Ralph Scott Davis Jr.

Ralph Scott Davis, age 96, passed away August 14, 2016. He was born in Portland, Oregon on January 21, 1920 to Ralph S. Davis Sr. and Marcia (Stokes) Davis. Since Ralph’s father was a Union Pacific Railroad depot agent, he moved often along the Columbia River Gorge corridor and further east. Noteworthy towns were Hermiston, Echo, Boardman, Pendleton, Umatilla, and Portland. It was in these places that he developed his character and his love of the outdoors and physical challenges. While in Portland, Ralph attended Jefferson High School during his senior year where he excelled in three sports. Then he attended the University of Oregon where he became the freshman football captain. His education was interrupted by WWII. He joined the US Coast Guard and was stationed in the Pacific Northwest. While in the Coast Guard, he met his future bride, Betty Jane Whiting, who was also a member of the Coast Guard. They eventually rented an apartment on Glisan Street in Portland where they lived and took care of their first son, Ralph Scott Davis III. After this they moved to Corvallis where Ralph played football for Oregon State. While there, their next son, Bryan Davis was born, delivered by the football team physician. After graduation, Ralph taught and coached at several high schools, including Sheridan, Newberg, and Jefferson. Starting in 1954 he began teaching at Portland State College (University) where he coached football, track, and cross country until his retirement in 1981. During the summer, for fifteen years, Ralph was a head lifeguard at Seaside and Gearhart . He originated and directed the Seaside Beach Run and Trail’s End Marathon. In addition, he was noted for being the team USA Korfball head coach and also was in charge of the track and field officials at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles. After Betty’s death, he met and married Vaunda Carter. They resided in Northwest Portland at the Vista St. Clair. Ralph is survived by Vaunda; children, Ralph Scott Davis (Susie) and Bryan Davis (Madeline); step daughter Anne Weaver (Scott); and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. A celebration of Ralph’s life will be held at the Multnomah Athletic Club on Sunday, August 28, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to Hospice at Good Samaritan Hospital.