John Dallas Davis II passed away on July 9, 2024 in his home in Litchfield Park, Arizona surrounded by his family.

John was born on August 8, 1942 to Ralph and Lillian Davis in the old Trinity Hospital in Arcata, California. He grew up on 11th Street in Arcata, California where many cars were reconfigured and much shenanigans were had with his many buddies. Two of which (future brother-in-law) Ronnie Tweedy and Robert Goodrich who are friends to this day.

John and Laurel said their lives truly began when they met by chance on the beach in 1959. They were married on May 5, 1962 in Arcata Ca. They went to the World’s Fair in Seattle WA for their honeymoon where John neglected to purchase cotton candy for his beautiful new bride. She forgave him on their 62nd wedding anniversary that they just celebrated this May.

John started as a volunteer for the Arcata Fire Department and then eventually became Assistant Chief. He retired 34 years later in 1997. During his time with the fire department, he mentored many of the younger generations, four of whom became Chiefs themselves.  They will be forever grateful for his stern guidance. The lives he touched through his service to his community are too many to count. 

Family meant everything to John, and he and Laurel raised their family in Arcata, CA and lived there until shortly after his retirement in 1997 when they moved to Arizona.

Even after death John is thinking of others as he has donated his body to science in the hope that doctors and scientists can learn and help others. His wish is that there be no service so that people won’t be sad. Instead raise a glass and make a toast, maybe remember some of his wisdom or shenanigans.

Post-research, John’s remains will be cremated and interred in Ocean View Cemetery. 

“Our love is like a golden chain, a rare and cherished token that links our hearts together in a bond that can’t be broken. Each length stands for some happy thought, some cherished memory, of all the things we two have shared that means so much to me!”

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of John’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here.