Robert Merrill Davis

The family of Robert M. Davis shares the sad news of his peaceful passing on Wednesday, Dec. 15th. Rob was born to Marion and Roy (Bud) Davis on Oct. 29th, 1954, and was raised in Hartford and Ann Arbor, Mich., with his sisters, Deborah, Rebecca and Laurel. He graduated from Ann Arbor Pioneer High School in 1973, and attended Washtenaw Community College and Michigan State University.

Rob loved camping and traveling throughout the United States and Canada. He had a passion for taking photographs, and developed his own film and customized his prints in his home dark room. His love of classic rock started from listening to the Ann Arbor underground FM radio stations. He collected classic rock albums, and was the family expert on classic rock bands and their best cuts. Rob loved classic cars, and restored the many that he owned. He was happiest when gathering with his family around his parents’ large dining room table, and the symphony of voices and laughter that ensued. Nothing gave him more pleasure than sharing a great cup of coffee and a visit from family and friends. Christmas was always a favorite family time. Rob made sure that his parents’ home was decorated, and personally put up his mother’s large tree and carefully placed hundreds of her prized ornaments in keeping the family tradition. He always picked out sweet treats for his nieces and nephews as gifts, and being practical and gentle with the earth, would wrap them in newspaper or brown paper bags. They loved that they knew who it was from and that there would be a sweet treat inside.

Rob believed and upheld the value of being in good relationship with nature and people; he believed in being gentle with words and speaking good of people. He was devoted to and very caring of his family circle. He was especially devoted to his mother and father in their retirement years. He kept up their home, and assisted them with whatever they needed, which allowed them to live in their home for many years in their senior years. When they finally felt best moving to an assisted living condominium, he continued to care for their family home, so that visits and family gatherings were still enjoyed. He also continued to spend time with his parents with many visits weekly and providing not only companionship, but cared for their needs and shared the news from their home town and people they knew and loved.

Surviving family members include: Gary Connor of Farmington, Rebecca and James Steele of Kalamazoo, Laurel Jelenek of East Lansing; nieces and nephews: Danielle and Michael Aschenbrener, and their children, Maxwell and Valentina, Dr. Michael and Beth Connor, Kelly and Brad Chandler, and their son, Landon; along with many cousins. Those that preceded him in death include his parents, Roy (Bud) and Marion Davis; his sister, Deborah Connor, and his niece, Catherine Connor.

Rob will be laid to rest in Maple Hill Cemetery, with a small private family graveside service. The family has entrusted the Calvin Funeral Home, Hartford, with arrangements. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences for the family may do so at http://www.calvin-leonardfh.com.