Charles Maurice “Chuck” Davis died unexpectedly on July 14, 2017 at his home on Samish Island, Washington at the age of 73. He will be dearly missed by his wife Catherine, children Peter and Allison, brother Norman, sisters Margery, Marilyn and Marlene, grandchildren Will, Ruby and Charlotte, cousins, nieces, nephews and the many friends, neighbors and colleagues whom his generosity has touched.
Born January 27, 1944 to Maurice and Marguerite Davis, Chuck graduated in the Sedro-Woolley High School class of 1962. He was an ardent Sea Explorer Scout and played football with his brother Norm as well as band, baseball, drama, and was senior class president. Chuck was appointed to attend the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at King’s Point, class of 1966, then went to sea as a deck officer in South Vietnam and beyond. He loved to regale his family with swashbuckling tales of calling on exotic ports while sailing the seven seas.
Indeed, Chuck’s greatest passion was to be on and around the sea and in sharing that with others. At King’s Point he competed in crew and later, sailing. Chuck followed his passion to become a maritime lawyer, graduating from the University of Washington School of Law in 1973 to start his practice in Seattle, where he raised his children. In 2001 Chuck returned to the Sedro-Woolley area to build his home on Samish Island where he had played in the bay as a child. There, he enjoyed boating, sailing, canoeing, crabbing, fishing and clamming while continuing his law practice, publishing the 9th edition of his treatise, the Maritime Law Deskbook, serving on the Washington Board of Pilotage Commissioners, and perfecting his smoked salmon recipe.
As Uncle Chuck, he took such delight in his grand-nieces and nephews’ smiles hitting waves in the speedboat on Samish Bay. As Grampy, he loved trudging through low tide looking for crabs and seaweed with Will and Ruby. As Dad, he’d pull on his hip-waders at 4 A.M. to catch King Salmon in the Samish River estuary.
Chuck met Catherine in Seattle. They married in 1980 and ran the Honolulu Marathon on their honeymoon. They were always there for each other and always loved their children. They were soul mates.
Chuck’s sharing spirit extended to the entire community. In Seattle, he coached his kids in Queen Anne Little League Baseball and Soccer, skied, and sold Christmas trees with Boy Scout Troop 70. Having played Baritone Horn in the U.S. Merchant Marine Regimental Band, he encouraged his kids in all things music, and played in the Samish Island Marching Band on July 4th for over two decades. He served as chairman of the Samish Island Community Center, cooked the salmon he caught for the community potluck, and was always willing to lend his wisdom, a hand, a power tool, or his boat to drop crab pots for any neighbor.
An open house to celebrate Chuck’s life will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2017 from 2:00 to 5:00 at Salem Lutheran Church, 2529 N. Laventure Road, Mount Vernon. Please share memories of Chuck and sign the online guest register.
I still miss you terribly, big brother. Always will. Shedding some tears today.
Thank you for sharing your love of the Sound, those memories on the kayaks are forever imprinted in my mind as ones of wonder and amazement – encountering a much more wild and pristine part of our local natural wonder. You kindness, generosity, and kind nature extended to all without question. Those oysters are still some of the best I’ve ever had. Rest in peace, Chuck. My mind is full of thoughts of hope and healing for both of our families.
I and many other members of Seattle’s maritime community knew Chuck and enjoyed excellent relationships with him over many years. He will be missed.
We have enjoyed the long relationship we have had with the Davis family. We extend our sympathy at this time of sorrow. We know he will be missed greatly.
We will be in Oregon on the day of the open house and we are very sorry. We want the family to know that they are in our prayers.
Chuck loved well, and he was well-loved! He has left a rich legacy of love, service, commitment, learning and caring for others. What a great example to all of us! People were important to him, and he has left a huge imprint on many lives. Our love and sympathy to each one of you. May God’s peace fill your hearts as you honor Chuck’s memory and celebrate his life, and may God meet every need as you grieve. Our love and prayers . . .
Our thoughts and prayers to Catherine and the family at this time of their loss. I first met Chuck when we were both in the Regimental Band at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point. After I graduated I had the chance to make a voyage to Vietnam with him when Chuck was the Second Mate and he was the consummate ship’s office and Navigator. Once Chuck turned his focus to the law he kept the same high standards of professionalism and excellence, and always had time share advice or give guidance. He was truly a gentleman and will be missed.
Our prayers and thoughts go out to the Davis family. My wife and I have known and worked with Chuck for 28 years. I could go on and on about his intelligence, kindness and sincerity, but won’t, for anyone who met Chuck knew of these traits of his. May you find peace.
God Bless bless the entire Davis family.
Mike and I will miss Chuck every time we go to Samish whether to work, go crabbing or just to sit and enjoy the view from my sister Megan’s patio. If we were there the odds were that Chuck would walk up just to sit and chat about this and that, just as he did the evening before he passed away. He was a friend, neighbor, boating buddy, husband helper and gentleman, who blushed over some imagined faux pas the last time we visited. I don’t know how we’re going to get along without him. Certainly, for us, Samish will never be the same.
So extremely sorry for your families pain and loss. Chuck was known as a giving loving spirit to our family. Grateful to have been a recipient. The O’Donnells and Sheppards, will miss him deeply.
As Chuck’s brother-in-law, I have so many good memories…memories that I now cherish. I often find myself visualizing Chuck as I saw him many times, when he was about to share a story, a joke, or perhaps a mutual family memory: he would get a happy squint in his eyes, and sort of stutter out the story…interrupting himself with a chuckle or two, with great skill, so that you paid close attention, knowing that something good was coming, and you wanted to hear it. And the great thing is, Chuck also loved to hear your story, too. I will always remember his joy in sharing such small, important moments with others.