Burial Date
Obituaries » SIDNEY E. DAVIS
DAVIS, SIDNEY E., 89, of Berlin, passed away on March 10, at Central Vermont Medical Center, following a serious stroke. He was born in Burlington in 1924, son of Valyda and Wight Davis. He was a graduate from Burlington High School in 1942 and graduated from the University of Vermont in 1950 with a degree in zoology and was in the ROTC program. Sid was a U.S. Navy helicopter pilot and instructor, serving in Pensacola, Fla., and San Diego. He retired as a lieutenant commander. During his Navy travels, one of his shared experiences was chasing elephants by helicopter in Ceylon. Sid moved with his family back to Fair Haven, Vt., and immediately began building a fishing boat, affectionately known as “Banana Boat.” Instead, it became a water-ski boat, and the family went on to become expert water-skiers behind this finely crafted boat. In Fair Haven, Sid purchased a service station where he was manager and mechanic for five years prior to going on to work for the state of VT Department of Vocational Rehabilitation. During his tenure with the state as a vocational rehabilitation counselor, he received his master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from Boston University. Upon retirement, Sid became involved with the Vermont Head Injury and Stroke Foundation and continued service with the Lenny Burke Farm until very recent years. Snow skiing was one of Sid’s passions. He was a member of the National Ski Patrol at Pico Peak and Glen Ellen for nearly 40 years. In addition, his water-skiing passion led to his work as a founder of the Green Mountain Water Skiers. He helped develop an active water-ski show team that performed in Vermont and New Hampshire, starring as a base skier for pyramids and thrilling the audience with his high-flying parasail act. He was insistent that all who accompanied him to the lake become water-skiers, and he taught many a novice to master the sport. He could fix anything. Sid was known for his extreme perfectionism in areas of car maintenance, furniture building and house projects. His adventurous spirit led to many a camping venture at Waterbury Reservoir with his children and grandchildren. Sid was a constant support to his four treasured grandsons in all of their activities growing up. He had his mother’s love of all animals, but particularly his dogs. He was a beloved mentor to many, with a sense of humor that all could count on. He became a Mason of the Eureka Lodge 75 in Fair Haven in 1975. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joanne (Cook); son Scott and wife Sarah; his daughter, Susyn, and husband Denis; and four grandsons. Lt. Cmdr. Davis’ life will be honored and celebrated on Saturday, March 22, at 11am at the Hooker and Whitcomb Funeral Home, 7 Academy St., Barre.