The passing of a legend in his own time has been reported. Ralph “Plumber” Harold Davis, 79, passed away at his home in Arboles on Nov. 18. Ralph bravely faced his impending death from an inoperable brain hemorrhage, only nine days after the “acute subdural hematoma, non traumatic” was diagnosed.
Ralph was the son of Harold M. and Frances Eva Davis, born in a cabin at the Hot Springs in Pagosa Springs on March 28, 1938, where he was a lifetime resident, grew up and attended school. He is survived by his beloved partner, Carol Tindell; sister Noreen Bruns, of Oklahoma City; nieces Coleen Henisa, of Oklahoma City, and Eileen Bruns, of Richmond, Texas; and nephew James Bruns, also of Oklahoma City. He will be missed by cousins Helen Moore and Craig, of Buena Vista, and all who knew and loved him; he never met a stranger.
He was a master of recycle, re-purpose and reuse of items and passing them on where they could be most beneficial. Many children were on the receiving end of bikes and other toys that he made or repaired and donated. He made wonderful wooden whirligigs as well as toys which can be found worldwide.
Ralph proudly served in the Army, serving in France as well as in the U.S. and still has friends from that period of time. Among other jobs in the area, he worked long and hard at the big sawmill north of Pagosa Springs, was a volunteer fireman and became chief — a job he really loved. He owned his own business for many years before retiring and moving to Arboles, where he continued his own business. He loved fishing and was a guide to hunters from out of state. He enjoyed gardening and beating the critters to harvest. Ralph had a tremendous heart and love for life. He loved having fun and had a sense of humor even to the end.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Pagosa Springs volunteer fire department in his name.
