Mr. Norman C. Davis

Auburn- Norman C. Davis 79, of Fairview Ave. died Sunday December 29, 2013 at his home. Born in Augusta, ME. March 16, 1934. Son of the late Marguerite and Sam Davis. He graduated from Edward Little High School in 1952. He was the high scorer on the basketball team and leading home-run hitter for the EL baseball team, he was one of the first players to hit a home run out of the old Pettingill Park. One of the leading hitters in the twin city baseball league. Norm Went to Battle Creek, MI with the Bates Manufacturers baseball team and signed a contract with the Baltimore Orioles. He also played with the Auburn ASA’s as they traveled all over New England playing baseball. He played semi-pro basketball with the Bates Manufacturers and Central distributors team. Became a basketball referee when he was 45 and worked for 10 yrs. He also worked at Hallowell Shoe in Augusta as a pattern maker and in quality control, then as stitching room supervisor at Commonwealth Shoe in Lewiston, He went to work in Freeport for Eastland Shoe and became plant Superintendent. He left there and was plant manager of the Henschel Shoe Co. in Littleton, NH. When the plant closed he went to Husson College for 2 yrs and went into education as an Ed Tech working with students one on one at Libby Tozier school and Carrie Ricker school. He was like a grandfather to the students of both schools. He enjoyed working with the kids and made many special friendships. He was honored with a very special assembly at Carrie Ricker Middle School on April 11, 1988 for his induction into the Hall of Fame. His sense of humor was an asset to the two schools as he was always jovial. He umpired softball for 30 years and was on the National Umpire Staff for the Amateur Softball Association and the state and regional Umpire-in- Chief until 1999 when he gave up his state position. He gave clinics on softball rules and mechanics of umpiring all over the US, in 34 states and also gave clinics overseas for the US Air Force in Italy, Turkey, Germany, and England. He has spoken at many testimonials. He was inducted into the Auburn-Lewiston Hall of Fame in 1997. He always said that any success he had was due to his beloved wife Elaine as she was “the wind beneath his wings.” His family was very dear to him, his daughter and son-in-law and his sons and daughter-in-law were his life. He leaves his wife Elaine of 52 years and three children, one daughter, Doreen Venezia Woodbridge, VA. 2 sons and daughters-in-law Michael and Dorna Davis of Leeds, Tom and Betty-Ann Davis of Winslow. Special grandchildren that he loved and worshipped are Lindsay Davis, Keith Davis and wife Tyla, and Griffin Davis. A host granddaughter Vika Arkhipova, a greatgrandson Bryce Strout, a brother Herbert of Auburn. He also had many nieces and nephews including Bobby Nichols of Winslow and Karen Nichols of Minot, along with dear friends that he met through softball Jerry and Sue Hansen from Midland, MI, Jim and Barb Craig from Buffalo, NY. He was predeased by a son in law Jim Venezia two grandsons Cody and Christopher and a sister Maxine Martineau. He was instrumental in getting many local umpires in National tournaments. He was Umpire-in-chief for 50 National Tournaments and was highly regarded by the national governing body of softball, the ASA. He will be missed by his best friends, Joe and Gloria Rousseau as they had some great times together. His humor was always ready to cheer people up. The Daggett family of Litchfield became very close to him in the past few years, John, Rita, Johnny, Nic and his “Bud” Ben Daggett. All the kids and teachers at Libby-Tozier school where he worked and everyone and Carrie Ricker Middle School, where he coached basketball, he believed that at that level it was important that every player played in each game. He had been working at the Title 1 program at Libby Tozier School in Litchfield.

Visitation Fortin Auburn Friday 2-4 & 6-8 PM. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday 11 AM at Holy Cross Church. Committal will be held in the spring at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Those wishing to make donations in his memory may do so to The Auburn Lewiston Sports Hall of Fame 415 Lisbon St. Lewiston, ME 04240. A service of The Fortin Group/Plummer & Merrill Funeral Home, Cremation & Monument Services 217 Turner St. AUBURN. 783-8545.