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<p><em>Leon Duane “Lee” Davis</em> was born on September 15, 1949 in Utica, NY. He was the youngest of four children born to Jack and Helen (Fallon) Davis. His parents were both educators and raised their family in Old Forge, NY. His dad was a physical education teacher, coach, and athletic director at the Town of Webb School, which suited Lee well as he grew into a fine athlete. He and his three siblings—William, Elaine, and Mary Claire—enjoyed the outdoor life offered in the Adirondacks. This area remained home to Leon, in his heart and in fact, throughout his life. He loved to roam the trails and canoe the rivers and streams. He enjoyed camping with his cousin George during summer visits. As Lee grew into high school age, he attended the Town of Webb High School, where he became an accomplished basketball, soccer, and baseball player. He was a popular, well rounded student. His leadership qualities were shown as he became the president of the student body’s Athletic Association, a member of the New York Boys State contingent, president of the school band (trumpet player), a member of the National Honor Society, and student body vice president and treasurer. Leon also enjoyed skiing during the winters. On one ski outing during senior year, he raced and defeated his high school classmate, neighbor, and future Olympian (1972 Sapporo, downhill and giant slalom), Hank Kashiwa. While Lee was always happy for his classmate’s great success in the sport over the years (University of Colorado, U.S. Army ski team, U.S. ski team, World Cup circuit, World Pro title in ’75), he did get a kick out of his one lucky win when they were kids.</p>
<p>As time came to get serious about college selection, Lee decided to follow his dad’s urging and look into the United States Military Academy. A cousin, Lawrence F. McNeil, had graduated in the Class of 1957, so Lee had some family insight as to the rigorous challenges he would face. With that awareness in mind, Lee secured a nomination and entered West Point as a member of the Class of 1971. After Beast Barracks, Lee was assigned to Company D-4, becoming a valued member of the Delta Quad Fraternity. The physical challenges at school were easily met. He was a member of the varsity Soccer Team and enjoyed free time in the gym (he was powerfully strong). Academics could be handled, also. While not a Star Man, Lee resided in the middle of the class. However, Lee really showed his stuff in his ability to draw attention from the Tactical Department! A member of the Century Club by cow year, Lee certainly attracted demerits. He was not overly concerned about schedules, enjoyed an occasional beer, was casual with uniform appearance, etc., so he managed to graduate a Double Century member. However, his most infamous escapade did not get him slugged—actually, he was never caught. To set the stage, think of a wintry, slushy Saturday night, firstie year, about 2200 hours. A school bus is making its rounds, carrying cadets and dates from the Thayer Hotel to Grant Hall, to North Area, back around to the bowling alley etc., etc. As the bus pulls up to the Thayer Hotel, the driver exits to use the men’s room. As the passengers wait for his return, they become more and more vocal about their displeasure with the delay. Lee, in an attempt to quiet the crowd, looks in the lobby, sees no driver, gets behind the wheel and drives away. He completes almost a full circuit, dropping passengers off and admitting new riders along the way, à la Kramer in a well-known Seinfeld episode. As he nears the bowling alley, he sees a group of MP cars, lights flashing, along with a gathering of uniformed and civilian personnel. Quickly sizing up the situation, Lee figures his best move is to stop the bus and get lost, which he does with great dispatch. Not waiting for introductions, he bolts for the most direct, cross country path back to the Lost Fifties. He settles into bed, his bus driving career behind him. When classes resumed Monday, Thayer Hall was alive with P’s anxiously asking, “Who ‘stole’ the bus?” Naturally, mum was the word, so the mystery went unsolved. It has been a D-4 secret until now. Lee was, though unnamed, famous. </p>
<p>Lee selected Air Defense Artillery, and, upon graduation June 9, 1971, he reported to Fort Tilden, NY. After serving there with the 3-51st ADA, Leon was assigned to the 38th ADA Brigade, Korea, serving along the DMZ, 1973-74. His next stop was Fort Riley, KS, where he managed the officers’ club and met his life’s light and true love, Marilyn Leader. His final assignment was with the Cold Regions Test Center at Fort Greeley, AK. </p>
<p>Upon leaving the Army in 1980, Leon headed back home to Old Forge. Settling into civilian life agreed with Lee. Accompanied by Marilyn and her two children, Lee enjoyed managing Totes Tea House Restaurant and supervising the maintenance and preservation of the Adirondack League Club, the largest privately held preserve in Adirondack Park. Encompassing more than 50,000 acres, it kept Lee busy. He spent his leisure time hiking and canoeing, relaxing with Marilyn and his dogs. It was an idyllic time for Lee until his untimely passing on October 6, 2020.</p>
<p>Lee’s ashes were scattered by his family on the Little Safford River, his favorite canoeing site near Old Forge. Lee’s class ring has been donated by his family to the Ring Melt program. His family and we brothers in D-4 will miss and remember him always. Be Thou at Peace, Lee.</p>
<p><em>— Elaine Anderegg, family and Company D-4 classmates</em></p>
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