Michael Lloyd Davis

Once upon a time, November 10, 1956, in a place much like our own Great Falls, Montana, a man named Michael L. Davis came into the world destined to be a warrior. Born of Charlie and Darlene Davis, who predeceased him, he was fated to become a warrior for truth, justice, and peace. He grew much as other boys did, except that he and his surviving brother James E. Davis had a champion to mentor them, beloved grandfather Dewey. Before he died, Lloyd Dewey taught Mike action without strength is futile, strength without purpose is wasted, and action without love is empty. Most importantly, he taught Michael love is never wasted, futile, or empty and should always be a humans highest purpose. After becoming an Eagle Scout, Mike doubted his calling. Michael became known as Diesel and rode an iron horse, traveling lonely roads, meeting fellow wanderers in his quest for truth. He called few enemies and even fewer friends. He decorated his skin, unafraid of the ridicule this brought him. When his days of wandering brought Mike back to his place of birth, his calling became stronger. He escorted the BISCAK rescue bus, saving citizens of this fair city from their fortunes and sometimes from themselves. While this work was good, he felt he could do more. Big Mike attended higher learning at the Havre campus of MSU, becoming a registered nurse. He launched a 30 year span working first at Columbus Hospital then Benefis Healthcare, nursing those who came into his keeping. He healed all possible at his work, yet still wandered when not occupied with his profession. Our hero soon realized to truly become the man his grandfather saw in him, he would have to slay the demons hiding inside. He fought to face each of them down, becoming present and purposeful in his life with the help of anonymous friends. Michael lived many adventures, ranging from brotherhood in the Knights of Columbus to acting on stage with Center Stage Community Theatre. Other feats include serving as sacristan for Holy Spirit Parish, camping all over the wilderness of Montana and canoeing its many rivers and lakes, cooking for benefits large and small, enjoying more than 25 years of sobriety, riding motorcycles until his hips gave out, and generally having an excellent life by creating stories to add to his portfolio. He even met a lass, Grace Davis. While not a princess, she was pleasing to his eyes and kind to his heart, calling him her frog prince. They loved and were married for nearly 19 years, welcoming two boys, Elijah Davis and Isaiah Davis, all three of whom survived Michaels passing. While raising their beloved children, Michael continued to brave his inner demons, surmount his limitations, and inspire nearly all who met him. Most recently, he started a scouting adventure with Troop 1 as an assistant scoutmaster to teach a new slew of young men the ideals his grandfather set forth. His final battle against heart disease, while valiantly fought, was lost December 3, 2015. A person can use a lifetime and live none of it well; Michael needed only 59 years to fulfill the Legend of Diesel. Those left with his legacy, be they co-worker, family, friend, passing acquaintance, or kindred spirit, will keenly feel his absence while reveling in his truth. A vigil celebrating Michaels life will be held December 11th at 7 PM at St. Peter and Paul Parish Center, 200 44th Street South. Funeral services for Michael will be held December 12th at 10 AM at Holy Spirit Catholic Parish, 201 44th Street South with internment at Mount Olivet cemetery. Make contributions to honor Mike to any or all of four causes: Michael L. Davis Memorial through Montana Federal Credit Union to fund higher education for his boys, Peace Hospice, Montana Actors Theatre, or the Boy Scouts of America. Please send condolences to Schnider Funeral Home, www.schniderfuneralhome.com.