Lee S. Davis, 76

1939-2015

Lee was born in Chicago on Aug. 14, 1939. He rose from a difficult childhood to become a successfully dignified, courageous and intelligent man. He had no patience with those who took advantage of others and said that he had “spent the past 40 years trying to become a better person.”

Unfortunately, he passed from misdiagnosed pancreatic cancer on Nov. 10, 2015, in Coeur d’Alene. He was diagnosed with terminal cancer, but was provided with excellent care by Dr. K. Hjeltness, Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, Dr. “Danko” of Cancer Center Northwest, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, University of Washington Hospital and Hospice of North Idaho. He was profusely grateful to these caregivers and spoke of their extraordinary expertise and compassion.

In addition to his gratitude, he possessed a huge warm heart. He was known as a natural comedian and has reduced innumerable people to tears of laughter as he traveled across the United States by motorcycle and locally.

Calling himself a “motorcycle enthusiast,” he had previously owned 22 “bikes.” He is survived by his former “bike,” Blackie.

He seemed to know more interesting and hilarious stories than a comedy writer. He had either known famous people or had friends who were acquainted with them. He had a funny story about each of them. His lightning wit has been (and will undoubtedly continue to be) quoted by many.

He spent over a decade as a volunteer at the Evergreen Club in Spokane. He considered the club members to be family. He was extremely protective of his adoring fiancee, Sally Anthony, and his many friends. He would have been a “friend of Bill W.” for 40 years on Feb. 9, 2016.

He was a complex man and loved in many parts of the country. He lived in Illinois, California, Utah, Florida, Washington and Idaho. As someone once said to him, “you have more friends than you know.”

Many will miss him in many locations.

A private celebration of his life is pending. Donations may be made to the Evergreen Club in Spokane in his honor. Please visit Lee’s online memorial and sign his guest book at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.