Darrol G. Davison, 89, Cascade Heights, Albany, OR, retired Executive; American Airlines in 1985 went home to be with his Lord and Savior after a brief battle with cancer on December 25, 2011 with his family at his side.

He was born in Dorchester, Nebraska, May 29, 1922. When he was 13 years old the family moved to Redwood City, CA. He held degrees in Aeronautical Engineering Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, CA and Mechanical Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA.

Darrol began his career with Pacific Airlines, March 1948 in San Francisco. After serving in the Navy during WWII, he returned to the airline industry. During his time in the San Francisco Bay area, he experienced the joy of becoming a father to his three children, Linda, Sherri and Randy. In 1966 went to N.Y. as Asst. VP, American Airlines, later becoming Vice-President, Purchasing & Supply and then Maintenance and Engineering, Tulsa, Oklahoma. After retiring from American, he and his wife, Glenda moved to the Monterey Peninsula, CA to pursue his art career.

One of this many joys were his studies in watercolor art and the opportunity for he and Glenda to travel throughout the World, assisting in teaching painting workshops in Italy, Ireland and Switzerland as well as studying with several well known watercolor artists. He won numerous awards in Rye, N.Y., Connecticut, Tulsa, OK and Monterey, CA. He also obtained his private and commercial pilots license and enjoyed flying as a member of the Oklahoma Airmen Flying Club, Tulsa, OK. He enjoyed sharing his love of flying with his son Randy.

He loved playing his chromonica and trombone, entertaining his family and friends with renditions of "the good old days". He enjoyed telling funny jokes, making people laugh and sharing funny stories. He was a gifted writer sharing hilarious skits and performing in front of audiences. He helped pay his way through college playing the Collegiate dance band at Cal Poly. Many appreciated Darrol sharing his wisdom and knowledge. He was a natural born teacher and was often seen drawing on a placemat or explaining a complex idea to an eager student.

Darrol served on the Board of Directors for Jr. Achievement, Philbrook Art Center and was a Business Liaison Consultant for the Gilcrease Art Museum in Tulsa, OK.

He was a member of the Central Coast Art Association in CA and served as Director Venture Gallery, Monterey, CA form 1989-1997, managed the Christopher Bell Collections Art Gallery in Monterey from 1998-2000, continuing as part-time consultant/salesman. Darrol was a member of the Salinas, CA Modelers Club, Cypress Community Church, Monterey, CA until 2006, where he served on the Board of Directors, taught Sunday School along with other positions. He is presently a member of the "The Gathering" Church in Corvallis, OR.

Darrol and Glenda were married October 20, 1979 in Tulsa, OK. He is survived by his wife Glenda; sister Joann (Paul), Portola Valley, CA; daughters Linda Dodson (Tim), Albany, OR and Sherri Davison (partner-Arlinda Cantu), Fullerton, CA; son Randy Davison (Laurie), Corvallis, OR; grandchildren Tyler, Megan and Carly all of Corvallis; step-son David Gambrell (Joan), Austin, TX; grandsons Trevor, College Station, TX, and Kyle, Dallas, TX; step-daughter Becky (Gambrell) Rheude, Tulsa, OK; grandson Freddie Watkins (Marsha); great-grandson Josh, Tulsa, OK; grandson Chad Watkins; great-grandsons Aiden and Dylan, Yukon, OK; extended family Gene and Sue Snuggs, Greensboro, NC; and many nieces and nephews.

Darrol was preceded in death by his parents Almond and Vesta Davison.

A celebration of Darrol's life will be held at Prince of Peace Community Church, Adair Village, OR on Friday, January 6 at 11:00 AM. A luncheon will follow at the Officer's Club.

Our thanks to Samaritan Evergreen Hospice and Darrol's caregiver, Tawnee, from the Mennonite Village for the loving care.

Donations are being received on Darrol's behalf to: Friends of Hope/KWIL for Christ, P.O. Box H, Albany, OR 97321. This is a non-profit Christian Radio Station that Randy (Darrol's son) is employed. Darrol enjoyed this radio station, especially in his final days, listening to beautiful Christmas music.