BOMBER MEMORIAL

STEPHEN NORMAN "STEVE"/"BEAR" DAVIS ~ Class of 1972
May 6, 1954 - May 26, 1987



Stephen "Bear" Davis died unexpectedly on May 26, 1987, following complications after esophageal surgery.

The only thing bigger than his girth was his heart. He had an infectious smile that brought smiles to others. He had an uncanny ability to make the people around him feel comfortable through laughter and genuine respect.

We miss him every day!

The Bear is survived by his wife, Jeanne (HHS '75); his daughters, Heidi Davis Mortensen ('00) and Sarah Jean Davis ('02); his parents, Norman and Billie Jean Davis; his siblings: Sheila Davis Galloway ('71), Karen Davis Dunham ('76), Mike Davis ('74) and twins, Keith "Jumbo" Davis ('82) and Kent "Wig" Davis ('82). Also, his granddaughter, Kyler Rose Mortensen, born 16 years after his death.

Bear was a two year letterman and starter for the Bomber basketball team in his junior and senior years, making All-league honors both years. He was a key member of the 1972 Bomber State Championship Team.

Written by Mike "Boo Boo" Davis ('74) on April 24, 2004:

Stephen "Bear" Davis

The Bear was born May 6, 1954 to Norman C. and Billie Jean Davis. He died unexpectedly on May 26, 1987.

My name is Mike. Many of you know me as "Boo Boo", Bear's little brother. I was a sophomore during your year's class of 1972.

Often, I have talked to people that had heard of Bear's passing, but were unaware of the circumstances surrounding his death. I thought this would be a good forum to let you, his classmates that he loved so dearly, know the real story.

Bear had gone in for surgery on his esophagus. Apparently, he was experiencing some blockage that was not allowing him to keep any food down. Now, you people that remember the size of the Bear would think that a condition that would not allow him to keep food down might be a good thing! Of course, I make light of it, but it was very serious.

Although very painful, the surgery went well and Bear was looking forward to going home that day. While waiting to be released Bear suffered shortness of breath and then a complete blockage of his air supply. The medical people tried desperately to get him breathing again, but it was too late. He passed away shortly after.

Bear had a blood clot in his leg. We do not know if this was a prior condition or something that came about because of the surgery. Often after major surgery blood clotting can be a problem. Anyway, the clot had become dislodged and moved to his lung where it burst and cut of his air supply. This was the cause of death.

He was a gentle giant of a man and the only thing bigger than his girth was his heart. He loved his years at RHS - being a Bomber! He often spoke of those years, of his many classmates and friends, and the tremendous run by the basketball team. I am sure those were some of the fondest times of his short life.

He went on to marry Jeanne Zinsli, a 1975 graduate of Hanford High School (he never held that against her!) They had two beautiful daughters, Heidi and Sarah. They have both grown up to be wonderful young women. Heidi is finishing up her nursing degree and will become an RN this summer. She gave birth to Bear's first granddaughter, Kyler Rose, in 2002 and is scheduled to deliver his first grandson in June. The baby will be named after his grandfather, "Stephen Michael". Within time I am sure he will pick up the nickname "Bear." Sarah is in her second year of college at Central at Ellensburg and has inherited that infectious smile of her father.

He is often in my thoughts and forever will live in my heart. I miss him."

Bomber Memorial put together by Maren SMYTH ('63 and '64) and edited by Shirley COLLINGS Haskins ('66).