Obituary of Roy Merle Davidson, Jr

Roy Merle Davidson Jr, born, 4/11/ 1939 went to be with his Lord Jesus on 6/23/2023.

He was comforted by his wife of 57 years and the sound of scriptures being read as he began his journey.

Roy was born and raised in Portland Oregon; Graduated from Grant High School in 1957;

Earned his Bachelor’s degree in Science from Oregon State in 1961 and joined the Navy. He had achieved the rank of Lieutenant when he left the Navy to pursue his Master’s Degree in Botany at Oregon State in 1965.  During this time he met Jannon VanValzah when he moved into the apartment building where she lived. They became soul mates and were married in December of 1966.   After

finishing his Masters in 1967,  he completed his Doctorate program in Plant Pathology at Washington State University.

Roy spent his entire career working for the Washington State Extension Program in

Puyallup, Washington before retiring at age 65.  He was a plant pathologist for the majority of his years.   One of his former colleagues described him as being extremely knowledgeable and meticulous with his work.  He identified problems with specimens received from individuals, groups and businesses who had issues with their products that required solutions.  Roy also enjoyed sharing his knowledge and experiences when he taught Master Gardner classes at the extension service.  Another role he embraced was hiring and supervising young people harvesting raspberry fields.

Roy and Jan carried on his love of nature in their leisure time by hiking, bird watching and doing plant identification in parks and wilderness areas.   Roy could imitate birds and masterfully drew and logged

plant material he and Jan would find during their outdoor adventures.  Roy had a dry wit that punctuated all that he did.  He strove to be a servant and steward of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Bernice Davidson and is survived by his devoted wife, Jannon, and her sister and family and his brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Mollie Davidson..

Roy’s graveside service will be at 10:00 a.m. at Woodbine Cemetery in Puyallup, Washington on Friday July 14^th 2023.  In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Roy’s name to the charity of your choice.