Tony Paul Davis, 56

Tony Paul Davis, 56, formerly of Whitefish, passed away peacefully on March 6, 2010, at Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church, Va., from complications related to open heart surgery. Tony was born May 14, 1953, in Dallas to parents, Lola Belle and Ollie Davis. He graduated from Duncanville High School in 1971, and immediately upon graduation struck out for Fraser, Colo. There he discovered his abiding love of the mountains and became an expert snow skier, working as a ski instructor at Winter Park Resort. During that time he met Constance Davis (nee Davis), whom he married in 1976, and remained wed to for 30 years. They eventually moved back to Texas in 1983, and Tony worked at the Frito-Lay plant in Irving for the majority of their 15 years there. In 1998, Tony and Connie packed up everything they owned in a single moving truck and re-invented themselves as bed and breakfast owners, buying the Eagles Roost Bed and Breakfast in Whitefish. Through continual renovation and thanks in part to Tony s knack for fixing, building and rebuilding just about anything, they transformed the modest house into a homey, inviting destination. Their guests often became friends, and many were fond of Tony s frequent laughter and warm disposition. In addition to the bed and breakfast, Tony also worked for stints at Safeway in Whitefish and Lowe s in Kalispell before moving to Sterling, Va., in 2008 to live with his son, Jason. Tony loved Montana, which enabled him to once again indulge his lifelong love of skiing and the mountains. He liked fishing its waters, and taking in the sights of Glacier National Park in his signature wool hat. The consummate handyman, his family will forever remember him with a tool belt slung about his waste, engaged in the latest remodeling project. He was also a devoted father to his sons, Jason and Nathaniel. He always enjoyed hearing about the goings-on of their lives, and was the type of father who was not only a fixture at his sons football games, but at their practices as well. He combined his love of his sons with his strong faith in the Lord and volunteered with the church youth group when they were young. Tony s faith was one of his defining characteristics, and guided and strengthened him throughout his life. Tony also loved being the grandfather of his two adoring grandchildren. Papa was commonly found reading them stories, and passed many an hour swinging them in their backyard swing. Mourning his loss are his sons, Jason Davis of Sterling, Va., and Nathaniel Davis of Huntington Beach, Calif.; their mother, Constance Sutliff, of Columbia Falls; daughter-in-law, Christina Davis; grandchildren, Madeline and Luke; brothers, Larry Davis of Irving, Texas, and Tim Davis of Cedar Hill, Texas; sister, Janice Aldrich, of Adkins, Texas; numerous cousins, nephews, extended family members, and friends. Preceding Tony in death were his parents, Lola Belle and Ollie Davis; and sister, Sharon Davis. A memorial service is scheduled for 1 p.m. on April 7, at Irving Bible Church in Irving. A reception will follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association. To express condolences please visit www.carepages.com/carepages/PapasHeart. Time to rest now, Dad. We love you. See you soon...