John Edward Davis, former vice president of sales and marketing at Simpson DuraVent, passed away on May 8, 2012, at the age of 67, after a long battle with liver cancer. He is survived by Helen, his wife of 45 years; their daughter, Daphne Moore; their son-in-law, Ben Moore; and two grandsons, John David Moore and Ben Davis Moore.

Davis earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Ouachita Baptist University. He was a Vietnam veteran who served as a U.S. Army captain in the early 1970s. He had a 40-year sales and marketing career in the buildingproducts industry, including over 20 years with Simpson DuraVent, where he started as a factory representative. Davis retired to Bentonville, Arkansas (the hometown of his daughter, sonin- law, and grandsons), shortly after HPBExpo 2011, where he said his goodbyes to many of his customers and colleagues.

Davis was blessed with meaningful relationships with his customers, staff, and peers. His mission was always to improve the world with better products, programs, and relationships. He always followed the highest ethical standards, for himself and for those with whom he worked. He was devoted to his staff and his customers, and he traveled over a million miles to serve them.

During his tenure at DuraVent, the company tripled in size, to a sales levels of $100 million per year. Upon his departure, he left a seasoned, loyal sales staff with members who averaged over 15 years of service each with DuraVent, and they all embodied his passion for customer service, product knowledge, and love of the industry (and the company).

Davis was a strong promoter of the Libby, Montana, project. He was very proud of the industry’s efforts and how this project demonstrated the value of modern, clean wood-burning technologies. He was a devout Christian and described himself as tethered to his heavenly father. He loved having a glass of high-quality Pinot Noir while sharing jokes, stories, and laughter.

Davis not only knew his customers, but also knew their spouses and families. Graveside services (with full military honors) were held at the Fayetteville National Cemetery.