Captain Kevin Scott Davis, 47, passed from this life into eternity on August 21, 2018, surrounded by his loving family. His unyielding courage and determination made him seem almost invincible, yet he lost his heroic battle against cancer after nearly five “locked-strong” years.

Kevin was born in Oneonta, NY on May 4, 1971, and grew up in Norwich. His childhood was spent fishing on the reservoir behind his house, playing baseball, and bowling.

Although he was a natural athlete, excelling at everything he tried, Kevin was born to fish. After graduating from SUNY Cortland with a BS in biology, he pursued his passion for fishing.

He began guiding on the Salmon and Oswego Rivers at the age of 22 and, during lake season, began working as a mate on Lake Ontario. From April to September every year, Kevin could be found aboard Hat Trick, where he fished beside Jimmy “Gramps” Staves, who thought of “the pup” as a son.

Every year from September through April, Kevin worked as a river guide, happily self-employed as the owner and operator of “Catch the Drift” Guide service.

His clients came back season after season for decades to be ribbed and good-naturedly abused by Kevin while reeling in world-class salmon, trout, and steelhead.

Throughout the years, Kevin spent more time on the water than any other fisherman and his passion and dedication were apparent to all. He loved what he did and looked forward to going out each morning, even in below-zero winter weather and icy rain.

He endured four and a half-years of chemotherapy and cancer treatments, persevering through his illness without complaint and never cancelling a trip. Kevin’s drift boat on the Oswego River and his daily fishing updates on his “Catch the Drift” website will be missed by fishermen from every part of the country who admired and loved him.

He was “the King” and the one guide whose name everyone recognized.

Kevin was called on daily to share his fishing expertise with friends, clients, and people he barely knew; he gave his advice freely and never minded letting others in on his secrets to success.

Although many benefitted from his knowledge, his intuition and skill were unmatched. Kevin’s easy-going personality, ready smile, and infectious laugh made everyone love and gravitate towards him and those that counted themselves among his closest friends felt genuinely blessed.

Kevin’s home and family were equally important to him. His time off the water was spent relaxing with his girls and their two cats, watching movies, and napping in his favorite spot on the couch.

He was an avid bowler, achieving a perfect score on more than one occasion. He had a soft spot for animals and never missed a chance to cuddle a kitten, catch a lizard, or scoop up a duckling. He was fiercely competitive at ping pong and liked playing cards and purchasing scratch-off lottery tickets.

Kevin couldn’t refuse a box of Mike and Ikes or a bowl of ice cream. He was adored by his wife and daughters and his absence has created a void that can never be filled.

Kevin leaves behind his wife, Corey, forever “Mrs. Davis;” his daughters, Paityn “Em” Davis, and Olivia “Livvy” Day; his parents, Joan and Richard Davis of Norwich; his sister, Karen (Todd) Duthaler, & nephews Alex, Trevor, and Parker Duthaler of Ballston Spa; In-laws, Taras “Old Guy” and Linda Hanypsiak, Jennifer (Roberto) Ascenzi, all of Oswego, and Terry Hanypsiak of Charlotte, NC.

He will lovingly remain “Uncle Kevin” to many nieces, nephews, and his God-children, Kolton and Aurora Pultorak.

His memory will be kept alive by the countless people whose lives he has touched and the ones who were lucky enough to have been his friend.

Calling hours will be Wednesday, September 19 from 4-7pm at Nelson Funeral Home (11 W. Albany Street, Oswego). A memorial service will be held Thursday, September 20 at 10am at Nelson.

In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted to benefit Kevin’s daughters’ educations.

Checks may be made payable to the Kevin Davis College Memorial Fund, care of Corey Davis (228 Munn Street, Oswego, NY 13126). “Locked Strong”