Henry, (Hank) Mark Davidson passed May 25, 2020 from complications of ALS, Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Hank passed with his family by his side. He was 70 years old.

Hank was born February 18, 1950, in Los Angeles, California. He was the second of four children born to Ian and Jean Davidson. Hank grew up in Covina, California where he lived until relocating to Grass Valley, in 1986.

Hank attended elementary and high school in Covina, California. He graduated from Royal Oak High School in 1968. He would later return to his high school alma mater to teach and coach. After high school, he spent some time working as a truck driver. He bought a delivery truck and made deliveries all around the Los Angeles area.

Hank graduated from Cal Poly Pomona with a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education. He would also go on to earn a teaching credential. While earning his credential, he began his teaching career as a substitute teacher. He substituted for a few years before being hired to teach Special Education at Royal Oak High School. He coached cross country and track during these years. He was a much loved teacher and coach while at Royal Oak.

In 1983, Hank met his future wife Yvonne when she was hired to work as his instructional aide. They were married in 1984. Both Hank and Yvonne had a desire to move from Southern California to anywhere near Lake Tahoe. Hank was offered a position at Nevada Union in 1986. Neither he nor Yvonne had ever heard of Grass Valley, but after one visit to the area they were ready to move and begin their new lives.

Hank’s teaching career at Nevada Union began in 1986 and ended when he retired in 2011. While at NU, Hank taught Special Education. He also had assignments teaching health, drivers education, and spent several years teaching at NU Tech. He was also a behind the wheel instructor and taught many students how to drive.

Hank was also involved in the athletic programs at NU. He coached varsity baseball his first five years at the school. He would then go on to coach junior varsity golf and then the varsity golf teams. Hank loved coaching both baseball and golf. During his teaching and coaching careers, he proved to be a mentor and friend to many young people. He was every student’s biggest advocate. He truly believed in the worth of each of his students and athletes.

One of Hank’s passions was co-ed softball. He and Yvonne played softball together for 33 years. He loved being on the field. His two sons would eventually join him to play. Many seasons were played with their whole family on the field. He also enjoyed playing in the senior basketball league. He enjoyed the camaraderie and friends he made during this time.

Hank was an outdoors man. He loved to snow ski, water ski, golf, fish, camp, hunt, bike ride and work outside at his home. He also loved spending time on his boat at Bullard’s Bar with his family and friends. In his retirement, he took pride in being a groundskeeper at Litton Softball Field. He spent many days tending and preparing the field for softball games.

Hank was a much loved husband, father, son, brother, son-in-law, brother-in-law, uncle, friend, teacher, coach and teammate. His unwavering and unconditional love will be missed by all. Rest in peace Hank. We love you!

Hank is survived by his wife Yvonne and his sons Zion and Zane. He is also survived by his sister Anne (Gary) Morris, brother Terry (Charo) Davidson, sister-in-law Claudia Conte, brother-in-law Frank (Dawn) Conte and sister-in-law Grace Davidson-Tinoco. He leaves behind many loved nieces, nephews and friends.

He is preceded in death by his mother Jean Atkins, father Ian Davidson, and brother Ian Davidson II.

Arrangements are under the care of Hooper and Weaver Mortuary. A celebration of life to honor Hank will be held June 20, 2020, 7 pm, at Litton Softball Field. In honor of Hank and his beloved Los Angeles Dodgers, please wear Dodger blue to the celebration. To respect social distancing, only light beverages will be served. Please bring a chair or blanket to define your own space. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the ALS Association.

“The man is a success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much…who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.” Robert Louis Stevenson