Harley Spence Davy

 On Monday October 17, 2022, Harley Spence Davy age 68 met his untimely death at his home in Birch River, Manitoba at the hands of another individual.

 Harley was born in Birch River, MB on June 27, 1954. His loving parents were Gordon Yoxall Davy and Marjorie Marion (Dyer) Davy both of Birch River.

Harley received his education at the Birch River School and graduated in 1972. He attended Brandon University and received a Bachelor of Science degree specializing in Botany. He followed his dream of being a dentist to Winnipeg University but changed his goals and became a geologist.

Harley had several jobs in the valley over the years. He worked at Penny Power (hardware store) and Hardy & Company in Swan River, Birch River Credit Union, and his passion as an exploration geologist where he was contracted by companies needing his expertise.

Harley was an extremely devoted son as he loved doing everything for and with his parents. He was a quiet, talented, gentle, caring man who paid extra attention to details, he was a perfectionist. Growing up Harley enjoyed traveling, camping, fishing, skiing, snowmobiling, ATV rides and outdoor activities with his parents.

Harley proudly drove his Artic Cat snowmobile and blue 340 Duster car, plus the other beautifully hand polished family vehicles. He learnt from a young age to play musical instruments, his favorites were the baby grand piano and violin. His love for wildlife and birds led to him being able to feed birds and animals right from his hand. He was a keen birdwatcher and able to identify the species and would name the special ones like “Nutty” the nuthatch. This also gave him the opportunity to take exquisite photos of birds, animals, landscape, and his adventures. Harley was blessed with the gift of using a camera, he had a million plus pristine photos capturing each subject in their extraordinary beauty. The owl photos on this card are an example of his work. He also appreciated nature’s bounty as he picked and preserved wild berries (strawberries, raspberries, cranberries, blueberries, chokecherries) and nuts.  Harley also grew a large garden and enjoyed the harvest season. The critters also wanted to harvest Harley’s Garden, so he used an electric fence to kindly say, sorry this is mine. As a botanist and geologist, Harley was able to find rare plants and established Ecological Reserves in the Birch River and Porcupine Forest areas. The government presented Harley with an award for finding a very tiny orchid plant that is extinct in North America. Harley attended coffee houses and other events to socialize and enjoyed dancing the two step and waltz. A couple years ago he traveled west to British Columbia where he captured great photos and was working on putting together a full slide show to share with family and friends. Harley’s neighbors and friends were very important to him, as he walked up town you could expect a visit if you were out in your yard or a friendly wave as he passed by. 

Harley was predeceased by his loving parents Gordon Yoxall Davy in 2012 and Marjorie Marion (Dyer) Davy in 2014

Harley is survived by numerous cousins.