A tribute to Col. Carl G. Davaz
Col. Carl G. Davaz, USA (Ret.): 1930-2012
Carl G. Davaz of Bellevue, Wash., died Feb. 17 at Bozeman Deaconess Hospital in Bozeman, Mont., of respiratory and cancer-related causes associated with exposure to the defoliant Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. He was 81.
He was born July 16, 1930, in Newport, Wash., to Carl and Marguerite Davaz.
As he grew up in Pend Oreille County, Wash., he developed a love of family, an appreciation of the outdoors and a work ethic that stayed with him for his lifetime.
He graduated from Newport High School in 1948 and enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1951, after graduating from Officer Candidate School at Fort Riley, Kan., and advanced to become a colonel in the Ordnance Corps.
He married Mildred Marie Zawadsky on April 20, 1952, in Abingdon, Md.
He was as a platoon leader during the Korean War and served other tours of duty in Austria, Maryland, Japan, Alaska, Colorado, Taiwan, Kansas, Vietnam and Germany.
Davaz earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alaska in 1963.
In 1967, he graduated from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Ft. Leavenworth, Kan., and later served on its faculty during three subsequent assignments.
He served at the Qui Nhon Support Command and as a battalion commander at Pleiku during the period of the Tet Offensive of the Vietnam War.
Graduating at the top of his class, he earned a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Missouri-Kansas City in 1970 and graduated from the U.S. Army War College at Carlisle Barracks, Penn., in 1973.
In 1974, he became the commander of the U.S. Army Combat Equipment Group Europe headquartered in Mannheim, Germany. He retired from the Army in 1976 after finishing his military career as commander of the Pueblo (Colo.) Army Depot.
His military decorations included the Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, Meritorious Unit Citation, Bronze Star medal, Joint Service Commendation medal, Army Commendation medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, Vietnam Service Medal with four Bronze Service Stars, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm for combat service, Vietnam Campaign medal with 60 Device, Meritorious Service medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Army Occupation medal (Germany), National Defense Service medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, United Nations Service medal, Korean Service medal and the Armed Forces Reserve medal.
Included in the legacy of his military career and life are the leadership and comraderie he instilled in others, and his capacity to command respect, trust and admiration in leading by example.
After his retirement from the Army, he pursued doctoral studies in business administration at the University of Washington, held a position as Director of Management Development at Boeing Computer Services and took on the challenges of a woodworking business he founded and operated during the 1980’s.
After he retired in earnest, he cultivated loving and lasting relationships with his close and extended family, built on existing friendships from his military life, and cultivated new ones in his Bellevue neighborhood, his church community at St. Madeleine Sophie, and in his many excursions to coastal Washington and north to Alaska. In all these, he became the trusted confidant, the neighborhood granddad, the inveterate traveling companion and the consummate fishing buddy.
Later in life, as he attended to the challenges that assaulted his own health, he came full circle to renew his connection to the military in the warmth of relationships he formed at the Veterans Administration Hospital among the doctors and staff and most importantly with the other patients with whom he shared a common bond of service and sacrifice.
Survivors include his wife; five sons and daughters-in-law, Carl G. Jr. and Kim of Eugene, Ore.; Nicholas and Roxann of Santa Barbara, Calif.; Leslie and Socorro of Charlotte, N.C.; Dennis and Karen of Livingston, Mont.; Douglas and Sandra of Chandler, Ariz.; eight grandchildren, Elsa, Reed, Melissa, Lilly, Stephanie, Vanessa, Natalie, Lukas and Nicholas; three great-grandchildren, Olivia, Eliot and Rylee; a brother, Fred of Newport, Wash.; two sisters, Irene Hotchkiss of Aguanga, Calif.; Kathy Ott of Troy, ID.
Remembrances to Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.
— Carl G. Davaz Jr.
To Col. Davaz’s Family:
I had the honor of serving with Col. Davaz in Vietnam in 1969 at the 62nd Maintenance Battalion. He was a gentleman and a great leader, especially in teaching me my job a platoon leader, in which I had virtually no experience. He was always calm, no matter the situation, which instilled calmness over the rest of us and allowed us to get our jobs done. Once I left Vietnam and the military, I saw a clip of him in Germany on CBS. I think it had something to do with the non-military appearance of one of his troops – not all that uncommon an issue in those days! I also had the privilege of tracking him down by phone a few years ago and had a very pleasant conversation; I was honored that he remembered me! My sincere sympathy and prayers to the entire Davaz family. By the way, if anyone has any contact information on three (or more) of those that served with us in Vietnam, namely Bruce Immerman, Gary Geiger, and Art Woytek, I would appreciate receiving the info – I know Col. Davaz stayed in touch with at least Immerman and Geiger.
Mike Dooley
St. Louis
Carl, I was at the house today taking care of the outside yard tasks. I know and felt you were looking down on me saying good job, but I really need you to show me like you already have two times already, how to put the new line in the electric lawn edger, because I still can’t get it right! I miss you so much and wish that you would just come out the door like you would and say..hey Jonathan lunch will be ready in 15 minutes! Always thinking about fun and great laughs we have had. That is how I aways will remember you!
I meet Carl on the road to Alaska in 93 and spent many wonderful years fishing with him there. He and Mildred took you in like a menber of the family. A strong person with a truly big heart that will be missed greaty . Mildred I’m glad you are with Dennis and family . thanks for the good times Gary Ickes Alabama
Dear Davaz Brothers, their lovely ladies & precious families,
I had the honor of being with you in Washington these past few days as you brought your dear Dad to his final rest. I want to say what a very fine job each & every family member did to make Mildred’s trip easier & to honor Dad’s life of service to God, country and his kin. I watched you all pull together supporting eachother & stepping up to offer prayer, song or a gentle touch. How very proud your Dad must be for when it’s all said and
done—the family ties are the ones that bind. The torch is passed and legacy lives on in each of you. While the hole in your heart remains, you may be assured you did all you could with pride and dignity. I wish you rest and peace with warm memories as you reflect on a life well lived and a job well done.
Sincerely,
Lindsay Shuster
Lindsay—The only thing sadder than last Saturday and Monday for my Mom, my brothers and myself was the precedence of Di, Russ and John, lions of our childhood, adolescence and adulthood…your presence and affection this past weekend was simply legendary, something that came full-circle for us that you handled with such incredible poise and grace…LPD
Dearest Mildred and Family,
On behalf of my children, grandchildren and myself, I want to express to you and all the family our deepest sympathy on the loss of your dear husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and brother. We were very sorry to hear the sad news about his death, but very grateful to Our Lord for having the opportunity to have met him and have Les, one of your sons, as part of our family, as Socky’s husband, and share with you, Lukas and Nicholas, as my grandchildren as well.
Hope you received the sympathy card we sent to you and your family, and know we have requested a Mass at St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church. here in Charlotte, close to Les and Socky, The Mass card was sent to Les and we are planning to attend to remember him with much love and admiration and pray for his eternal rest.
May loving memories and God’s love bring you peace and comfort.
Much love and prayers,
Nilda Martínez de Andino and Family
We have lived across the street from Carl and Mildred for 30 years, and what a blessing it has been. We are so saddened by his passing; Mildred, our hearts go out to you. It’s hard to imagine not seeing him again out at the mailbox, or tinkering with his boat out front. Our closest blood relatives are 2ooo miles away, but with Carl and Mildred across the way, we had family. Our two sons adopted Carl as their kind, occasionally gruff, grandfather who could be relied upon for anything.
We especially remember a few Christmas Eves spent sharing food and drink with Carl and Mildred while being regaled with the Colonel’s stories and military adventures from their life overseas. Oh how we laughed!
The other memory that stands out, (Carl smiled when I reminded him of this on our last visit), is when he “rescued” our son Andrew from a neighbor’s trampoline after he fell, broke his arm, and couldn’t get down. Carl came over with homemade splint in hand no less, took charge, & helped him off after immobilizing the arm. Carl then hurried home, got his Caddy, pulled up and shouted “get in”, and proceeded to drive Mom and son to the ER. When the doc came out to talk to Nancy, before he even reported on Andrew’s condition, he wanted to know all about who had immobilized the arm, saying it was the best darn splinting he had ever seen! It’s not easy to wow an orthopedic surgeon, but Carl managed to do it.
Carl, we love and miss you more than words can say; rest in peace. Mildred, may God comfort and hold you close during this time. We love you and are here if you need us.
Dave and Nancy
I am so sad to lose such a wonerful friend, as Carl. I want Mildred to know that we were given joy, advice and love from this man. I talked to Carl 2 weeks before you moved. He was at peace with himself, you’ and the world. When we called you for help when our dear Toni passed away, Carl did not hesitate to pack up and get the next plane to calm her family and her husband. My thoughts and prayers are with Mildred and her whole family. I am forever grateful to have been in their wedding and whenever they came to see Toni and Dave,my husband and I were with them I am sending a Mass Card and personal note to Mildred.
YOU DONE GOOD CARL AND I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT I WAS THE BETTER TABLE DANCER.
May God hold you in the palm of his hand!
Love to eveerryone.
Dearest Mildred & family,
Having Carl & Mildred live right next door to us for 34 1/2 years made them family! We moved in with a 2 1/2 year old and a baby. They were there for us as our daughter was born, each child started school, and helped us raise our children through their highs and lows. Mildred, you and Carl saw us through some difficult times and we always loved you for that.
Please know how much we love you and what huge respect we’ve always had for Carl’s kindness, empathy, and humor. He will be missed!!
Love,
Linda & Dave
Linda, Dave and family—Where would we begin, let alone end? LPD
Dear Mildred and Family
We are so saddened by the passing of Carl. He has been my neighbor for the past 27 years and I very much looked up to him as a fatherly figure. Having grown up in a military family, his attitudes about life mirrored mine in many ways. My father, also born in 1930 and an Air Force pilot retired, has lived in Spain for the past 40 years, but I always had dad across the street. My heart is broken for his loss and just as much for Mildred, one of the sweetest women I have ever known. Mildred, I think of you every day and often tears come to my eyes, I miss you so much and can’t begin to know how you are coping. Please know that we love you and Carl very much and if there is anything that you need of us, please do not hesitate to let us know.
With love and admiration
Jim & Cassey Gonzalez
Jim and Cassey–you were very much a presence last Monday, and our family won’t soon forget it…LPD
Although I did not see Uncle Carl and Aunt Mildred often, we always had a wonderful visit when we did get together. I think all who met them found them to be very personable, gracious, and interesting. I am very sorry for your loss. Carl will be greatly missed by everyone.
To the Davaz family,
Your father was wonderful man. He has called all of my siblings over the years to see how we were doing, always offering very good advice. He was a wonderful mentor to us and a very dear friend to our parents. and i do believe he mananged to make all four of our weddings. He will be sorely missed by everyone. but i like to think he is up in heaven with my father, trying to reorganize the place!
We loved being the neighbors or Carl and Mildred – they were wonderful to us. All of our family having loving and fond memories of Carl and his kindness. We look forward to honoring him at the services – Rachel, our daughter, sends her love from Yokuska Japan where she serves in the US Navy. May God fully bless your family.
Miles
Miles and Kristie–I can’t tell you how much this means to us…he simply thought the world of you…LPD
Dear Friends, When we were at Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, we were then the Millener family, and knew the Davaz family at that time. Carl was a steadfast friend of our sons, Steve and George MIllener. We saw him last when he attended the funeral of my son, Steve. Please accept our thoughts and concerns for all of you now during this difficult time. God bless you.
Shelley Stukhart
I didn’t know your dad, but my parents and brothers did. I know Carl, Jr. through my brothers and our Alma Mater, the University of Kansas. He (Carl, Jr.) has been a steadfast friend to both my brothers and was a wonderful friend to us all when my brother, Steve, died in 2004. Like father, like son. We are all thinking of your family at this very sad time.
Carl,
I had the privilege and annoyance of living next door to you for 25 years. You always liked to tease me about anything and everything, and especially liked it when I started teasing you right back. You were always the first one to ring my doorbell when I arrived home from the hospital with a new baby and always had time to give to us as needed. You babysat my children and sent me out to lunch with Mildred at Christmas time. You stayed with me when shoppers test-drove my car-for-sale so I would feel safe at home alone with three little ones. You attended every baptism, first communion and confirmation. You came to my father’s funeral and offered me “dad-hugs” over the years. You brought us dinner when you got to cooking your very yummy spicy seafood stews. You gave us salmon when you returned from Alaska. You were a steadfast and warm part of my life these last many years. I love you Carl, and I miss you.
Abby
Abby–We needn’t tell you how much you meant to him…like a daughter…your family so enriched their lives…LPD
As a General (ret) in the USAF, a Forward Air Controller (O-1 Bird Dog) in Vietnam supporting the army, and now as the President of the University of Alaska, I have a unique perspective on the distinguishing features of your Dad’s long record of service in the military, his educational accomplishments, his community service, and on the love of the outdoors he found here in Alaska where he became an alum of UA. I followed in my father’s footsteps as a combat vet and fighter pilot and we too both fell in love with Alaska when we were stationed here, so I think I even understand how this wonderful place attracted your father.Your family is very fortunate to have had a such a wonderful dad and grand / great grand dad to look up to for 3 generations. You have allowed me to share in both the joy of your remembrances, and the sadness of your loss. Thank you. God Bless. Pat
0-1 Birddog: Thanks for your thoughtful and gracious post on our father’s memorial. It means a great deal to all of us, especially our mother. You do, indeed, have a profound appreciation of his accomplishments and legacies. LPD
I always had a great admiration for Col Davaz. A stellar officer who showed great courage throughout his long career. To go from the ranks of the enlisted to a full Colonel attests to the professionalism and dedication he had to the service of the nation. The list of accomplishments attest to his leadership abilities and trust well placed in his hands. It will be an honor to attend the funeral of this truly honorable servant of God, husband and father of some of the finest sons, and soldier. My condolences to all of you.
Jim Hettler
See you there, my best friend and brother. LPD