Danny Davidson
Dec 24, 1951 -
Mar 16, 2023
Danny Faye Davidson passed away peacefully on the morning of March 16, 2023, at the age of 71. Surrounded by those who cared for him, beloved companions Harley Boy and Charlie Bobcat, he made his final departure after a long and full life.
His generosity and fun-loving nature captivated any room and he was always prepared with a fantastical, engaging story. He will be remembered as many things: a pilot, a hard worker, a businessman, a storyteller and an amazing friend. But, the greatest joy of his life was his daughter and namesake, Dani. He was a remarkable and present father, sharing many adventures together and staying involved in her sports and activities. She will forever be his legacy and his greatest accomplishment.
Born in Pendleton, Ore., on Dec. 24, 1951, Danny arrived in Alaska with his mother as an infant in the early 1950s. The eldest of six children, Danny acquired a strong work ethic from an early age to help his mother take care of their household.
At 17, he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving in Vietnam as a helicopter rescue man and mechanic before being honorably discharged. This was where his abiding passion for flight was born. From his first solo flight in 1971, he would take flight every chance he could and was a phenomenal pilot, well-respected by all who flew with him.
Danny volunteered to fly for the Iditarod Air Force for close to 40 years and spent many of those as their chief pilot flying essentials up and down the Iditarod trail. He spent a few years on the board of the Alaska Air Carriers Association working to reform FAA regulations for radio communications to aid in the prevention of mid-air collisions within the state of Alaska. He also used his gifts and talent for flight as president of the Anchorage chapter of the Christian Pilots Association, where he served the Lord by spreading the gospel to remote villages all across Alaska.
An ironworker by trade, he was co-founder and owner of Steel Engineering and Erection and served as president of the Alaska Steel Erectors Association for many years. After retirement, he didn't slow down, instead founding Davidson Aviation where he wowed countless clients with his flightseeing tours and unique experiences throughout Alaska.
Danny was loved beyond measure, and to say he will be missed doesn't begin to capture the empty space he will leave in the hearts of those who loved him.
There will be a Celebration of Life to honor his memory on April 1, 2023, at the Alaska Aviation Heritage Museum on Lake Hood, starting at 4 p.m. Please dress down in your finest flannel or plaid button-up, and, in true "Danny" fashion, come prepared to share a fantastical tale of his life. The service will be streamed live to Facebook for those who cannot attend and will be saved there for posterity.
