Thomas "Tom" Davis

(May 14, 1931 - June 7, 2009)

Tom Davis was a very active member of Council 971, holding the position of Grand Knight for 1994-95. He was also a past Faithful Navigator of the 4th Degree Assembly and was a frequent member of the Color Corps. Tom was also a District Deputy. Tom served as an exemplary example of what a Knight should aspire to.

From the July 2009 "Today's Knights" council bulletin:

FUNERAL SERVICES - The family of Thomas D. Davis extends its appreciation and heartfelt thanks to the members of the Knights of Columbus for their participation at the Friday night vigil and the Funeral Mass at St. John’s Church in Felton on Saturday, June 13, 2009 for Tom.

Participating as Honor Guards at the Vigil were: S.K. Rolando Chan, Color Corps Commander, S.K. Rudy Quijance, S.K. Gary Phariss, S.K. David Ambriz, S.K. Andrew Lenz, Jr., S.K. Carlos Rico and S.K. Ricardo Muruato.

Pallbearers at the funeral mass were: from Council #971: S.K. Ramon Belleza, S.K. Jason Nielsen, S.K. Ernest McCoy and John Murphy; and from Council #9840: John Collins and Steven Cove.

Chalice Presentation at the Vigil Night was performed by S.K. Ed Bystran, Chapter President, FN, assisted by S.K. Larry Young, DD., PFN.

GK Larry Rothfuss presented the Resolution of Congratulations and Appreciation for 55 years of service by Tom.

Published Obituary

Thomas D. Davis

Thomas D. Davis passed away on June 7 at the age of 78 after a battle with cancer. He was born in Boise, Idaho to Joe and Mary Davis. His siblings were Patrick Davis, Ellen Badley, and Beatrice Plant. After high school he enlisted in the Army and served in the Korean War. He graduated from Oregon State University in 1957 with a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering.

After graduating he moved to Salt Lake City, Utah. He worked for Sperry Utah before moving to the Santa Cruz Mountains in 1961. He worked for Lockheed for 31 years.
Tom was a member of the Knights of Columbus since 1956 and held office in Santa Cruz Council #971, Fourth Degree Padre Palou Assembly, and Junipero Serra Chapter.

After retiring from Lockheed in 1992 he started working with Habitat for Humanity and was elected to the local board of directors in 1994.

Tom was appointed to the Santa Cruz County Seniors Commission by Supervisor Mark Stone and served 2 terms.

Other activities that Tom enjoyed were traveling, reading science fiction, and visiting with family.

Tom is survived by his wife, Peg, of 52 years; 3 children: Don, Resa, Gary; and 5 grandsons: Adam, Ryan, Nicholas, Dakota, and Charlie.

As a member of St. John's Catholic Church in Felton for many years he was active various parish activities: Eucharistic minister, lector, and leader of the RCIA program.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. John's Catholic Church, Highway Nine and Russell Ave, Felton, CA on Saturday June 13, 2009 at 10:00am. A vigil prayer service will be held at St. John's Church, Friday evening at 7:00 pm. Viewing will be at St. John's Church on Friday beginning at 6:00 pm. A private inurnment will follow at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Santa Cruz. Arrangements are under the direction of Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel.