RICHARD BURNS DAVIS (RICK)

May 20, 1943-August 17, 2024

Rick was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. He attended Kiskiminetas Springs School for Boys in Saltsburg, PA, received a BS from Ohio State University and MBA from Indiana University.  Following graduation, he went to work for Arthur Andersen on their Administrative Services Staff in Denver, Colorado for several years. He then returned to Pittsburgh and became Vice President & Treasurer of Point Park College (now University) a city college and taught some business courses as well. After 5 years he then went to work for Education Management Corporation as Vice President of Operations.  In 1977 he was then able to realize his dream of owning his own business. He moved his family across the country to Tacoma, WA and purchased a NAPA Auto Parts store.  Over the next 47 years, Rick with the help of his sons, built Standards Parts Corporation which is now a seven-store operation in both Pierce and Thurston counties.

Community Service: Rick served on the Board & was President of both the Tacoma Country & Golf Club and Seniors North West Golf Association. He also served on the Boards of the Le May Car Museum and West Brook Village Golf Association (Peoria, AZ).

Leisure Activities: During his lifetime Rick snow skied, raced sail boats, got his private pilots' license, hunted pheasants, was an avid golfer, but his true passion was Fly fishing. He fished in many western states, spent several years in Fernie, BC on the Elk River and the surrounding area. He also traveled to Argentina and made several trips New Zealand in pursuit of the elusive trout. He was a voracious reader and enjoyed solving crossword puzzles. He was an adventurous eater and shared his love of food with his family, especially Chinese cuisine and that charred rare rib steak.

He is survived by his wife of 57 years Merlene, two sons, Stewart (Ted) /Julie, and R. Maxwell (Max) /Andrea, three grandchildren, a sister and many nieces and nephews.

Rick had a wonderful sense of humor, a quick wit, and was a good storyteller.  He was a devoted family man and will be missed by the many people whose lives he touched throughout the years.

There will be a private family burial. A Celebration of Life will be held at Tacoma Country & Golf Club on Sunday, September 22, 2024

from 2-5 PM.

In lieu of flowers please send a donation to your favorite cancer charity.