Ecology at Syracuse University.
Mr. Davis served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army Military Intelligence during World War II and subsequently joined the Naval Reserve where he retired as a full Commander in Naval Intelligence. He also served as the Blue and Gold officer, recruiting students in eastern Montana for the U.S. Naval Academy.
Mr. Davis worked with the U.S. Forest Service for 31 years performing pioneering research on surface mine reclamations. During his tenure there he relocated numerous times throughout the United States, as well as to foreign countries. In 1974 he settled in Billings, supervising reclamation research in the Rocky Mountain region. Here he met Virginia Vivian Morledge in 1975 and they married three years later. Upon retirement he continued to work as a consultant for the U.S. Office of Surface Mining, holding workshops for mining inspectors throughout the United States. He authored more than 30 scientific publications during his career and was a 50 year member of the Society of American Foresters. His wife, Virginia, retired from teaching to accompany Grant on his frequent trips and adventures.
Grant was known to all as an avid outdoorsman and an outstanding hunter and fisherman. Beyond these pursuits he was a dedicated community activist and volunteer. His love and caring for people led him to teach fly-tying to hundreds of school children, assist elderly with tax preparation, and serve as president of PEAKS, raising money for the Northern Rockies Cancer Center. He also dedicated his time as a director of the Billings Rod and Gun Club and the Magic City Flyfishers Chapter of Trout Unlimited.
Grant is survived by his loving wife, Virginia Vivian Morledge of Billings; sons, Michael (Karen) and Jonathan (Jill) of Arlington, VA: Brian (Karen) of Glastonbury, CT; and; stepson, Roy V. Morledge III (Vikki) of Sammamish, WA; his grandchildren, Rylan, Shealyn, Molly and Colin Davis and Mason and Myles Morledge; brothers, William (Jane) of Phoenix and Richard (Sue) of Michigan; his sister-in-law, Sally of Pennsylvania; his brother-in-law George Vivian (Midge) of Idaho Falls; Dr. Scott Hampton Morledge; numerous nieces and nephews; his good fishing buddies, Ron Hildebrand, Robert Thiesen, Hugh Huntly and Roger Bauer; and his loving dogs, Bella and Sassy.
Mr. Davis was predeceased by his eldest son, Grant Lees; his first wife, Dorothy Lees Davis; his brother, Edward; and his three dogs, Commander, Cocoa and Murphy.His dogs were a joy to him.
A memorial service celebrating Grant’s life will be held at Michelotti-Sawyers in Billings, on Sunday, May 2 at 3:00 with a reception to follow at the Granary. Contributions in Grant’s memory would be greatly appreciated by Peaks, or Magic City Flyfishers Chapter of Trout Unlimited – Youth Education Program.
Remembrances
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Virginia, This really saddens me. You and your family have my deepest sympathy at this time. David and I remember you as one of the most fantastic teachers he ever had.
I remember the first time I ever met Grant and thought he was the sweetest man. He had so much compassion for your work with students. Please accept our condolences and if you ever need anything I am still only a phone call away. I have remarried and still live in the same spot. Just a new house. David is in Oregon working for the airlines now. Let's get together this summer and share the memories.Marcia (Chesterman) Miller, David Chesterman.