Allan R. Davison

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution announces with great sorrow the death of former employee Allan R. Davison on March 21. He was 82.

Al enlisted in the US Coast Guard in the 1950’s and joined WHOI in 1964. He was a member of the Buoy Group and was an able-bodied seaman on the R/V Lulu, R/V Chain, and R/V Gosnold. He dove in Alvin dive 172 in 1965 and worked as a research assistant for many other important programs at WHOI.

After leaving WHOI in 1972, he joined EG&G Oceanographic Consultants and was their world-wide mooring expert; teaching and mentoring a new generation of field personnel.

In 1983 he joined Ocean Research Equipment and continued as a field supervisor, eventually working in over 25 countries. In 1999 he joined TG&B Marine Services, finishing his marine operations career four years later.

Al was pre-deceased by his wife Jean, and together they adopted three children and raised 14 foster children. Al was a grandfather many times over as well as a great-grandfather. One daughter, Melanie, reflected on how great a father he was. “He was warm and kind, all my friends still remember and speak fondly of him. My college friends and I reminisce about the times they would all come to my house. They remember how awesome dad was and he welcomed them with open arms. If you can imagine a bunch of 17-18 year old girls in the same house! Dad loved it.”

He was a great cook, often organizing large lobster and clam bakes as well as cook-outs on the back decks of oceanographic ships. He also loved animals and the house always had lots of different varieties of pets, including cats, dogs, birds, and hamsters.

He was a larger-than-life man, mooring expert, piano-player (Captain Kidd and other establishments around the world), mentor, and great friend to many ocean-going people throughout his career. He was unique; able to connect with everyone he met in a special way. He will be dearly missed, but never forgotten by those he touched.