Melvin K. Davis

Melvin K. Davis, 82, of Sebastopol, passed away peacefully in his home Tuesday morning, June 7, 2016. Mel was born October 15, 1933 in Spokane Washington to Albert T. and Esther Davis. After graduating from high school, he worked summers as a fire fighter for the U.S. Forest Service in Idaho. During his college years, he worked summers for the Alaska Packers I, Egegik Alaska. Mel was a U.S. Army Veteran and was stationed in Germany from 1953 to 1955. One of his most-told stories includes the time when Winston Churchill waved to him the last day Churchill occupied 10 Downing Street. When Mel returned home, he focused on his education and graduated from Washington State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and from UC Berkeley with a Master's Degree in Political Science. After completing his studies, he became Assistant City Manager of Pacifica. In Pacifica, he fell in love with the beautiful Emily Crawford. The two soon married and moved to Sebastopol, CA where he was City Manager from 1965-1993. There, Mel and Emily raised their children, Matthew and Stephanie. Last October they celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary and in Mel's final days referred to his wife as "the prettiest girl." He was a compassionate person who literally gave the shirt off his back to those in need. Never one to ask for anything, he gave countless hours volunteering for numerous organizations. Mel enjoyed gardening, reading, and being a part of his local Rotary and writing clubs. He spent hours volunteering at numerous organizations such as: Catholic Charities Alzheimers Respite (over 20 years), Food for Thought Food Bank, Adult Literacy, Burbank Heights and Orchards, and Cub Scout pack l28 (den "mother") for his son Matt. But he was happiest spending time with his family, grandchildren, and friends. Although he could be remembered in many ways or for his many accomplishments, he would simply want to be remembered as: Mel - loving husband, doting father, tender-hearted Poppa-the family man. Left to cherish his memory are the love of his life, Emily Davis; children Matthew (Yuvanna) Davis and Stephanie Jarvis; grandchildren Dominick, Emilie, Angelica, Liam and Eve; and siblings Doug Davis, Ray Davis, and Judy (Bill) Jung. Brothers-in-law Robert Crawford (Nancy), John Crawford (June), and numerous nieces and nephews. His best friend (and old Army buddy) of sixty-two years Don Brown (Diane). The family held a private burial. A Memorial Service will be held at Community Church of Sebastopol, UCC (where Mel was a member for 40+ years) on Wednesday, July 6th at 2PM. The family suggests memorial donations to Food for Thought in Forestville, Catholic Charities Alzheimers Respite, or the Community Church Building Fund.