Michael Jay Davis
A Tribute to Michael Jay Davis
May 18, 1957 to January 8, 2019
Mike Davis was born on May 18, 1957, in Van Nuys, California, to Dee and Larry Davis. He was the oldest of three children, and was the teacher, protector and leader of the pack to his younger siblings Dee Dee and Dan. Growing up, Mike’s leadership skills and fun-loving personality gained him lots of love from his brother and sister. He also had a close group of friends, some of whom he has known since the age of two. Mike has always been a friend to everyone. He joined every club, such as scouts, had a paper route, and never gave up in sports, despite facing numerous challenges. He was determined and persistent in everything he did. He maintained close friendships to his siblings throughout his life, and enjoyed many memorable times at football games, family vacations and concerts with them. He also talked to his mother daily and shared a special bond with her always.
Mike married Abbe Bateman in 1979 and became the proud father of three children, Chris, Tori and Katie, and later a beloved Grandpa to four grandchildren. He was a natural caretaker, which led him to a nursing career of over thirty years, where he excelled and made such a profound difference in people’s lives. As a hospice nurse, he received many notes of appreciation from patients’ family members. Mike was even entrusted with the beloved cat of one of his patients, and Tippy became a true family member throughout his life. While he accomplished so much in his nursing career, earning many prestigious awards such as the March of Dimes Excellence in Nursing and Nurse of the Year Award Nomination, his proudest accomplishment was his children.
He cherished the infant stage in each of his children’s lives, and would hold and sing to them for hours on end, introducing them to his love of music at an early age. He had special traditions and hobbies he enjoyed with each of his children. He shared a lot of the same interests as his son, Chris, such as going to concerts, listening to records, hiking and water sports. They spent countless hours working in the yard and on house projects together. Mike had a special tradition with his middle daughter, Tori, and always gave her a Cherished Teddy for gifts, which she truly treasured. He was involved with coaching Tori’s youth sports, and later enjoyed sharing his favorite recipes with her. His youngest daughter, Katie, shared his sense of humor and loved going roller-skating just the two of them. Katie was a swimmer throughout school, and Mike became very involved in her swim team as an Executive Board Member for Nebraska Aquatics and a Stroke and Turn Judge for USA Swimming. He and his family enjoyed cheering on the Huskers every game day. There were so many trips to the mountains where they would hike, camp and ski, and many special trips to the beach.
Mike absolutely loved the beach and would disappear for hours collecting seashells. He always wanted to be in the sun and would happily spend the day in the backyard sitting in a lawn chair or inflatable pool. Taking care of the garden was another one of his favorite hobbies, and he would garden with his kids when they were young and later with his grandkids. He really enjoyed picking flowers for them, running through the sprinklers and making them laugh with his dancing and playfulness.
He also spent lots of time making stain glass windows, which he gifted to each of his children. They are truly beautiful works of art, which Mike spent so much time planning and designing. He proudly displayed them in his house, next to the antiques he collected and cherished. He loved finding antiques and treasures at garage sales and auctions, which is where he found some of his children and grandchildren’s favorite toys.
Mike meant so much to his family, his beloved companion and dog Evie, the friends that he has made throughout his life, his patients, and to so many people he met along his journey. Mike will be remembered most for the memories and laughter he brought to his family, his compassion for helping others, his fun-loving nature and humor, and for his passion for the outdoors and music. He was very loved by his family and lifelong friends and has impacted so many people’s lives. Mike fought two courageous battles of cancer. When he was diagnosed for the first time, his coworkers in hospice formed a team of angels. Many of those angels visited him during his final months. He was surrounded by family, friends and so much love when he passed on January 8, 2019. His favorite song Layla by Eric Clapton was playing, and he is resting peacefully now, eternally in the sunshine.
We celebrated the life of Mike Davis
February 2, 2019
4:00-7:00
The Jasmine Room by Venue at The Grand Manse
129 North 10th St
Lincoln, NE 68508
Thank you for contributing to one or more of the following in memory of Mike:
Nebraska Cancer Research Center
4600 Valley Rd
Lincoln, NE 68510
*In memory of Michael J. Davis*
Tabitha Hospice and Home Health Care
c/o Tabitha Foundation
4720 Randolph St.
Lincoln, NE 68510
*In memory of Michael J. Davis*
The Monarch
c/o Eastmont Foundation
6315 O St.
Lincoln, NE 68510
*In memory of Michael J. Davis*
“The measure of a man comes down to moments, spread out like dots of paint on the canvas of a life. Everything you were, everything you’ll someday be, resides in the small, seemingly ordinary choices of everyday life. Each decision seems as insignificant as a left turn on an unfamiliar road when you have no destination in mind. But the decisions accumulate until you realize one day that they’ve made you the man you are.” -excerpt from the novel Angel Falls, written by Kristin Hannah
Funeral Home assisting is Aspen Mortuary, 4822 Cleveland Avenue, Lincoln, NE 68504. To view an on-line obituary or email condolences please visit Aspen Mortuary’s website at www.aspenaftercare.com.
Aspen Cremation Service represents the ideal combination of price and quality. We have low overhead and can pass on the savings. Let us earn your trust.
Accreditations
Condolences for Michael Jay Davis
Mike was a kind and gentle soul. I worked with him when I was a nurse at the Monarch and I will always remember his sense of humor and the love and pride he expressed always about his children. Fly with the angels dear Mike! Tess Logan R.N.
Mike was a high school class mate and football team mate. And though I have only seen him at a couple of reunions over the last 44 years, he was always a great, great guy. I’m sorry his journey ended at this time but from what was written above and from what all our mates are saying about him, it’s clear that his 61+ years in life were fantastic and as great as he was. Godspeed Mike and the best wishes for your family and your loved ones.
Sincere condolences to Mike’s entire family from Midwestern Swimming.
Dee:
I am sorry to learn of Mike’s passing, and wish there were something that could be said or done on my part which would offer some measure of consolation. It has been several years since I last saw him, but the news I received a couple hours ago triggered a flood of memories that are among the earliest and most fond memories I have.
Mike was my friend; one of my very first. I don’t recall the precise moment of our initial meeting, but we became friends when I was at an age in which boys are given their first taste of independence and the opportunity to explore their world. Our world, in this case, being the neighborhood of Locust Street. What a wonderful place that was in which to be a kid! Mike was a couple years my senior, as you know, and was the leader of our friends in neighborhood. Second only to my folks, Mike was the person I first looked up to and admired. Before I knew what it even meant to be “cool,” I thought Mike was cool. He had a room to himself in the basement (without a sibling), he could ride a bike (and even got me up on a bike once), and he had a beer can collection – all very cool! By the way, I eventually started my own beer can collection and have it to this day.
Concerning his collection, I recall looking for tossed beer cans with Mike on the 40th Street hill, just south of Highway 2 (before there were any houses or paved roads there). For a four/five year old kid, that was quite an adventure and journey (and likely one that would not have been sanctioned by either of our parents at the time). Other adventures I recall having with Mike included wading in Beal Slough to catch crawdads, taking pop bottles to the grocery at 48th and Pioneers to collect the 2 cent deposit, and walking to Henry Park for “supervised playground.” I remember when he fell from the slide there and broke his jaw. The only time I recall seeing Mike without his characteristic smile was after he had returned home from being treated for that fall and was prevented from smiling by the wire supports.
We had fun. We tore about the neighborhood, road trikes, bikes and skateboards, played hide-n-seek, went trick-or-treating and, on July 5th, collected the remains of the rockets, fountains and other fireworks shot off on the preceding day. Of course, Mike was always at my birthday parties. I remember watching the television war drama, Combat!, and then going out to meet Mike and the other boys in the neighborhood to play “army.” “Twelve O’clock High and Dragnet were other TV favorites we’d talk about.
The fact that I recall my times with Mike so vividly after 55 years, speaks of their importance to me. The adventures we had, in particular, were beyond what I was capable of doing alone at the time. Tagging along with Mike on those adventures undoubtedly contributed to the confidence I’ve enjoyed in the years since. We necessarily are shaped by our friendships and experiences. Mike unquestionably played a role in making me who I am today.
I will always cherish the memory of my friend.
Abbe, Chris, Tori and Katie,
We are so sorry for your loss. We have many fond memories of swimming meets and friendships formed with swim families. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sharla & Rex Schultze, Conor and Devin
I knew Mike for many years & was so touched with the compassion he showed when we worked together in hospice. He was a good man & a great nurse. God bless you & your family Mike. God speed to you & I hope you are enjoying beautiful music always.
My friend Pauline and I had the pleasure of meeting Mike at Larsen Lifestyle Center many years ago. He truly was a friend to all. We will never forget him.
My deep sympathy to your family. I was so sorry to hear that Mike had passed. He cared for my dad, Jim Johnson, for many years at Gateway Vista. We visited every night so I spent more time with Mike than I did many of my friends. I appreciate the care and tolerance that he showed my dad who was not always super pleasant.
To the Davis family, I am so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. It was clear to see the joy Mike had in his family! He was always generous with his time and grateful for his friendships. He will be missed. Peace and blessings to all of you. Your dad was a gem.