Wilfred Davis
Wilfred “Fred” Davis, born June 13, 1937 in Boscawen, NH passed away peacefully on June 20, 2020.
A loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Fred’s life was dedicated to family, friends and community.
Fred grew up in New England, the youngest of 7 children. He graduated from Nashua High School in 1957. He loved to run, competing in local track and field events. Friendships made in his youth became lifelong bonds. Grade school friendships with Messrs. Henry Brooks, Bill Conway and Norm Lavallee were mainstays throughout his life with all four families building wonderful memories over many occasions. Fred and Henry enlisted in the United States Navy together, entering service immediately after graduating. Though life would take them all in different directions, Fred never lost touch with his friends.
Fred’s service in the US Navy was a great source of pride. His Navy career took him across the USA and to Iwakuni, Japan. Navy mementos of his service appear almost everywhere in his life and Fred took great joy attending VP-48 reunions. The US Navy brought Fred to San Diego, where he met, fell in love with, and married Lois Kazmark. Their married life would span the next 61 years.
Fred and Lois have six children – Son Hal (Junko) who live in Japan. Son Dana (Julie), Daughter Kaye (Ron), Daughter Lynne (Nornal) all reside in NH, Son Todd (Stefanie) resides in CA and Son Dean (Missie) of Illinois – who combined gave Fred and Lois ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Even with a growing family and normal duties required of nearly every family man, Fred still found time to coach many little league teams and volunteer in his community.
Fred volunteered as an EMT on the Amherst (NH) Rescue Squad for many years. Echoing back to his time in the Navy, Fred enjoyed the camaraderie and spirit of service shared amongst the volunteers. Fred and his colleagues saved many lives and helped many more heal. He was proud to be of service. After retiring and relocating for a time to North Carolina, Fred stayed active as a volunteer with local police agencies seeking to be of service to his community.
Fred and Lois spent the last few years living near their youngest son, Dr. Dean Davis and his loving family, in Decatur, Illinois.
Along with his wife and children, Fred is survived by his elder Brother Edward “Bash” Davis of Enfield Conn., grandchildren Christopher (Kumiko), Sachiko and Edward in Japan, Megan, David, Patrick (Laura) in NH, step-granddaughter Ariana of MA, Mark (Cortney) and Amandalynne in IL; and great-grandchildren Addison in Illinois, Calyb in NH, Reina and Keiji in Japan.
Fred will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at the NH Veterans cemetery in Boscawen, NH. Phaneuf Funeral Home managing the arrangements. View the full obituary on-line at www.phaneuf.net.