Vincent Davis

05/30/1922 – 05/19/2010
Birthplace: Kelso, WA
Last Resided in: Bellingham, WA
Service: Visitation
Location: Westford Funeral Home
Date: Sat. May 29, 2010
Time: 3-5 pm
Service: Celebration of Life
Location: Northlake Community Church
Date: Mon. May 30, 2010
Time:2 pm
Obituary
Vincent Davis, age 88 of Bellingham, went to be with his Lord on May 19, 2010. He was born May 30, 1921 in Kelso, WA to Dr. Frank and Mary Davis. Throughout his life, Vincent served his Lord, his family, his community and his country. He married Phyllis Earnest in Longview, WA on Sept. 4, 1943 and they have lived in Bellingham since 1951. Drafted during WWII, he served as a Dentist in the Army, Navy and the Marine Corps. Vince was the only Orthodontist in three counties when he first came to Bellingham and enjoyed his practice for 50 ½ years before he retired. Vincent was proud to practice dentistry as a volunteer for the Lummi Tribe and later with three Rotary missions to Guatemala. His faith has always been the center of his life, and he has been a devoted church member of The Firs, and later Northlake Community Church. After earning his Eagle Scout Award, Vincent remained active in scouting throughout his life, and eventually founded the scout museum at Camp Black Mountain on Silver Lake. He served on the Lighthouse Mission board for years and was involved in many other good works for our community.
Vincent was preceded in death by his son Stephen Davis. Survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Phyllis; sons Vince Davis, Jr. and Craig (Kris) Davis; grandchildren Joe (Emily) Davis, Allahna (Jose) Ponce, Sarah Davis, Andrew Davis, Geoff Davis and Stephenie Davis; great-grandchildren Angela, Riley, Cooper, Stella and Benjamin; and brother Dr. Brantley (Fran) Davis.
Memorials may be made to the Lighthouse Mission, P.O. Box 548, Bellingham, WA 98227.
Visitation will be held at Westford Funeral Home on Saturday, May 29 from 3-5 PM. A Celebration of Vincent’s Life will be held at Northlake Community Church, 1471 McLeod Rd., on Sunday, May 30 at 2 PM with a reception following at the church.
Guestbook
From: Craig Davis
City/State: Walla Walla, Wa
It was a blessing to call this man Dad. I am greatful for the time that God gave me to be with him and for his his influinces in my life.
From: Bruce Longstreth
City/State: Bellingham, Washington
Vincent was my orthodontist in the 60's. He was a great guy. I saw him at the Boy Scout museum a few years ago. My son became an Eagle Scout. He made a plaster cast of my thumb, I still have it. I remember his sign that he had next to the chair I sat in something about a crooked tooth that was allowed to grow forming a crooked row. God Bless. Bruce Longstreth
From: Susan
City/State: Bellingham, WA
I am 50 years old and have a beautiful smile thanks to Dr. Davis. I still remember seeing him at the Maple Street clinic. In fact, whenever I drive by there I think of him. I have had so many experiences in my life, but I reflect that I still remember Dr. Davis…. which is unusual, because I can not remember so many others. That tells me that it was an experience filled with love and gentleness. I remember the ivory soap smell on his hands? Thank you to his wonderful family for supporting him and letting him share his time with us. Grief is absolutely rigorous. Please know that he touched many lives in so many ways and you were a part of that fabric. Love and blessings. Thank you.
From: Stephenie
City/State: Grand Forks, ND
I have been blessed beyond belief to have my Papa for so many years & so many memories. There are a million things that made him my amazing grandfather. But the most important one is the legacy he left his family of what it meant to truly love the Lord and be devoted to following Him. To know my Papa was to see an example of God’s love in action. There were a number of ministries he was involved with publicly but the ones that touch my heart are those done in private. He prayed every day for his family that we might know too the saving grace of Jesus. He never hesitated to share his faith because it was true & vital to him. Because of his faith, I know I will not only see him in eternity but I will see my father as well. Thank you Papa for caring enough & loving your family enough to pray for & seek our salvation. That is the greatest legacy you could leave. I am humbled to call you my grandfather & blessed that you are my Papa. I love you and miss you but I look forward to seeing you again!
From: Gayle Gurtner VanderVeen
City/State: Pasco, WA
I remember Dr.Davis well as my aunt Ellen Gurtner worked for him for many years. Ironically,none of her nieces needed orthodontia.I send Mrs.Davis,Vince and Craig my sympathy and I know that he will probably see my aunt in heaven.
From: K. Slater
City/State: Bellingham, WA
My thoughts are with the family. I can still remember how nice he was to me even when I forgot to take my retainers off my school hot lunch tray! Warmly, K.Slater
From: Stacia-Anne Gerber
City/State: Lewiston, ID
Dr. Davis was my dentist thru the 70's. He was so good to to me thru that time when braces were not a good thing to have during your school years. But in the end I ended up with a great smile and a great outlook on life with his talks during those visits. My prayers go to all of the Family!! He made a great impact on my life and will always remember him.
From: Sandi Westman
City/State: Kent, WA
Dr. Davis gave me a great smile and I try to use it often. My prayers to the family.
From: Sue
Dr. Davis was the very best – my smile is a reflection of his wonderful work! Every dentist could learn compassion and great skill from this man. A legend in this area. And he and I share our love for the Lighthouse Mission-truly God’s work… most of us are only a few paychecks away from being homeless. Thank you Dr. Davis. Job well done.
From: Anthony & Marianne Karuza
I knew and respected Vince from childhood. He has passed into the Lord’s hands. God bless Phyllis, Craig and every one else in the family.
From: Deena Rosario
City/State: Kyle, South Dakota
This was a good man. Dr. Davis volunteered many man hours to the Lummi tribe. He really cared and believed that we should always be grateful for what we have and give back as much as we can. God is probably wearing braces now. Love ya, Deena Rosario RDH
From: Marsha Brumbaugh
City/State: Grand Forks, ND
‘Papa’ Davis was a kind,loving,and generous man, who’s life was a reflection of his faith. In many ways, he reminded me of my own grandpa with his gentle nature and care/concern for others. He and ‘Nana’ opened their hearts and home to me by including me in their holiday celebrations when I could not be home with my own family in South Dakota. Papa was a good storyteller too. I loved listening to his stories!
From: Kelly Hollingsworth
City/State: Bellingham, wa
What a wonderful person,I’m blessed to have known him. He touched everyone in a special way.
From: Greg/Barb Kinloch
City/State: Yakima, Washington
Perhaps no other person we have known modeled faithfulness like Dr. Davis. Sure he was successful, but he most of all was faithful to his family, his country, his community, and to his Lord. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family as we look forward together to that heavenly reunion.
From: Jim and Carol Hitz
City/State: Bellingham, Washington
Dear Phyllis. Vince was an extraordinary professional, family man, Christ-centered gentleman who touched, moved and inspired those he met. No strangers only friends he hadn’t met. He straighted our eldest son Steve’s teeth and was a neighbor to Jim in the Herald building so many years. We always liked and repected him because he was friendly and caring.. God bless and keep you always Phyliss. Absent in the body and present with the Lord.
From: Grant & Candice Deger
City/State: Bellingham, WA
May God give rest to a good man! Vince and Phyllis were very helpful to me in time of need. Our sympathy and best wishes to Vince’s family. With affection, Grant & Candice Deger
From: Georganne Hollis
City/State: Las Vegas, NV
My wonderful Uncle Vince. My Uncle Vince and Aunt Phyllis were always so good to my mother while she was alive, and even gave her a beautiful funeral. I was just looking at a picture the other day, of when I was about three. In the picture were two little wooden doll cradles. Uncle Vince had carved wooden doll cradles for my sister and I. They were wonderful! My heart goes out to my very special Aunt Phyllis. They were together for many, many years. I know you will be lost without him. Also to my cousin Skip Davis and my cousin Craig Davis. May you rest in peace with the lord Uncle Vince. Gone but not forgotten.
From: John & Miriam
Dear Phyllis, Skip, and Craig, We are very saddened to hear about Vince and want you to know that we are praying for you during this difficult time. Vince was truly an amazing man and a wonderful friend. He was an amazing blend of wisdom and humor. He was a Tender-Warrior, who cared deeply for his family and his friends and had a genuine concern for the plight of those in need. He was a principled man with depth to his character. Vince was authentic, honest, and extremely generous with his time and his resources. He had His Heavenly Father’s eyes, that searched below the surface to see value in other people. On one of our outings in Guatemala, we visited a church high in the mountains. During the service, it began raining very hard and the leaders of the Mam church were concerned that we might not be able to get back down the mountain safely. So three very poorly dressed men of meager means volunteered to come along to help pull us out of a ditch if we got stuck in the mud. After traveling about a mile, they thought the road was safe enough for us and they trudged back to the church in the mud and driving rain. Vince turned to me and said, “Those are fine men. I wonder if we would have done the same for them, if they had come to church in America?” Vince was a hard worker. We watched him work late into the evening caring for Guatemalan children night after night and waking up the next morning ready to served again. Vince love the Lord Jesus deeply. One of my most precious memories was listening to Vince as he shared his deep love for our Lord Jesus. At the end of one of our dental outreaches in Guatemala, Dan, Vince and I were all very tired and I remember Vince quoting from Lamentations: The LORD’S lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. After sharing these verves with us, he wiggled his ears, as only Vince could, and added, “It is sure good that the Lord is faithful, because I feel real tired!” After my dad died, I adopted Vince as my surrogate father. Vince will continue to be a role model for me, an inspiring display of God’s workmanship. I am deeply thankful for every moment I was able to spend with him and will miss him dearly. Phyllis, our prayers are with you at this difficult time. Blessings, John and Miriam
From: Tonja Andreatta
City/State: Central Point, Oregon
I only had the pleasure of meeting uncle Vince once but allot of love and compassion emanated from him. Truly a great man. My heart goes out to his family and aunt Phillis. How blessed you are to have had him for 69 years!! Wow. Love prayers and peace. Tonja
From: Claire and Steve Stuart
City/State: Prescott, Arizona
Uncle Vince was a wonderful man! We had been planning to come for a visit for a long time. We hope to visit aunt Phyllis, and it would be nice to connect with Craig and Skip again. We beileve your faith will see you through this difficult time. We extend our love to aunt Phyllis and all the family. Lovingly, Claire and Steve Stuart
From: Amanda Coulter
City/State: Tillamook, OR
I didn’t see Uncle Vince very much but I do have fond memories of my time with him. My fondest memory is when he wiggled his ears and tried to teach me how to wiggle mine. I will miss Uncle Vince.
From: David & Heidi Coulter & Family
City/State: Tillamook, OR
I remember Uncle Vince’s warmness, kindness, his hospitality, his great generosity-he and Aunt Phyllis paid for my Grandma Patty’s funeral among other things, his odd sense of humor- which sometimes left me confused, how he opened up his home so often and so freely, and his unwavering love and devotion for Aunt Phyllis. He was truly a Christian man and I know he will be deeply missed by many but especially by Aunt Phyllis-who has my deepest sympathy and heartfelt prayers.
From: Erin Johnsen
City/State: Bellingham, WA
Dr. Davis was my orthodontist so many years ago and I always enjoyed my monthly visits with him. A cheerful man, whistling a tune while he so gently worked on your smile. He was genuinely interested in you and I always enjoyed listening to his stories and his model tractors. He will truly be missed.