Timothy Davies

timothy davies
Timothy Q. Davies, prominent attorney and long-time Fargo resident, died peacefully of natural causes in his home on September 1, 2016, surrounded by his family. Mr. Davies was 82 years old. Born in Grand Forks, ND, on July 10, 1934, Tim was the first of Ronald N. and Mildred M. Davies' five children. His early years in Grand Forks were interrupted by World War II, when his father, newly appointed Army Judge Advocate, moved the family to Ft. Snelling, Minnesota until the conclusion of World War II. After the war the Davies family returned to Grand Forks where Tim spent the rest of his early years attending school in Grand Forks, graduating in 1952 from St. James Academy and in 1956 from the University of North Dakota with BS and BA degrees. The next two years were spent in the Air Force where Tim served as a flight navigator. In 1957, on leave from the Air Force, Tim married his forever-sweetheart and soul-mate Maxine Moylan, affectionately known to the entire world as Max. Thus began the relationship that saw the birth of seven children, the marriages of seven children and the joys of numerous grandchildren—and scores of thousands of tuition dollars paid to the University of North Dakota from which each and every one of the Davies’ children graduated. After his military service was concluded, Tim returned with Max and their new-born son, Brian, to begin law school at the University of North Dakota where Tim served as editor of the Law Review. He graduated with distinction in 1961 with his Juris Doctor degree and was admitted to the Federal Bar that same year by his father, Federal Judge Ronald N. Davies. Tim began his career as an attorney with The Nilles Firm in Fargo and remained with that firm throughout his entire career, eventually putting his name on the door—Nilles, Hansen, Selbo, Magill, and Davies. He specialized in real estate, commercial law and banking, maintaining his active status and license as attorney for 55 years. Tim knew that he was blessed in having his vocation and his avocation one and the same—the law. Early in their marriage Tim and Max bought a cottage on Lake Melissa—a cottage that over time became home-away-from-home to all those seven kids and their friends. In early years Tim could be found feverishly working on the grounds, calling his activity “relaxation.” In later years, Tim could be found truly relaxing—in his chair situated in the middle of the living room or on the deck—from which vantage point he could survey and manage all those he had created… And that he did. In addition to relaxing at the lakes, Tim and Max enjoyed extensive travel, both abroad (Ireland, of course—several times) and in the United States—either enjoying the adventure that Alaska has to offer, or just visiting the kids—which would be a travelogue in and of itself over the years. An avid reader (starting with the entirety of Collier's encyclopedia by the time he was 18 years old) Tim was the go-to guy for a broad spectrum of questions on almost any topic. His answers were definitive; his judgments quickly given. He was that rare person who was not only intelligent, but learned. He was proud of his Irish heritage, and felt that an Irish mind would be a terrible thing to waste—so he didn't waste his. Any who knew him was aware that you don't ask Tim a question unless you're ready to hear the answer. If time is a measurement of treasure it is obvious that, above all else, Tim treasured his family. And they treasured him. He leaves behind seven children, Brian (Rebecca Anderson), Kelly Anderson (Alan), E. Jane Sundby (Eric), Catharine Mark (Douglas), Amy Baenen (Steven), Michael (Janna) and Molly Davies; 28 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; a brother Thomas A. Davies, and sisters Mary Jo (Darryl) Eidler, Kate Olmscheid, and Jean (James) Schmith. The family requests that memorials be sent to Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary or Hospice of the Red River Valley. Prayer Service: 7:00 P.M. Sunday, September 4, 2016 at Boulger Funeral Home & Celebration of Life Center, Fargo with visitation starting at 5:00 P.M. Funeral Mass: 10:30 A.M. Monday, September 5, 2016 at Nativity Catholic Church, Fargo.

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  1. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of a legal giant. “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”

  2. The Entire Pollock Family (of Richard H. and Joanie M.) Is Deeply Saddened On The Loss Of Our Dear Family Friend, Confidant, and Brother In Christ Jesus. Our Deepest Sympathy to Tim’s Lovely, Sweet Wife and Beloved Friend of Dick and Joanie, Maxine, and his Entire Family. Our Love and Prayers are With You All…

  3. Tim, I can hear you telling me not to overdo it. So I won’t. I just don’t know who is supposed to give me the answers now. I can’t be expected to figure things out for myself. That’s what YOU were for. You’ve been a hugely important part of my life as far back as I can remember, and you’ll be in my heart and in my thoughts until the day I die. I love you, Tim, and say with all sincerity–see you soon. . . .

    BTW–smooth move–getting the spot right next to Mother. However, I have a plan– 🙂 🙂 🙂

  4. what a witty man—great humor–& he knew his tomatoes plants—RIP Tim Davies—PEACE BE WITH YOUR FAMILY—your LABOR is done on a great holiday–blessed to know you

  5. Dear Max: I was glad that, after so many years, I was able to visit with you and Tim at the class of 1951 in 2001 and want you to know I cherish friends from that era. Your brother Pat has always been in my prayers and memory and now, so will be Tim. As I pray daily for my school chums I do so by name. The list just gets longer. God Bless you Max and all your family members…..all treasures from God. Monty Phelps

  6. Sending my thoughts and prayers to Maxine & family and all my Davies cousins… I’m so glad I had a chance to briefly chat with Tim at the Davies High School dedication. This is a beautifully written piece, with that special touch of Davies humor. I’m sure that Tim is smiling down on you.

    Wishing you blessings and peace at this very difficult time.

  7. Dear Max and family,
    A distant cousin signing in (Mary Quigley Donovan) to express my sympathy at the loss of Tim. While visiting Grand Forks as a young girl, I remember spending time at the home of Ron and Mildred and family. My fond recollection was a whirlwind of activity and conversations at many levels- no doubt future skills that carried over into the legal system. You all will be remembered in my prayers, especially at Mass tomorrow. Love, Mary

  8. My sympathy to you Max, and to your family, i’m so sorry at hearing of the death of Tim. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Margaret ( Wavra ) corcoran

  9. May you find comfort in your memories and consolation in your faith. My prayers and sympathy are with you especially today and tomorrow. Mary Mr. Davies rest in peace.

  10. You are all in our prayers. We were out of town all weekend, so I am sorry that we were not able to make the prayer service or the funeral.

  11. So sorry for the loss of another great Davies! As the earth got a little quieter, heaven just got a lot more fun! Many fond memories of Tim, Max and the kids at “the lake” with the Glessner/Davies crews. Praying for comfort as you are surrounded by great love.

  12. Thoughts and prayers to mother Max and the entire Davies family. It is truly heartbreaking to hear of Tim’s passing.
    He truly was one of a kind, a great man and an amazing parent, who raised an amazing family. Hugs to you all.

  13. My first paid position as a paralegal was with the Nilles firm in 1976. Tim was very good to me both personally and professionally. I’ve always remembered him throughout these many years very fondly and with great appreciation and gratitude. I just learned of his passing and am saddened. Knowing you, Tim, was a colorful piece of the tapestry that is my life. Thanks.

  14. Max and family, im so sad to have learned of Tim’s passing. The lake was a fun place and many memories of your family! Tim and max you two are one of a kind! My prayers are with you Max.


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