Obituary: Robert Chenault Davis

Robert Chenault Davis, 92, died Nov. 30, 2017 at his home in Ephraim with his dear wife Nancy of 66 years at his side. Bob was born April 1, 1925 in Toronto to Warren Thorp Davis and Marguerite (Minie) Morency Davis. He graduated from New Trier High School (Winnetka, IL) and enlisted in the Navy in 1943. Bob graduated from Carleton College. He joined The United Educators, his father’s publishing company, where he worked until retiring to Ephraim, his summer residence since four years old. During the 40 years in Lake Bluff Bob was an active leader of the community including village mayor.

In 1951 he married Nancy Wilterding Davis. Together they raised five children in Lake Bluff and in Ephraim. All of his children survive Bob: Rob – Ephraim; Martha Pohl – Apple Valley, MN; Cole (Tina) Davis – Williston, ND; Sarah (Ralph) Maas – Weston, WI; Laura (Theresa Farris) Davis – Madison, WI; and foster daughter Sabina (Dalton) Kruse, Byron, IL. Also surviving are thirteen grandchildren, six great grandchildren, and two more great grandchildren due in 2018.

Bob was a passionate sailor and life-long member of the Ephraim Yacht Club. He and Nancy loved to cruise the Great Lakes on Great Bear II. Over time his passion for the seas expanded to hiking and canoeing to explore Door County’s natural gems.

Bob was also actively involved in Rotary, the Ephraim Historical Foundation, The Clearing, and The Door County Land Trust. He joyfully gave his time to raise money for projects dear to his heart.

Always with a twinkle in his eye and a bounce in his step, Bob enjoyed interacting with people especially if he could show off with a word pun or joke. The Nancy and Bob partnership loved to entertain their many friends in Lake Bluff and in Ephraim.

In lieu of flowers you may send a memorial to any of the organizations mentioned above.

The funeral service will be at Stella Maris Sister Bay on Saturday December 9^th. The service starts at 11:00 am followed by a social gathering until 12:30.