Neil Davis

Neil (Richard) Davis, native of Bend, was born August 9, 1925 at Bessie Butte logging camp, between Bend and Sunriver, to Delmar and Blanche (Larkin) Davis. He died at his ranch on November 10, 2013. Neil grew up on farms and ranches in Central Oregon, graduated from Redmond High School in 1943 where he was the senior class president. Neil married Mary Ellyn Putnam, of Tumalo, in 1946 and they were happily married for over 65 years. She preceded him in death in 2012. Neil served in the US Navy during WWII and following the war he returned to Central Oregon to farm and ranch. Neil and Mary owned and operated a successful insulation business for 52 years in Bend with the help of his two sons, and at one time had over 20 employees. But his passion was always ranching and raising cattle. Neil and Mary also owned and operated Sno-Vu Shorthorns and in 1991 were given the Builders of the Breed award. Neil was a man who served his community in many ways; Tumalo School Board chairman, active in 4-H leadership including annually purchasing animals at the 4-H/FFA livestock auction, He was a director of Deschutes County Fair Association, President of Deschutes County Fair Board, President of Oregon State Fairs Board, Grand Marshall of Deschutes County Fair, and for many years Arena Director at Deschutes County Fair Rodeo. He spent several years on the Central Oregon Irrigation District Board, and was a long time member of Lions, Masons, Elks and Skyline Trail Riders where he was a Past President. Neil is survived by his three children, Gary (Cheryl) Davis of Bend, Ken Davis of Bend, Laurie (Larry) Graves of LaGrande, 2 granddaughters, 2 great grandchildren and his sister Ruth Beesley of Redmond. Neil was a cowboy at heart, a team roper and President of the Rim Rock Riders. He was also a very good cribbage player, but most of all he was a kind, caring and patient Husband, Dad, Grandfather and Great Grandfather with a great sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by family, friends and community. A memorial service for Neil will be Saturday, November 23 at 1:00 PM at Niswonger-Reynolds Chapel, 105 NW Irving Ave. Bend. A Celebration of Life reception will follow at the Bend Golf Club. The family suggests that those who wish may make memorial contributions to 4-H Programs 3893 SW Airport Way, Redmond, OR 97756. Funeral Home: Niswonger-Reynolds Funeral Home New 105 NW Irving Ave Bend, OR US 97701

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Neil Davis

August 9, 1925 - November 10, 2013