Frank Davis, 91,

Frank Davis, 91, passed away of natural causes Saturday, Feb. 18, 2006, at his home in Missoula. With the help of his family and hospice, his transition from this world was swift and peaceful.

Frank was born in Rosebud to Otis and Marie Davis on Sept. 28, 1914. He grew up in eastern Montana and graduated from Forsyth High School. He went on to attend the University of Montana, graduating from the School of Pharmacy in 1940. He worked his way through college playing dance-band gigs and lighting furnaces in the homes of families in the university area.

After graduation, Frank was employed as a pharmacist in Wolf Point. There he met and married Leora Simon on May 16, 1941. In 1942 they moved to Billings, where he was employed by Hiebner Drug. In 1946 he moved to Great Falls, accepting a position as a medical representative for Eli Lilly and Co. Ultimately he traveled more than a million miles, educating pharmacists and physicians regarding the benefits of Lilly products. He retired in 1976.

Upon retirement, Frank became the executive secretary of the Montana Pharmaceutical Association. He lobbied on their behalf in both Helena and Washington, D.C. In addition to this work, he served on the board of directors of the American Cancer Society.

Frank moved to Green Valley, Ariz., where he met and married Barbara Cote Heisel in 1988. There he continued to pursue his hobbies of astronomy, photography, woodworking and travel. In addition, Frank discovered a love for designing and creating beautiful jewelry.

During July 2001, Frank and Barbara returned to Missoula and moved into the Village Senior Residence, where he enjoyed the company of many friendly residents and the caring staff. His return to Montana allowed him to spend time at the family cabin at Swan Lake, attend Grizzly athletic and musical events, and reconnect with the U of M School of Pharmacy.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Leora; and son, Jim.

Frank is survived by his daughter, June Brown, of Missoula; and sons, Jim Davis of Potomac, Rick Davis of Kalispell, and Ray Davis of Seattle. Additional family members include son-in-law, Alan Brown; daughter-in-law, Marli Davis; and his grandchildren, Kip and Lora Brown, Kory and Kelly Brown, Manda Davis, and Lindsay Davis and Glenn Smith.

Frank is also survived by his wife, Barbara, and her children, Mary Ellen Cote of Missoula, John and Janet Cote of Alaska, and Dennis and Joan Cote of California.

At his request, there will be no memorial service. Next summer a family remembrance will take place at Swan Lake.

Memorials may be given to Hospice of Missoula, 800 Kensington, Missoula, MT 59801; U of M School of Pharmacy, Bldg. 32, Missoula, MT 59812; U of M Athletics, Bldg. 32, Missoula, MT 59812; or the American Cancer Society, 3550 Mullan Road, Missoula, MT 59808.