John George Davis, 77, of Queensbury, NY, passed away peacefully at Glens Falls Hospital on Saturday, November 11, 2017, surrounded by his loved ones after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Born in Hardwick, VT on March 24, 1940, he was the son of the late Warner L. Davis and Dorothy Nash Davis. After growing up in Greensboro Bend, VT, he graduated from Lyndon Institute in Lyndon Center, VT and received his Civil Engineering degree from the University of Vermont. He and Susan Williams married on July 22, 1962 at the First Methodist Church in Bennington, VT. After marrying, they lived in Los Angeles where their two beloved children, Sheri and Scott, were born. In 1966, they returned east to live in Albany & Latham, NY and in 1977 moved to Gurney Lane in Queensbury where they resided for almost 4 decades. They were married for 47 years until Susan passed away. John later shared many happy years with his devoted companion Patricia Decker. John worked for the State of California Department of Water Resources as a Civil Engineer from 1962-1966, designing major dams and aqueducts. Following this, he began a long career at New York State's Department of Environmental Conservation, working for the Divisions of Water and Air Resources, retiring in 1995 as the Assistant Director of the Division of Air Resources. Following his career with NYS DEC, John was the Director of Air Resources for the State of Maine, after which he joined FEMA and assisted in recovery efforts for disasters such as Hurricane Bertha (Puerto Rico) and Hurricane Katrina. For many years John was an active member of the Caldwell Presbyterian Church in Lake George, where he sang in the Choir, before joining the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Glens Falls where he was involved in many capacities including their Choir, UU Board, Pastoral Care, Buildings & Grounds Committee, and Peace Center. The possibility of total joy and peace for all people was very important to John. He had a deep and abiding love of the environment and always did his best to protect it. When he wasn't helping others or working to save the environment, he could often be found riding his bicycle, hiking, camping, skiing, snowshoeing, or paddling in some faraway wilderness area. He deeply loved his family and friends and enjoyed spending time with them, which he always made a priority, especially spending time with his children, grandchildren and his dear sisters, Nancy and Sylvia. Having traveled extensively, he was always looking forward to the next trip. John and Susan visited most of the U.S. and especially enjoyed hiking and exploring natural treasures, such as our National Parks. They traveled and hiked in many faraway places, such as New Zealand, Machu Picchu, and the Galapagos Islands. More recently, he and Patricia went on an African Safari and they assisted the tour leader's son, Bryton Chikukwa, in coming to America to go to high school, college, and graduate school. John and Patricia also completed several long-distance bicycle trips to Italy, France, the Netherlands, and Spain. Perhaps most of all, John loved the peace and solitude of his beloved Green Pond in Granville, NY. He leaves behind his daughter, Sheri Davis O'Brien, son-in-law, Timothy, and grandchildren, Davis, James and Hailey, of Holliston, MA; and his son, Scott Warner Davis, daughter-in-law, Mary Golden, and step grandchildren, Connor and Sarah Golden of Raleigh, NC. He is also survived by his devoted companion, Patricia Decker, his sister, Nancy Hill (Clive Gray) of Greensboro, VT (predeceased by his brother-in-law, Lewis Hill), sister, Sylvia (Charles) Vatalaro of Latham, NY, their children, John (Melissa) Vatalaro, Christopher (Daisy) Vatalaro, and their families, his brother-in-law Steven (Ann) Williams and family, and sister-in-law Linda (Jim) Lambert and family (predeceased by his brother-in-law Grover Williams III); as well as many other cherished relatives, cousins, in-laws, and very special friends. At John's request, his ashes will be scattered at his favorite places, including his beloved Green Pond and the ocean at Bailey Island, Maine, home of his dear friend, David Gardner. The family wishes to thank those who so dearly supported John during his brave journey these last 9 months, including the caregivers from the Oncology Floor (Tower 2) at Glens Falls Hospital, the Stanton Nursing Home, home care providers, and multitude of wonderful friends. A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held at noon on Saturday, November 18, 2017, at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 21 Weeks Road, Queensbury, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations in John's memory are suggested to the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Glens Falls (UUCGF), 21 Weeks Road, Queensbury, NY 12804.