Obituary of Alexander Cochran Davis

Dr. Alexander Cochran Davis GENEVA-Dr. Alexander Cochran Davis died Sunday, (April 15th), at his home in Geneva, N.Y. He was 91 years old. A private funeral service will be held for the immediate family. Dr. Davis, known as Sandy, was born in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada on October 6th, 1920. He was the son of Dr. Malcolm Bancroft Davis, the former Dominion horticulturist of Canada, and Florence Cochran Davis. An alumnus of the University of Guelph, Kemptville, he was also a graduate of Toronto University. After receiving his PhD in entomology from Cornell University, Dr. Davis worked as a professor of Entomology for Cornell University at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, N.Y. His primary focus of work involved pest management. During the 1970's, Dr. Davis worked with a team of scientists in the preparation of a report on Toxaphene for the USDA. Toxaphene, a man-made insecticide was later banned in 1982. In his later years he functioned as Assistant Director. From 1982 until his retirement in 1983 he served as Acting Director of the Experiment Station. His professional affiliations included Sigma Xi, Torch Club (now known as the Finger Lakes Forum) and University Club. A veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces, Dr. Davis served with the Cape Breton Highlanders as a second lieutenant in the signal corps. He thoroughly enjoyed annual reunions with his fellow veterans, which took place in Nova Scotia, the homeland of his family. In earlier years Alexander enjoyed golfing, bridge, wine making and winters in Sarasota, Fla. His activities in the community included serving as a President of the PTA and acting as Treasurer of North Presbyterian Church and the Presbyterian Church. He also worked with a local group of preservationists in efforts to restore and preserve the Smith Opera House. Local affiliations included membership in the Geneva Country Club, the Seneca Yacht Club and the Geneva area branch of the NAACP. Sandy was a descendant of noted seafarers. His great- grandfather, Samuel Bancroft Davis, was a sea captain from Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, famous for his "Vision in the Night" which redirected his ship to rescue another ship in distress. Samuel was recognized for his courageous act by Queen Victoria who awarded him with a gold watch. He was also a descendant of Joshua Slocum, the first person to accomplish sailing around the world solo. Survivors include daughters Kristin Leigh David of Scarsdale, N.Y.; Diana Valerie Davis; and son-in-law Edward John Michaels of Geneva, N.Y.; grandchildren, Ariana Sabrina O'Malley and husband David Everett O'Malley of Darien, Conn., Zachary Bancroft David and Trevor Justin David of Los Angeles, Calif., Zachary Davis Michaels of Geneva, N.Y., great-grandchildren Scarlett Grayson O'Malley and William John O'Malley of Darien, Conn. and three nieces and a nephew in Canada. Dr. Davis was predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Anita Naomi Davis and his brother, John Malcolm Bancroft Davis.