Jeffrey Davies

Jeffrey “The Voyager” William Davies died Sunday, April 27, 2014. The cause of death is yet to
be determined. He was 41.
Jeff was born March 28, 1973, to Terrance and Linda Davies of Corning, New York, where he
grew up, graduating from Corning West High School in 1991.
In 1991 he moved to Durango, later followed by his brother Brian in 1995, where they both
followed a spirit of adventure and attended Fort Lewis College. He graduated with a degree in
Environmental Geology in 1996. In Durango, he worked as a Geologist and later employed his
skills as a carpenter.
From a very young age, he was moved by the outdoors, according to his family. He was called
“The Voyager” by many who knew him, as his thirst for new experiences never tired. He was
an avid rock climber, ascending tall, sheer stone faces in Colorado, California, New Mexico,
Utah and Wyoming. He made many ‘first ascents’, discovering new climbing routes for others
to enjoy. He was known to adhere to Ralph Waldo Emerson’s quote, saying, “Do not go were
a path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail,” his family said. He was
a skilled spelunker, exploring deep underground caverns, often not emerging for days. He
assisted underground survey crews as team leader for the National Park Service in places like,
Lechuguilla, the seventh longest explored cave in the world in New Mexico. He mapped caves
throughout the U.S and Mexico. He was called into underground Search and Rescue efforts to
help others. In winter months he turned his attention to climbing the massive natural formations
of ice in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. Jeff was joined often in his adventures by his dog and
companion, Solo.
In 2009 Jeff began to hang-glide, finding new and remarkable locations in Colorado and Utah,
from which to take flight. He contributed to hang-gliding publications and became immersed in
the culture. According to family, “Flying,” as he called it, “was like being free. Once you’re up
there, you’re just floating.”
“He always had a smile, and if he found someone who didn’t, he’d give them one of his,” his
family said. He was known for his good humor and a willingness to help.
Mr. Davies was preceded in death by his mother, Linda B. Davies.
He is survived by his father Terrance Davies, of Corning New York; brother Brain Davies of
Durango and extended family.
Cremation has occurred. The family is planning a Celebration of Life ceremony at a later date.