Daniel Davis

Daniel P. Davis, Sr of Acton, died at 12:01am on February 1, 2012, with the thoughts and prayers of many with him physically and spiritually. Daniel was born September 23, 1931 in Portland, Maine the son of Edward Raymond Davis and Pauline Constance "Johnson" Davis.Dan attended area schools and graduated from Samuel D Hanson High School in Buxton, Maine. He is also a graduate of the class of 1953 from the University of Maine at Orono with the degree in business and economics. He was treasurer of Lamda Chi Alpha fraternity and a member of R.O.T.C. He served as an infantry officer in the U. S. Army entering in 1954 and was honorably discharged in 1956.He was employed by Gould's Pumps Inc., as a factory Representative. An individual with a zest for life and a abhorrence on being told what to do, he started his own business, Dan Davis Sales Inc. which he operated for many years successfully until turning it over to the capable and competent hands of family members. Dan was a solid family man who provided for his family, making sure his family spent summers at Square pond. He eventually realized his dream and he and his wife Jo built their retirement home at the lake to live full time in 1993.Dan took an interest in business and politics. He was instrumental and pleased to see all of his children with their own businesses at one time or another.His love of Boston sports was genuine but not fanatical. He understood the difference between life and games. An avid reader, he read for enjoyment but especially for knowledge, a sharp mind and quick wit, who never forgot a joke, a story or a lesson spoken to him.Dan retired in 1994, but did not fill his days with golf or tennis or country club activities. Dan had a higher calling and was a friend of Bill W. for 17 years helping people of all walks of life to try to live a better life and conquer their demons. It was extremely important to him to be there for others as they had been there for him during his incredibly successful life. A thoughtful man, his hobbies were mostly cerebral. His interest in culture ranged from poet Rudyard Kipling to comedian W. C. Fields, to the piano playing political satirist Tom Lehrer.Dan's personal life could be a paradox. He was a very private man but because of his sales background he was comfortable in any social setting and good conversation was an elixir of life. Whether talking to the postman or taking long rides with his beloved Jack Russell terrier, Jody, he was equally happy. Words cannot express how deeply he will be missed; A piece of advice, a Cheshire cat grin, a belly laugh, a thoughtful pause, a helping hand all done as naturally as life itself.Surviving are his wife of 57 years, Joan Elizabeth Leach Davis of Acton, Maine, a daughter Kathleen Davis, her friend Tom Worster and her two children Edward J. Armbruster of Falmouth, Maine and Elliot R. Armbruster of Portland, Maine, a daughter Linda Davis Levesque and her husband Paul of Springvale, Maine with their three children, Michael Paul Levesque of Sanford, Maine, Evan Paul Levesque of Alfred, Maine and Lauren Levesque of Springvale Maine; a son Daniel "Danny" P. Davis and his wife Michelle of Sanford, Maine and a daughter Patricia Davis and fiance Cory Crystal of Springvale, Maine. Also surviving are a brother James Davis and his wife Doris of Delmar, NY. Dan is predeceased by a sister Sally Curtiss of Gorham Maine. The family would like to add a special thanks to the HD Goodall Hospital staff and especially to Dr. William Frank for his compassionate care and attentiveness. Dan's wishes were for a quiet family and friends gathering for a celebration of his life which will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the Carll-Heald & Black Funeral Home, 580 Main Street, Springvale, Maine.Condolences may be expressed at www.blackfuneralhomes.com