Linfield athletic fixture Steve Davis dies at 63Article includes slight editing by Wildcatville
By Paul Daquilante
McMinnville News-Register
4/27/2014
Steve Davis, who went from kicking extra points and booming field goals for the Linfield College football team in the late 1960s and early 1970s to spearheading major fundraising projects for Wildcat athletics, died Tuesday of complications related to treatment he was undergoing for leukemia. He was 63.
Davis, who lived in McMinnville with his wife, Marilyn, graduated from North Salem High School before enrolling at Linfield. He was part of former head football coach Ad Rutschman’s first Wildcat recruiting class after he left Hillsboro High School to lead Linfield’s storied program.
“Losing Steve is a huge loss for Linfield and McMinnville,” Rutschman said. “No one was more loyal than Steve, whether it was as an athlete, as a supporter or as a lifelong friend.”
Davis served as a student volunteer with the McMinnville Fire Department while attending Linfield. After graduating in 1972, he went to work for his family’s business, Cherry City Electric, in Salem. He later worked for McMinnville’s Farnham Electric. Most recently, he worked for Daktronics, a manufacturer and installer of electronic scoreboards and signage.
He served as a regional sales representative for the South Dakota-based company, and helped select and install outdoor scoreboards for various Linfield athletic venues. He also played a major role in the design and installation of athletic field lighting on campus.
Davis’ volunteer work at the college began as a sports information director and carried on in various capacities until the time of his death.
He helped launch the Wildcat Open, a golf tournament played annually. Initially held at Michelbook Country Club, it's the Linfield Athletic Department’s top fund-raiser. He headed Open tee sponsorship sales in recent years.
In 1986, Davis got together with Ron Davison and Jeff Kizer to build the concession and restroom facility adjacent to the baseball, football and track and field complex. He helped coordinate operation of the concession stand on days events took place.
“We were good friends and worked together on a lot of projects at Linfield,” said Davison, a McMinnville businessman. “He and I built and took care of that concession stand. I helped, but he pretty much ran it by himself later on.
“He did a lot for Linfield,” Davison said. “He did a lot for kids.”
Davis involvement in the McMinnville High School softball program included serving as the school's head coach of that sport in 1995.
In 1988, Davis was honored with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics’ District 2 Distinguished Service Award. That same year, he received the college’s Alumni Service Award. He was inducted into the Linfield Athletics Hall of Fame for meritorious service in 2003.
Athletic Director Scott Carnahan said Davis’ role within the athletic department always focused on providing service, and he was never too busy to assist when called on.
“When I think of Steve I think of the great service he provided for so many years to our football concessions, to the Wildcat Open and as an integral member of the Hall of Fame Committee,” Carnahan said.
He characterized Davis as someone who could never say no whenever his help was needed, almost to a fault. He helped make the most challenging projects easier, according to Carnahan.
Rutschman agreed, saying, “Steve just gave of himself for anything that was ever needed,”
Current head football coach Joe Smith said Davis’ spirit, passion and intensity were infectious. He brought those qualities to everything he was involved in as they related to the football program, Smith said.
“He just made everything better, whether it was a team banquet, a practice session or a fundraiser,” the coach said. “He just made it go.”
Smith said his coaching staff continually speaks with players about “being men of action and doing the heavy lifting in life.” That described Davis perfectly, he said.
“He was a tremendous example for our coaches and players to follow,” Smith said.
Davis was one of many sports information directors who have served Linfield athletics over the years. Kelly Bird is the current SID.
“My favorite memories of Steve are the frantic times before or during home football games when things were going haywire in the press box,” he said. “After Steve listened to all my frustrations, he would step in and help resolve the problem.”
Bird said Davis was a mentor, someone who understood the challenges of his job.
In addition to his wife, Davis is survived by daughters Rori Hartzell and Rhonda Davis-Thompson.
A viewing will be held at Macy & Son Funeral Home on Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. and Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. A celebration of life is set for Tuesday at 4 p.m. at Linfield’s Wilson Gymnasium, with reception to follow.
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Steve Davis on sidelines of Cal Luth at Linfield Nov. 22, 2010, Maxwell Field, NCAA football playoff game. Wildcatville photo.
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Obituary from Macy & Son mortuary, McMinnville, Ore.
http://www.macyandson.com/obituary/Steven-Edward-Davis/McMinnville-OR/1376320
Steven Edward Davis
June 14, 1950 - April 22, 2014
Resided in McMinnville, OR
Steven Edward Davis, 63, of McMinnville, Oregon went home to be with Jesus on April 22, 2014. He died from complications of leukemia following a bone marrow transplant while at OHSU hospital.
Steve was born in Clarkston, WA, on June 14, 1950 to Lorne and Virginia Davis.
Steve grew up in Salem, Oregon. Following graduation from North Salem High School (68') he attended Linfield College where he graduated (72') with a Bachelor of Science degree in business.
While at Linfield he was a record setting field goal kicker and his favorite career play was a game winning field goal against rival P.L.U. In addition to studies and football while at Linfield, Steve enjoyed his years as a live in student firefighter and long-term volunteer firefighter in McMinnville Fire Department. This association earned him the nickname "Sparky".
Some of his fondest memories while at Linfield were of his teammates, coaches, the "Bar West" group, and being a part of the original Riley gym "South Forty". In 2003 Steve was inducted into the Linfield Athletics Hall of Fame for Meritorious service, an honor he held in the highest regard. Also, he has been selected as an inductee into the McMinnville High School Athletic Hall of Fame in May 2014 for his many years of volunteer contributions to area youth softball programs.
Steve met and married his wife of 43 years, Marilyn Fay King, in his junior year at Linfield. They settled and made a life in McMinnville. Upon graduation from Linfield he worked as intern Sports Information Director for The Portland Trail Blazers later moving onto sales and project management for Eoff Electric, Cherry City Electric, Farnham Electric, and lastly Daktronics Scoreboard sales.
Steve's life was defined by his unconditional love of family and friends and his tremendous servants heart. If a need was evident he was the first to respond with unending selflessness. Steve was a role model and mentor throughout his life. He was active in community, volunteerism at Linfield, and coaching girls softball for many years. His love and care of those girls far exceeded the softball field. Those who knew Steve well knew him as "MacGyver" a handyman who could fix anything with a roll of duct tape and a screwdriver, a man who loved details, and appreciated schedules. Steve was also a gifted storyteller.
Steve is survived by his wife Marilyn, their two daughters, two son-in-laws, and 8 grandchildren. Family includes daughters Rori Davis Hartzell, Ryan Hartzell, and their children Molli, Mason, Judith, Kerby and Mark. Rhonda Davis Thompson, Ron Thompson and their daughters Hannah, Lotti, and Sophia. Steve is also survived by 3 siblings; Jim Davis, Donna Marr, and Craig Davis all of Salem, Or. He is preceded in death by his parents Loren and Virginia Davis.
A viewing will be held at Macy and Son Funeral Home on Sunday, April 27 from 3:00-6:00 pm and Monday, April 28, 2014 from 4:00-7:00 pm. Steve's Celebration of Life is Tuesday April 29, 2014 at 4pm at Linfield's Wilson Gymnasium with reception following.
