John M. Davis

STERLING - Fifth generation farmer and founding father of Davis Farmland, John Maddison Davis, age 86, of Sterling, passed peacefully at home on Tuesday, April 9, surrounded by family, after a courageous battle with acute myeloid leukemia.

John was the son of Jonathan "Jock" and Elisabeth "Betty" (Maddison) Davis of Sterling. He attended Sterling schools before graduating with the first class of Wachusett Regional High School in Holden. He attended Dartmouth College before graduating from the University of Massachusetts.

John took over a Davis family dairy business that dates from 1846. John and sons Larry and Doug opened Davis Farmland Children's Discovery Farm in 1996. Davis Farmland has become the largest collection of rare and endangered farm animals and has expanded to include Davis Mega Maze Colossal Adventures and the Davis BBQ restaurant. John was devoted to the well-being of animals and driven to educate and share his enthusiasm with visitors. A lasting memory for many will be of "Farmer John" on his three-wheel scooter, riding around Farmland with his sidekick, Sonic the hedgehog.

In addition to the farm, he played an active leadership role in dozens of other organizations. This included serving Clinton Savings Bank as a board member for 28 years, including 10 years as board chair. He served on the board of directors for the Agri-Mark dairy cooperative and its predecessor co-ops, Yankee Milk and New England Milk Producers Association, spanning 26 years. He also served as a trustee of the Big E, the largest fair in New England, for 37 years.

John was an accomplished and life-long musician, playing his trumpet in a variety of bands and orchestras for over 75 years. John sang in the childrens' choir and the adult choir most of his life. He was also a dedicated family man who took great pleasure in creating quality time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

He leaves his wife, Ronna Rae (Archbold) Davis, his three sons and eight grandchildren: Jonathan "Jed" Davis, his wife Elizabeth and children John, Harrison, A. M., and Cat; Larry Davis and children John and Michael; Doug Davis, his wife Linda and children Ben and Sam. He is survived by his brother, Bob Davis and his wife Sandy, and family members Dix and Sarah Davis, Mary and Will Beebe and Jean Davis, as well as cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife of 47 years, Susan Miller Davis, his parents, Jonathan and Elisabeth Davis, and his stepbrother George Davis.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with John's family from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, June 21, at Davis Farmland, 145 Redstone Hill Road, Sterling. A memorial service will be held at 10 am on Saturday, June 22, at Wesley United Methodist Church, 114 Main Street, Worcester, Mass., with a collation to follow. In keeping with his wishes, John's body has been donated through the Anatomical Gift Program of the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School.

The Davis family has been touched by the outpouring of care and compassion on the part of the University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center University Campus; Emergency Room, BMTUnit/8th floor, Ambulatory Care Center, the T.H. Chan School of Medicine, and the Valet Parking attendants.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Farmland Conservancy,145 Redstone Hill Road, Sterling, MA 01564, which preserves rare and endangered breeds of heritage farm animals ( https://davisfarmland.com/conservancy/ ).

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