Stephen Lynn Davenport

Oct. 27, 1932 – Jan. 9, 2018

Stephen Lynn Davenport passed away on Tuesday, January 9th, 2018 at the age of 85. He was born in Witchita, KS, and grew up in Southern California before moving to Berkeley in order to attend Cal. While earning his MBA, he met the love of his life, Virginia Markham. They married shortly thereafter and just a few years later, built the home where they would raise their family on Happy Valley Road in Lafayette.

Steve spent his entire career in the life insurance business – building a company leading agency from scratch, training and managing hundreds of successful professionals in the business, and helping to protect from financial loss those most cherished by his clients. He loved every aspect of his work life.

He also loved his community and gave generously of his time and skills his entire life. Steve helped guide Alta Bates into the future of medicine 50 years ago, leading the Board and breaking ground for the current hospital building. With many stops along the way, he served proudly on numerous Boards including Tinsley Labs, Berkeley Business School, and Wellpoint Health Networks. Steve finished his distinguished Board journey serving on the John Muir Hospital Board of Directors.

Steve also loved to travel. Over their 60+ years together, he and Ginnie traveled all over the world. His favorite way to travel was the cruise ship. It didn’t matter where the ship was going, he was “on board.”

Steve’s greatest love though, was his family. He adored Ginnie and loved his boys: Rick and David. Always present, his greatest priority in life was his family. He made it a priority to be home for dinner every night, even if it meant having to go back to the office afterwards to finish his work. Later in life, as his boys grew and started families of their own, he became an amazing Grandfather who both loved and was

loved deeply by all five of his Grandchildren.

Private memorial services are being arranged and Steve’s ashes will be scattered off the coast of Sea Ranch – a place that felt like heaven to him.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made in his honor to John Muir Health Foundation in Walnut Creek. Family contact: Rick Davenport at 925-295-1808 or rick@rickdavenport.com.