Obituary of Robert Alfred Davidson

Robert "Bob" Davidson Robert Alfred Davidson, 89, of Puyallup was born on December 20, 1918 to Alfred and Edith Davidson. Bob was raised by his grandparents in Black Diamond, Washington. He died on June 7, 2008. He married Ethel Mae Whitaker after Ethel's mother introduced the couple. She invited Bob to the family's home one Sunday afternoon for lemon meringue pie. It remained his favorite pie throughout his life. Bob served with the U.S. Marines during World War II. He participated in the battles for the islands of Saipan and Okinawa. He also was with the first Marine unit to march into Tokyo, Japan. He enjoyed telling stories of his adventures and experiences. After returning home, Bob and Ethel opened the Hoot Owl Cafe and then the Blue Note Tavern in Tacoma. They have many fond memories of the long-time customers and employees. The couple later opened the Spout 'n' Toad, Friendly Duck, and Silver Unicorn restaurants. He was mentioned many times in local newspapers because of his generosity. He loved to travel. His most precious memories were riding the Trans-Siberian Railroad across Russia and seeing the visionaries in Medjugorje, site of the Marian apparitions. He also loved a great conversation. Bob was well-known for his stories about growing up in a coal-mining town, running his restaurants, camping, and hunting. He was great at making friends and being a good friend. Although he did not spend much time gardening, he loved to cut roses in the backyard to bring to his wife. Bob is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 67 years, Ethel; his three sons: Robert M. (LeeAnn) Davidson, William (Beth) Davidson, and Douglas (Kathy) Davidson. He also is survived by a foster son, Bob "B.G." (Bev) Green. His grandchildren include Eden (John) Kramer, Teresa (Paul) Josten, Kim (Cliff) Knight, Monica (Carl) Ott, William (Rhonda) Davidson, Camille (Bob) Shelton, Kara Davidson, Amy (Chuck) Drapeau, Robert (Melissa) Davidson and Jeff (Melissa) Rundlett. Bob enjoyed visiting with his grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, who included Brenden, Zack, Tyler, Keeley, Baylor, Amaya, Ryann, Isabella, Alainnah, Lilyann, Austin, Hunter, Jonathan, Michael, Mariah, Alexander, Anneli, JJ, and Irish. Bob was predeceased by his brother Myron Davidson. He was a longtime member of St. Rita's Catholic Church in Tacoma, but it wasn't until Bob was 72 years old that he was baptized by Father Carmine Sacco, S.J., a very special person to Bob and Ethel. Bob served as an usher at the Saturday evening Mass for many years and was a member of the Pneuma Prayer Group. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 11 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Rita's Catholic Church at 1403 S. Ainsworth Ave. in Tacoma. Father Sacco will be officiating. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Piper-Morley-Mellinger Funeral Home 253-472-3353