| John Kent Davis, 70, of Hastings-on-Hudson, New York, died Tuesday, February 9, 2010. Known to family and friends as Kent, he was a man of optimism and integrity who lived with grace, dignity, courage and a love for life, even as his health declined. Born in Berkeley, California, on September 2, 1939 to Arthur Clayton Davis and Katherine (Carr) Davis, he spent his early years there and in San Francisco; he cherished his western roots throughout his life. Kent enjoyed reading, especially history and short stories, and took great pleasure in music, French toast, camping, yoga, tennis, running, walking, hiking, learning Spanish and fly fishing, and he shared his enthusiasm with others whenever possible. The National Parks held a special place in his heart, as did the Hudson River. He loved his family; in recent years he especially enjoyed being "Gramps" and inventing songs and reading stories to his two grandchildren. Until his health failed he was an active member of the First Unitarian Society of Westchester and was grateful for the fellowship found there. A graduate of St. Ignatius College Preparatory (1957) and the University of San Francisco (B.S. 1961), Kent served in the US Coast Guard Reserve while continuing studies at Ohio University (M.S. 1968) and Syracuse University (Ph.D. 1971). As part of his doctoral training he completed a child clinical psychology internship at the Astor Home for Children in Rhinebeck, NY. Dr. Davis worked as a child clinical psychologist at Children's Village in Dobbs Ferry until 1977, when he joined New York Medical College as Chief of Pediatric Psychology with service in Pediatrics and Psychiatry at affiliates Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center and Metropolitan Hospital Center. In addition to his clinical responsibilities, Dr. Davis was an educator of medical students and residents, supervisor of psychology interns, and co-author of a book and numerous peer reviewed papers. For many years he was an active member of the Westchester County Psychological Association (WCPA), serving as President (1989-1991), Chair of its Ethics Committee (1982-1985), and on its Board of Directors (1982-1985, 1987-1993); he was honored to receive its Distinguished Service Award in 2005, the year of his retirement. Survivors include his wife of 44 years, Sue (Galasso) of Hastings-on-Hudson; daughter Brigid Davis, son-in-law Iain Bason, and grandchildren of Winchester, MA; daughter Monica Davis and son-in-law Charles Alexander of Arlington, MA; brothers James C. Davis of San Francisco, CA and Peter C. Davis of Lake Oswego, OR; his aunt Marie Carr Fitzgerald of Anderson, CA and many cousins, nieces and nephews . A memorial service will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory can be made to Doctors Without Borders. |
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