The School regrets to announce the death of Edward R. “Ted” Davis of Hampton, NH, who died on Dec. 27, 2020, following complications from a stroke. He was 77.

Ted was born in Haverhill, MA, to Emery E. and Grace E. (Dusseault) Davis. He was a graduate of Winnacunnet High School ’61, Bates College ’65, and Middlebury College ’67. After graduating from Middlebury, he taught at Hotchkiss until his retirement in 1998.

During his 31-year tenure at Hotchkiss, Ted taught environmental studies, biology, and limnology. In addition to coaching track and field and football, in 1969 he founded the School’s wrestling program. In 2002, he was honored with the naming of the Edward R. Davis Wrestling Room in the School’s Athletic Center. In addition, the Edward R. Davis Wrestling Award was established in his name. It is awarded annually to the wrestler who makes the greatest contribution to the team through unselfish loyalty and outstanding performance during the season.

For 26 years, Ted taught emergency medical technician and lifesaving courses. He was also deeply dedicated to the Salisbury Volunteer Ambulance Squad. After retiring from Hotchkiss, Ted returned to Hampton, NH, with his wife, Betsey (Squire) Davis, with whom he shared 39 years. 

Rest did not suit Ted, and just six months into retirement, he committed to coaching three seasons of athletics at Phillips Exeter Academy. His civic duties continued in New Hampshire, where he joined the Hampton Area Lions Club and later earned the club’s highest national award, The Melvin Jones Fellow Award. Ted was an active member of the Winnacunnet High School Alumni Association and was dutifully present at the alumni tent for every home football game.  He was also frequently complimented on how beautifully he kept a few of North Hampton’s cemeteries as the “Lawn Father.”

Ted Davis lived a full life. He had an endless library of passionate stories, from being a 10-year veteran lifeguard on Hampton Beach, to fishing escapades, cooking for the Cajun Queen at major raceways across the USA, EMT calls, wins and losses from his college days, and countless championships on the fields and mats of Hotchkiss and Phillips Exeter.

He is survived by Betsey and family members including his daughters, Katharine A. Gates ’88 and Aimee D. Davis; his brother Robert F. Davis; six grandchildren, Michael W. Hogan, Kevin D. Chassi, Sarah Lamie, Riley J. Davis-Gagnon, Bennett Gates, and Elise Gates; two great-grandchildren, Lilian and Remington Hogan, and two nephews, Jeffrey and Andrew Davis. He is also survived by Betsey’s children, Chris Lamie and Sue Lamie Demske '86. He was preceded in death by Daniel P. Lamie. 

In the spring, a burial service is planned in Hampton, NH, and a Celebration of Life will be held in Lakeville, CT. Dates will be announced. The family requests remembrances (photos, written memories or tributes) of Ted to be sent to Aimee at connectandbalance@gmail.com, so they may be shared at the spring celebrations.

Donations may be sent to the Salisbury Ambulance Service, P.O. Box 582, Salisbury, CT 06068, or to the Hampton Area Lions Club, P.O. Box 1088, Hampton, NH 03842, in honor of Edward R. Davis.