Ronald Clark Davison
February 21, 1942 - December 13,
2022
Ronald Clark Davison (February 21, 1942 – December 13, 2022) loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather passed away on Tuesday, December 13th in McMinnville, Oregon. Ron was born in Portland, Oregon, son of C.L. (Dave) and Elizabeth (Betty) Davison.
He grew up in McMinnville and
graduated from McMinnville High School in 1960 and Linfield College in 1965. He
married the love of his life, Linda, in 1965. Not long after they married, they
started their family with the birth of Elizabeth in 1966, followed by Jill born
in 1971 and finally their son Steven in 1972.
Ron began working for Davison Auto
Parts as a parts runner riding his bicycle when he was just a small boy. As he
grew older, he continued working for the store and started a lawn and garden
business with his brother, Tom, which helped pay for his college education. Ron
loved telling stories of how many and whose lawns he and Tom put in around
McMinnville.
Hard work and service was foundation
of Ron’s life, and after graduation from Linfield he continued working for
Davison Auto Parts, taking over ownership of the company, with his brother Tom
in 1972. Under Ron and Tom’s guidance the company flourished growing from just
a couple of stores to over 12 stores today. Ron and Tom were always looking to
the future, and when they took notice of the wine industry blooming in the
Willamette Valley, the company, with the guidance of Jimi Brooks and Ken
Wright, branched out and started Davison Winery Supplies in the mid 1990’s.
More than a businessman, Ron’s
passion was giving back to the communities he was a part of. Whether it was
being a lifelong supporter of local high school athletics, agricultural, and
shop programs, or an avid supporter of Linfield University both athletically
and academically.
Ron’s commitment to his community
went so far as running chains for Mac High football games for over 50 years. He
also had a deep passion and appreciation for Linfield football (except the
black jerseys). You could always see Ron and his lifetime buddies standing in
the same spot for every Linfield football game, he truly loved the way the
teams played hard and selflessly.
Ron’s commitment to the community
meant being involved. Ron was proud to have sat on many boards and committees
including the Board of Trustees for Linfield, the Building Committee for the
Presbyterian Church, the National Advertising Council for NAPA, McMinnville
Library Board, McMinnville Planning Committee, the Board of Directors for First
Federal, and the McMinnville Rural Fire Board. Lastly, he and Tom also sponsor
an FFA scholarship for Yamhill County students.
Although Ron was in pain for the
past couple of years, he continued to show up to work and be there for his
employee’s day in and day out. He truly loved his employees and cared deeply
about each and every one of them, they were family to him. If you ever spent
time on Ron’s office couch you knew how much he truly cared about those in his
life. The couch would be where Ron would share stories, want to hear about what
you were doing, and give his advice (whether you wanted it or not) about
anything and everything. If you were lucky enough to be on his couch, you know
what the family is talking about.
Ron leaves behind his beautiful wife
of 57 years, Linda; daughter Elizabeth Mickelson (Mike); daughter Jill Scales
(Matt); son Steven Davison (Leslie); grandsons, Jacob Fuhrer (Jordan), Garrett
Scales (Lex), Dylan Scales; granddaughters, Carly Fuhrer (Clinton), Peyton
Scales, Olivia Davison, Meredith Davison, step granddaughter Brooke; great
grandson Scott, and great granddaughters Charlotte and Davison “Davi”; Brother,
Tom Davison (Susan), and several nieces and nephews.
A Public Memorial Service will be
held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, December 30, 2022, in the Ted Wilson Gymnasium
located on the Linfield University campus. Ron was always willing to donate,
and the family asks that donations be made to the charity or organization of
your choice.
Service
3pm, Friday, December 30, 2022
Linfield Ted Wilson Gymnasium
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