“Denny” Dennis Wayne Davis, born March 28, 1960, in Longview, Wash., died quietly on July 29, 2023, at his home in Northville, Mich., after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. Denny’s absence leaves an indelible loss in the hearts of everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. Denny had an unrivaled sense of humour and an eye that could brighten up any place he entered.
He was extremely proud of his profession and regarded his coworkers to be extended family. Denny married Karen, his true love, on September 24, 1982, and they raised three children in Soldotna. They moved to Anchorage, Alaska, in 2001, and to Northville, Michigan, in 2022, in preparation of a well-deserved retirement that Denny, however, did not get to enjoy. Denny valued his family above all else, and he was a loving father and husband. He will be remembered for his affection,
wise counsel, and witty one-liners that made us laugh even in the darkest of times. He taught us not to take life too seriously and to keep moving forward at all times. Denny is survived by his wife, Karen, his children, Raymond Davis, Crystal Davis, and Sylvia (Nathan) Kurzmann, as well as four grandchildren. Gary, Marilyn, Muggs, Jay, and Kevin, his surviving siblings, also remember him lovingly. Denny was predeceased by his parents, Bernard and Sylvia Davis, as well as his sister, Maxine Pohland. Denny’s legacy of humor, love, and devotion to family and friends will live on in our hearts forever. He will be missed much, but never forgotten.
His remarkable storytelling abilities and quick humor made him the life of every party. His enthusiasm for life was contagious, and he exuded vitality and optimism. Denny was not only amusing, but also wise and empathetic.
He was recognized for his kindness, generosity, and sacrifice for his family and loved ones. He was also never seen without his signature mustache. He liked golf, basketball, luxury automobiles, and home improvement. Denny Davis was the fifth child born in Longview to Bernard and Sylvia Davis. When he was a year old, his family moved to Soldotna, Alaska.
Denny graduated from Kenai Central High School and, thanks to the support of his cousin, Ed Erickson, eventually discovered his career as an electrician. He engaged in the inaugural electrician apprentice program at Udelhoven Oilfield Services, becoming the program’s first trainee to acquire his Journeyman Electrician’s card at the age of 25. Denny went on to have a successful career in the petroleum sector, spending eight years with Udelhoven, sixteen years with Unocal, twenty years with BP Exploration, and two years with Hilcorp.
