On April 14, 2018, Dr. Hugh L. Davis died peacefully surrounded by family and friends. Hugh dedicated his life to the care of his patients, clinical research, and the education of a generation of medical students, residents and oncology fellows as a pioneer in medical oncology.
Hugh was born in 1928 in San Francisco, CA to Gertrude Tyrell and Hugh L. Davis, Sr. Hugh’s mother died shortly after his birth and he spent much of his childhood in Milwaukee, Wisconsin with his Grandfather, John Fawcett Tyrell, a well-known expert in handwriting and document analysis who served as an expert witness for the prosecution in the infamous Lindberg and Leopold and Loeb trials. He was also a political satirist, historian and artist. John Tyrell inspired his sense of curiosity and love of nature, birds, and reading. Hugh also developed a deep love of classical music and became an accomplished pianist like his mother Gertrude. Hugh returned to the Bay Area in California when his father remarried. Each summer Hugh returned to Milwaukee to stay with his Aunt Anna and Uncle Everett Carpenter in Fox Point, WI.
Hugh graduated from Stanford University and the University of Chicago Medical School. In 1954, he married Jean Bridenbaugh. After completing his internship, Hugh joined the United States Army and was stationed in Hot Springs, Arkansas where his son Stephen was born. The family moved back to San Francisco where Hugh completed his Internal Medicine Residency and became the father of twin girls, Betsy and Kathy. In 1961, Hugh took a position at Kaiser Hospital in Honolulu, Hawaii where the Davis family started yet another adventure. Daughter Janet was born in Hawaii. Hugh embraced all Hawaii had to offer and was particularly fond of taking his children hiking the Honolulu Trail with the Mountain Club, body surfing at Bellows Beach and snorkeling the reefs surrounding Oahu.
In 1967, Hugh was drawn to the then nascent field of oncology and left Hawaii for Madison, Wisconsin where he completed his fellowship in Oncology and joined the University of Wisconsin Medical School Faculty. Hugh was committed to clinical research both at University of Wisconsin and then at the National Cancer Institute helping to develop clinical research groups. In 1983 he was recruited to the UW-Milwaukee Clinic Campus at Mount Sinai Hospital (Subsequently Aurora Sinai). It was here that he met his future wife.
Hugh was interested in opportunities to mentor more oncology fellows. He also looked forward to clinical duties at the VA, Woods Wi. Caring for veterans was a passion for Hugh. His empathetic care, clinical acumen, and patient advocacy benefited numerous patients. He retired from clinical practice at age 75.
In 1984, he met fellow physician, Heidi Harkins. They were married in 1985 and spent the ensuing years enjoying their shared passions of medicine, music, literature, travel, photography, many beloved pets and an unwavering love for his children and grandchildren. Together, they traveled the world exploring many remote locations, photographing wildlife and natural beauty. They took memorable trips to Antarctica, above the Arctic Circle, Australia, the Galapagos Islands, Churchill, Manitoba, Africa and Europe. Hugh and Heidi also took many trips with their grandchildren creating wonderful, lasting memories. Hugh taught his children and grandchildren so much. His passions became their passions and his legacy.
Hugh will be remembered for his gentle but quick wit, his kindness to everyone, his insatiable curiosity and knowledge about just about everything. He enjoyed life with zeal, curiosity and passion. His story telling was legendary to his children and grandchildren. He could make the most mundane occurrences fascinating experiences.
Hugh was preceded in death by his parents, his step-mother, Helen Davis, his sister Joan Schwager, and his ex-wife Jean B. Davis.
Hugh is survived by his wife, Heidi Harkins of River Hills, WI, his children: Steve (Cindy) of Middleton, WI, Betsy Moran (Brian Johnson) of Mendota Heights, MN, Kathy (Jeff) Messerich of Mendota Heights, MN, and Janet (Jeff Osborne) of Austin, TX; his grandchildren: Mike (Kerry), Andrew (Kristin), Tom (Sara), Kate (Aaron), Luke, Emma, Andrea and Zachary; and his great-grandchildren: Hendrix, Arielle, Lauren and Mason.
A celebration of Hugh’s remarkable life will be held on May 12, 2018 between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM at the University Club of Milwaukee, 924 E. Wells Street, Milwaukee, WI. Visitation will begin at 2:00 PM. The program will begin at 3:00 PM.
Memorials in lieu of flowers preferred to the Nature Conservancy or Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah.
We love you Dad!