Brian E. “Ben” Davis, 62, passed away at Maine Medical Center on July 20 after a long illness and with his family by his side.
He was born in Portland on Aug. 25, 1954, a son of Blaine T. and Barbara L. (Davis) Davis. He was the second of four children.
During his school days, Ben was very active in sports. He attended schools in South Portland and Hollywood, Fla. and participated in baseball, tennis and football. He attended South Portland High School and graduated from South Broward High School in Hollywood, Fla. in 1973.
Ben attended the University of Southern Maine and graduated from Daniel Webster College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Air Traffic Control. He worked for the FAA for 25 years, retiring from the Portland Tower in 2005. He then relocated to Marco Island, Fla. to enjoy a second career, focusing on his love of the sea. He earned a 100 ton Master’s license and enjoyed his work as a Captain in Florida with Kahuna Katamarans, Sweet Liberty, The Naples Princess, Double Sunshine, The Sanibel Island Princess and The Lady Stirling Schooner. In Maine he was a Captain for Portland Discovery. Ben had a gift for storytelling and was well known for his detailed and interesting narrations while on cruises.
While in Maine, Ben also worked helping his son Benjamin establish a yacht management company, True Course Yachting.
Ben loved to ‘fix’ things. With a wealth of information and a tremendously kind and tender spirit, he was always willing to help others. He was an outstanding cook and loved to host dinners for family and friends. He created the concept of The Family “Throwdown,” or cooking challenge, and participated in many sessions, taking first prize more than once.
He was predeceased by his father, Blaine T. “Tom” Davis.
He is survived by children, Benjamin T. and Emily K. Davis of South Portland and Nobleboro; mother, Barbara L. Davis; brother, Blaine E. Davis II; sisters, Belinda J. Waterhouse and Sara G. Davis; uncle and co-conspirator, Jere H. Davis; brother-in-law and good friend, Jeff Waterhouse; nephews, Evan Waterhouse, and Thomas Waterhouse; and niece Lily Pike. He will be forever missed by his family.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.hobbsfuneralhome.com.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Make A Wish Maine, 477 Congress St. Suite M1, Portland, ME 04101.
