End of the trail:
Jean Davey 1924-2000

By Linda Burfoot, Chan Boettcher, and Paul Stewart

Jean A. Davey, a CMC member for more than forty-five years, died on Thanksgiving Day, 2000, joining her husband, Leo, on what would have been their 32nd wedding anniversary. A complicated triple bypass operation performed in October of 1999 did not go well, and she was never able to return to her home, spending many months at various hospitals and nursing homes.

Jean was born in Oakland, California, on February 9, 1924, but grew up in Burnaby, British Columbia. She was a nurse practitioner for many years prior to her marriage to Leo Davey, whom she met in the club. She is survived by her sister, Linda Burfoot, Blaine, Washington; her brother, Tony Dyrsmid, Langley, British Columbia; and by nieces and nephews.

Jean graduated in 1945 from St. Paul’s Hospital School of Nursing, Vancouver, British Columbia, attaining First Class honors. She practiced her career specializing in pediatrics in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Cleveland, Ohio; and Vancouver prior to moving in the mid-1950s to Denver, where she met and married Leo C. Davey on November 23, 1968. She worked at St. Joseph Hospital and later specialized in home care.

Jean was active in the Colorado Mountain Club, the Colorado Mycological Society (more fondly known as the “Mushroom Club), and maintained memberships with the Denver Botanical Gardens and the Denver Museum of Natural History, enjoying the many programs offered.

Jean and Leo were staunch supporters of all club activities, and they hiked, cycled, and canoed. Jean was usually at her best when promoting a cause, which she frequently did. She enriched the clubs coffers when its clubhouse was on Alameda Avenue by conducting a successful flea market after she cajoled club members and friends into helping. She was a tireless, feisty supporter of environmental causes. Denver Mayor Frederico Peña commended her at Ricketson Theater for having volunteered to do the weeding of city flower gardens along the Yosemite Street median in her neighborhood.

When Leo’s health was failing, she worked tirelessly to get aides, nurses, and doctors to do their utmost for him. At the same time, she was quick to help a club member or friend who had health problems. Her devotion to CMC affairs and helping others became a bit diminished after she was permanently injured by a mugger after she visited Leo in the hospital, but she did her best to continue helping others after Leo died, even though her health had begun a gradual slide downward.

In late July of 1999, loyal club friends, learning the Jean had not been over Trail Ridge Road in years, took her along on a gorgeous day. After having lunch at Grand Lake Lodge, the party carefully hiked the east trail on the northside of Monarch Lake. Jean loved it thoroughly. It proved to be her last mountain outing.

In Jean’s memory, remembrances would be gratefully appreciated to the United Way of Denver, designating either the Alzheimer Society or the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Research, or to the Colorado Mountain Club. Her many contributions to the CMC and to others are greatly appreciated. Rest in peace, Jean, next to your Leo.