Henry Winston Davis

The Earthly walk of Winston Davis came to an end on the evening of January, 14, 2024, after having suffered a debilitating stroke while at his home on December 15, 2023. Winston passed to his heavenly home under the tender care of the VA Community Living Center in Grand Junction, CO; where he was promptly honored with an escorted farewell under the mournful tune of “Taps.” 

In the hearts and minds of his family, there are no doubts that he has gone on to eternity with his Savior, Christ Jesus. This knowledge brings great peace and comfort to all that knew and loved him. 

Winston was a larger than life character and personality. He lived his life in a manner that many may not understand, yet so many found profound and intriguing. 

Winston was born on November 23, 1938 in Colorado Springs, CO to Julian and Grace Davis. He grew up in Cripple Creek, CO along with his older brother Julian Leroy Davis. They were brothers of the land, growing up in a ranching/mining family.

 Alongside their grandfather, they rode good horses and roamed the high country; gathering cattle and hunting wild game. Winston always loved the land and the wildness it offered.

 The family eventually moved to Colorado’s Western Slope, as his father was a miner. The family found roots in Norwood, CO where both Winston and his brother would accompany their Dad as he staked mines in Naturita and Nucla; as well as Broad Canyon and the La Sal Mountains. Both brothers attended Norwood High School. 

After graduation, Winston enlisted in the United States Navy. In 1958 he trained at the Great Lakes Naval Academy, with a designated expertise in Naval Aircraft Navigation. He would eventually be stationed in Newfoundland, where he would meet his first wife, Elizabeth.

 After leaving the Navy, Winston and Elizabeth returned to the Durango, CO area where Winston began a new career in Law Enforcement, while also attending college. His new vocation saw him assigned to Farmington, NM where his career expanded greatly. In his success, he was nominated to attend the FBI National Academy in Virginia. One of his fondest memories (and greatest achievements) occurred while in Washington, D.C. While eating breakfast at a local restaurant, Winston observed and documented the peculiar behavior of some individuals in a nearby corner booth. He followed up on the suspicious behavior, which ended up assisting in the exposure of a large gambling ring among government employees. For his keen observation and excellent reporting, Winston was awarded a visit to the White House, as well as a personal recommendation and award from Richard Nixon and J. Edgar Hoover. 

Upon returning home, Winston would go on to be promoted to Assistant Chief of Police under Police Chief Roy Kerr in Farmington, NM. Kerr was an honorable man and highly regarded mentor to Winston.

 Although very successful in his career in Law Enforcement, the longing for the high country of Colorado and ranch life called to Winston. Ultimately, he was able to purchase the “Old Mock Ranch” in Norwood, CO (near Coventry Hill). Winston’s love for Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds, as well as good cattle, was the perfect incentive to make the ranch his permanent home. Even better, it allowed him to get back to the mountains and hunt elk and deer to his heart’s content. So began a new chapter….as the owner of Rafter WD Ranch and Outfitters. 

During this time, Winston leased hunting property and secured his new position as a big game outfitter. In advertising for clientele, Winston became friends and partners with a whole new family; the Canyon Chapel Ministries based in San Miguel Canyon (lovingly known as the “Guest Ranch”). Not only did the Christensen and Perry families partner with Winston in feeding/housing his hunters, they also fed and nurtured Winston’s soul. He came to build his faith in Jesus at Canyon Chapel Ministries, and always felt nearest his Creator as he strode, or rode, the “Lone Cone” mountain where he hunted. His friendships with the Rev. Clint Perry and Clint’s sister, Michele Christensen, were unparalleled. In these friendships he learned unconditional love, even when life offered challenges or struggles. It was here that Winston also developed lifelong friendships with the hunters that returned to hunt with him, year after year. It was always a family reunion come hunting season.

 It was during this season of rebirth and renewal that Winston met his second wife, Mary Allison. They married in the fall of 1981. Their love story produced two children. A daughter, Rene’ Chase, and a son named Brian Boone Chase Davis. Both were the joy of both Winston and Mary. Winston had not expected to have children at that time of life, and marveled at the fact he was a dad. He loved his family dearly, and while the marriage did not last, life carried on and the adventures continued. 

Winston would eventually return to Law Enforcement in the Farmington, NM area and serve as Undersheriff to Roger Lasater. When retirement came calling for the second time, Winston returned to his home in Norwood. Although no longer outfitting or raising cattle, Winston maintained a handful of horses. He loved his horses and found fulfillment in raising a horse of “every color”. Whenever the horses would run across the front pasture, he’d always stop and admire their beauty. He also had many good ranch dogs, the last being his faithful friend “Oso”, who went before him. 

While out riding one day, Winston’s horse jumped out from underneath him, resulting in a trip to the hospital. A scan revealed an abnormality on his pancreas which proved to be cancerous, but was miraculously caught in time to remove! Winston would forever credit the horse for saving his life. 

One paramount point of interest among many that knew him, was his absolute love of music and dancing. If a good Jerry Lee Lewis tune, or anything with a happy rhythm came on, Winston was resurrected…..and could he dance! Music and dancing were a part of his soul! Winston was always a coveted partner on the dance floor. 

When he wasn’t dancing, he was writing prose and poetry; mostly poetry. He had quite a collection of work, and would often sometimes take photographs to accompany his writings.

 While Winston chose to spend much time in his own company, he was a man of wonderment. He thought deeply. He felt deeply. He loved the beauty of the land, especially the sunsets over the La Sal’s and the grandeur of the San Miguel Mountain ranges...particularly the Lone Cone. He enjoyed interesting company and good conversation. He loved his children. Most importantly, he loved the Lord with all of his mind, heart and soul. 

With this acknowledgement, his family finds peace knowing that Winston is forever riding on “The Cone”, with his beloved Oso running alongside him. He was one of a kind and dearly loved; his friends and family will miss him. 

Winston is survived by his daughter, Rene’ Chase Reed (Patrick Reed) and son Brian Boone Chase Davis (Aubrie Davis), as well as grandchildren; Alyson, Ashlyn, Boone and Barrett. He is also survived by his nieces, Bridgette, Patti, Grace and Andre; along with their spouses and children. A time for memories is yet to be determined