Morro Bay Councilmember Robert “Red” Davis Passes Away •

Red had the honor of serving on the Morro Bay City Council for more than 40 years. During his tenure, he was involved in both local, and state level issues. Red was instrumental in the creation of the city’s fire department, and was a strong advocate for its protection. He was also an advocate of the city’s economic development and sustainability. Red was also a public speaker, teaching the city’s residents the history of the area.

The city of Morro Bay, California has lost yet another of its leaders, this time with the passing of Councilman Robert “Red” Davis. Mr. Davis, a native of Morro Bay, was elected to the Morro Bay City Council in 2004 and served on the council until his retirement in 2012. He was also Chairman of the Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce and was the president of the Morro Bay Area Junior Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Davis was known for his work with the Boys & Girls Club, the Morro Bay Special Education Program, and the Morro Bay Senior Citizens Center. He also served on the Morro Bay Housing Authority Board of Directors.

An event honoring his life is being planned.

MORRO BAY — Councilmember Robert “Red” Davis died peacefully at his home in Morro Bay on Saturday, July 24. Gail Davis, Red’s beloved wife, and their daughter Catherine Sullivan, son-in-law Pat, and granddaughters Caitlyn and Sara survive him. He was 76 years old at the time. 

Red Davis was elected to the City Council in 2017 and was re-elected in November 2020 for a second four-year term. Along with his Council colleagues, Councilmember Davis was important in pushing forward the Water Reclamation Facility, improving the City’s financial situation, and increasing communication with the community. 

Red Davis served on several City ad hoc groups before being elected to Council, including the General Plan Advisory Committee. He volunteered with the Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce, Friends of the Morro Bay Library, and Bike SLO County, among other groups. After 33 years of service with CalTrans, Red retired as a project manager in 1996. He honorably served his nation in the United States Air Force from 1965 to 1998, retiring as a Senior Master Sergeant. 

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“On behalf of the City Council, I want to express my deepest sympathies to Gail, Catherine, and her husband, as well as Red’s many friends in Morro Bay and beyond,” Mayor John Headding said. 

“Red Davis was a great leader and friend to a lot of people. He was a servant leader who worked hard to develop and enhance our community’s overall quality of life. Red’s excellent work ethic, clear and simple communication style, and genuine concern for our residents allowed him to have a significant influence on key City projects. The WRF project, renovations to the Embarcadero, progress of offshore wind energy, stability of City finances, and the completion of numerous economic development initiatives were among them. Red was really one-of-a-kind, and we will miss him tremendously.”

City Manager Scott Collins stated, “We are happy to have known and worked with Councilmember Davis as City employees.” “His interest about how things operated, as well as his compassion, were much appreciated. He was passionate about his work and had a strong bond with the community and City workers. During this difficult moment, we send our love to his family and friends. We hope that community people will join us in celebrating Red’s life and service.” 

On Monday, Aug. 9, at 10 a.m., at Morro Bay’s Cloisters Park, a memorial service will be held. This public event, sponsored by Red’s family and the City of Morro Bay, is open to friends, neighbors, representatives from collaborating agencies, community members, City Councilmembers, workers, and volunteers. 

Attendees are encouraged to come early. Those who are able to ride their bikes to the event are urged to do so, since Red was an enthusiastic cyclist. At the park, a bike valet will be provided to safely and securely park bikes. The main Cloisters Park parking lot will be designated for Red’s family members, those who need ADA assistance, and for event set-up exclusively.

Cloisters Park’s neighboring dirt field will be accessible for general parking. Additionally, event overflow parking will be available at Spencer’s Fresh Market (2650 Main Street), with a trolley service to and from the event. Thank you to Bike SLO County for providing the bike valet and Spencer’s Fresh Market for allowing us to utilize their parking lot to assist with the event overflow. 

In lieu of flowers, Red’s family has requested that donations be sent to Bike SLO County in his honor. 

Since Red’s death, the outpouring of love and support for his family and the City staff has been simply amazing and heartwarming,” stated City Manager Scott Collins. “All people who were affected by Red in any manner are encouraged to attend this gathering to commemorate his life.” 

Unvaccinated participants should wear a mask, and others should consider wearing a mask since this event is taking place at a period of increasing COVID-19 infections in the area. Please see the State of California’s most recent guidelines on COVID-19 and masks for additional information. 

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