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DAN H. Former Austin, TX city manager, Dan H. Davidson, peacefully passed away on June 6, 2007, surrounded by his family in Austin, TX at the age of 72. Dan was born on August 6, 1934 in Panhandle, TX to Hurshell and Kathryn Davidson and grew up in Clayton, NM. While attending the University of New Mexico he met his wife Phyllis. He then volunteered for a 2-year stint with the U.S. Army where he was stationed in Germany. After his discharge he attended Texas Tech University and graduated in 1959. Dan's first job out of college was in San Antonio where he worked as a city planner. Two years later he moved to St. Petersburg, FL. for a position as deputy city manager. Then in 1969 Dan moved to Austin for a similar position where he would later, in 1972, be appointed Austin city manager. Dan's goal was to bring together the finest employees to manage Austin's growth in a way that best served the public. The caliber of his skills is evident in three awards from the international City Manager's Association. In 1980 he received the L.P. Cookingham award for management development and the Management Innovation Award for energy conservation and environmental programs. The next year he was presented with the Carolyn Keene Award for development of programs for the handicapped. Each of which is only presented to one person per year. After 9 years as Austin City Manager and 22 total years in Municipal Management, Davidson enjoyed a successful career in the private sector. He has also held many positions outside of his professional career: past president of the Rotary Club of Austin, Chairman of the Building Committee for Northwest Hills United Methodist Church, past president of the Boy Scouts Capitol Area Council, and past director of the Austin Area Chamber of Commerce just to name a few. Among all of these his most cherished roles and the ones he will be most remembered for, are that of a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, business partner, Christian, and friend. Dan was respected and admired by all who knew him. He exemplified what it means to be a Christian gentleman; demonstrating love, faith, integrity, professionalism, fairness, kindness, praise and generosity, Dan always left people and things better than they were before. With his warm smile, ready handshake and trademark "anything I can do to help you?", anyone in his presence was the most important person in the world. He was a hero to so many people and will be greatly missed. Dan was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Phyllis; brother, Artie and wife, Judy Davidson; sister, Kitty Pagett; his five children: Mike Davidson, Dana and husband, Mickey Rocco, Doug and wife, Debbie Davidson, Jeff Davidson and Matt Davidson; grandchildren: Blake, Amy, Michelle, and Scott Davidson, Anthony and Nicholas Rocco, Angela and Jason Blair; and special family friend, Nancy Schnell. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday morning at Northwest Hills United Methodist church followed by a private Graveside Service. Pallbearers will be Scott Davidson, Blake Davidson, Anthony Rocco, Nick Rocco, Artie Davidson, and Mickey Rocco. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to The Downtown Rotary Club of Austin, 304 East 7th Street, Austin, TX 78701, Northwest Hills United Methodist Church, 7050 Village Center Dr., Austin, TX 78731 or Hospice of Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78759. The Davidson family would like to thank all of the many special friends for their loving support. Arrangements by Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78705 (512) 452-8811. Obituary and guestbook online at wcfish.com
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