Christopher Michael Davies, 92, of Concord, died peacefully at home on February 2, after a brave and patient battle with Alzheimer’s.
Born on September 15, 1930 in England, he was 9 years old when Britain and France declared war on Germany. With Hitler threatening to invade England, Christopher’s parents arranged his evacuation to America, where he would be for more than three years! He lived with the Conant family in Lincoln, who enrolled him full-time at Fenn School in Concord. He enjoyed wonderful weekend activities at Fenn as well as summers at Pinewoods Camp in Plymouth.
After returning to England in 1944 and attending Bryanston School, Christopher realized he was suited to rowing. In 1949, he was accepted at Cambridge University. Needing to spend two years in civil service, Christopher applied for the status of “conscientious objector” and worked in a hospital. While earning his BA and MA at Cambridge, he spent many hours rowing, including being part of the Henley Royal Regatta seven times.
Upon his return to America in 1955, Christopher taught at Fenn School for three years, then St Paul’s in Concord, New Hampshire. Inspired by “The Miracle Worker”, Christopher worked at The Perkins School for the Blind. Eager to teach in a day school, he spent seven years at Belmont Day School. His extracurricular activities included singing in the Concord Chorus and acting with the Concord Players. He was Laurie in “Little Women” when he first met his future wife, Susie. The pinnacle of his acting career was playing Henry Higgins both in Arlington and Concord to rave reviews.
Christopher married Susie on April 18, 1965. He spent 21 years teaching third grade in the Concord Public Schools. After retirement, Christopher continued in education; first in the application offices of The Harvard Graduate School and then at The Carroll School. He read books aloud at Learning Ally, volunteered at Emerson Hospital, and served on the board of the Louisa May Alcott Memorial Association.
He leaves his wife of 57 years, Susie (Renhult) Davies and sons, William and Matthew, and Matthew’s partner Frances.
Family and friends will celebrate Christopher’s life during a memorial service on Saturday, April 22nd at 2 p.m. in Trinity Episcopal Church, 81 Elm Street, Concord. Private burial will be held at Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverley Oaks Road, Waltham, MA 02452 (www.alz.org).
Arrangements are under the care of Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord. Please visit www.DeeFuneralHome.com for Christopher’s online guestbook and to access a link to read his memoir “Evacuated”.
