John Robert ' Bob' Davis

John Robert “Bob” Davis, loving son, father, brother, friend and SANTA CLAUS passed away suddenly at the young age of 67. Born May 19, l953 in Salt Lake City, Utah, Bob was the 2nd child of 9 born to Jack & Ruby Davis. He was a graduate of Highland High School, class of l971.
Bob always lived his life on his own terms with no regrets. His adventurous spirit eventually took him to Lake Powell where he worked for Dell Webb Corporation and then for Glen Canyon Park Service. He truly loved the water, the people, the landscape, especially scuba diving though that sometimes entailed helping clients with both body and boat recovery. This he handled with the utmost professionalism and empathy.
In l980 he welcomed the light of his life, daughter Emily Rose Davis. He loved his daughter with all his heart and she him, both sharing their love of motorcycles, independence and adventure.

Bob was well known & admired for both his professional work and private causes, his favorite annual charity drive being Toys For Tots. We are sure there are many more charities he never mentioned, though helping the elderly fix their homes or whatever else they required would somehow fit into his ever expanding schedule. His favorite cause, however, was playing SANTA CLAUS annually for the past 30+ years to thousands of children.
This annual venture required both a custom fit Santa suit (lovingly handmade, repaired, and remade many times over the years by his sister, Lori), a sleigh, and occasionally a helicopter! Bob made sure each child had time to speak with him (even if the line waiting was out the door) and took each child's request and situation to heart. No child would ever go without when Bob was there to contribute. He was both humble and generous to a fault. Even when his health was at issue, he would push through and continue his cause never complaining nor faltering.

Bob is predeceased by his father, Jack Davis, sister Jill Davis Widmer, Uncle Robert Clarke Davis, Uncle Americo Bert Dalnodar, grandparents, Aunt Olga Dalnodar, Aunt Jennie Stanga, Uncle Bob Stanga and cousin Gary Stanga. He is survived by his loving daughter, Emily, his mother Ruby, and 7 siblings: Dianne (Ingo), Pat (Ron), Lisa (Mike), Lori (Joe), Bill, Jackie (Glenn), & James. Also survived by brother-in-law Scott Widmer, cousin Dr. Burt Stanga and family, numerous nieces & nephews (some of whom believe to this day that he is Santa) as well as countless friends from his childhood to present.

The Davis family would like to thank all of you for your thoughts, prayers, love and support at this time. A special thanks to Bob's much loved and extended family Mary Jewett, Rocky Pyle, and John & Lori Swendeman for being such good friends who were always there to help him in all his endeavors. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him as well as those who were simply fortunate enough to have crossed his path. Due to Covid restrictions, a celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Toys For Tots , The American Heart Association or your favorite charity.

The “Bob” and “Santa” stories continue to flow in from many different people & places. He touched so many lives by simply living his own. We were all truly blessed to have known him, loved him & lived in his world if just for a little while.

No helicopter needed, SANTA has earned his WINGS!