Theodore Davis was born July 7,1943, in Oswego, New York to Thomas and Sarah Davis. His younger brother Peter was born in 1949. He grew up in Irondequoit, outside Rochester New York where his Father worked for Kodak. From that exposure, Ted developed a lifelong love of cameras and photography. He always had at least 1 camera with him for any occasion.

He attended Clarkson University in upstate New York. He worked as a bartender to put himself through college. It took him 6 years to graduate. He shared many stories of his mischievous college adventures, and winter activities in the subzero temperatures of Potsdam NY. He graduated with a hybrid degree in engineering and marketing. This led to his first job with Carborundum, an abrasives company, headquartered in Niagara Falls. Ted was chagrined when his boss insisted he learn his draft status: he was at the top of the list. He decided that if he were going into the military, it would be as an officer.

Commissioned as an officer in 1969, he was assigned as a 2nd Lieutenant to Ft Lewis, Tacoma. One weekend that fall Ted and friends cruised the U. of Puget Sound campus, supposedly looking for bridge partners. That's how he met Judith. In August of 1970 he proudly summited Mt. Rainier with renowned mountaineer Lou Whittaker.

After discharge from the Army Ted returned to Carborundum and received a promotion to Sales Rep for the Maryland/Mid-Atlantic region. He moved to the Baltimore area, and in June 1972, brought Judith there to start their new life together. Ted loved his work, worked hard, and usually exceeded budget expectations. He was shocked when Carborundum closed down overnight through a corporate buyout. Based on his skills, not a job title, he re-invented himself by transitioning into computer product sales for the Digital Equipment Corporation.

While in Maryland Ted joined the Baltimore Ski Club, eventually serving for 8 years as president. He spearheaded the effort to start the ski program for Maryland Special Olympics. He was passionate about working with the athletes and served as a coach and director over a 10-year period.

In 1991 his company transferred Ted to the Tri-Cities. But then, in 1992 for a second time, his job was eliminated. Using his prior experience with being laid-off he networked and transitioned to the Hanford Site where he became Project Engineer. He enjoyed his work there and stayed until retiring at 70 years of age.

2 years after moving to Richland Ted discovered the WA State Special Olympics ski program. He jumped at the chance to work with SO athletes again and served years as a coach, and 10 years as a director on the State Board. Never one to turn down the chance to volunteer, he also got involved with the Tri-Cities Wine Festival and TC Wine Society. He served on the Board from 1998-2024, and as President for 16 years.

Ted pursued hobbies of photography, scuba, sailing and skiing. He enjoyed driving his "Little Blue" 1967 MGB with the Strictly British Motor Car Club. He loved jokes and kept a file folder of his favorites. He collected hats. 2 favorites were his "West by God Virginia" leather hat, and his Harris Tweed cap. As many know, his nightly martini was a given. He scoffed at "foo-foo" martini's (like peach or banana split). A REAL martini was gin, a mist of vermouth and a green olive. Period! He lived by spreadsheets and sticky notes and was horrified at the thought of impulsive non-researched purchases.

Ted was proud to be the father of two daughters, Jennifer and Amy, and grandfather to Faith. He was generous to them and celebrated their accomplishments.

He was preceded in death by his parents Tom and Sally, and brother Peter. He is survived by wife Judith, daughters Jennifer Davis, Amy Davis, and granddaughter Faith Davis (Jarod) Scott of Richland, WA.

A Celebration of Life is planned for September 21 at Meadow Springs Presbyterian Church, Richland.