Gaylord "Butch" Davis

On July 18, 2016, in his beloved golden Cadillac and on the way to see friends, Gaylord “BUTCH” Davis put on the parking brake one last time and passed away after a long drive with heart disease. He was 81. Butch was born on December 25th 1934 in Portland Oregon, the only child of Harold and Marue Davis. A lifelong Portlander, Butch grew up in SE Portland and lived in Milwaukie for a time. He loved exploring with his friends in the wooded areas and along the river. Moving often, he went to a number of grade schools and attended Benson High School. He served in the National Guard at Fort Lewis and picked up the name Butch thanks to his stylish hairdo. As a young man he was always dapper and loved to cruise Broadway. A favorite place to see and be seen (in either his Ford, Plymouth or Chevy) was Specks drive-in on Foster. It was during this time that he met Rachel Joan Mills, the love of his life. Butch married Rachel in 1957. They had four children in four years and they remained happily married for 56 years. Butch was a hard worker and a quick study. He started at Warn Industries sweeping floors, but he quickly worked his way up the ladder to become the head buyer of raw materials. Eventually, he left Warn to work at Custom Stamping and he ended his career at Leupold & Stevens. He always loved his work and was exceptionally organized and rightfully proud of his achievements. He was quick to help others that were organizationally challenged, as Butch loved to say “that’s key!” Butch loved bowling and bowled in leagues for years and brought home many trophies. He was an avid pinochle player and taught all the kids how to play poker. He also, along with Rachel, loved to fish for salmon and camp at the coast. He and Rachel enjoyed traveling to Reno and the coast. Butch and Rachel enjoyed dining and dancing with their many good friends and Butch continued to dance till the end. After retirement Butch unleashed his creative spirit and set up a studio workshop in the garage where he constructed many decorative pieces and hand painted garden art and gnomes. Every year on the holidays he would help decorate his favorite hangout, Country Bills. He was a wood worker and a painter and continued to practice his craft the rest of his life. Butch was a connector, he loved people and he loved to help everyone out with his goodwill and cheer. Always ready for a party and laugh, Butch opened his arms and his heart to everyone young and old. He made many friends with his ready smile and good nature. He was a terrific father, a loving and devoted husband, a great grandfather, dutiful son and a good friend. A generous and caring spirit, he will be missed by his family and many friends. Butch is survived by his daughter Kelly Drath & husband Ron; son Kerry & partner Anna; son Rick & wife Peggy; son Tracy & wife Lori; Libby Cozza; grandchildren Jami Drath, Charlotte, Kincaid & Ryan Davis, Danielle & Maggie Burgess, Addy & Charlotte Cozza. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Monday July 25, 2016 at Wilhelm's Portland Memorial Funeral Home. Service Information