Irvin Fletcher Davis

Irvin Fletcher Davis died March 31, 2021 in Greeley, Colorado with his family by his side. Irvin (Tyke) was born May 6, 1960 at the South Big Horn County Hospital in Basin, Wyoming to Andrew Irvin Davis and Ruth Catherine (Trina) Hunter. Growing up on his family ranch in Shell, Wyoming, instilled in Irvin an appreciation for the simple joys of agriculture, reading, family, and friends. Plenty of fun and shenanigans were mixed into his early life. Irvin was a fiercely loyal friend to a few and kind to everyone. He graduated from Greybull High School in 1978 and worked at Red Canyon Ranch. He was also employed by Brasel and Sims Construction running heavy equipment. Irvin embraced life. In March of 1983, Irvin was in a car accident which rendered him quadriplegic and changed the trajectory of his life. He faced this life changing event with steely determination and grit. After a long stint in the hospital, he spent a year in rehabilitation at Craig Hospital in Denver, Colorado. He moved to Greeley, Colorado in 1985. Irvin attended the University of Northern Colorado obtaining a bachelor’s degree in science. He went on to work at Northern Colorado NCCFDD and had the privilege to travel to Washington DC to advocate for disabled individuals. Ongoing and serious medical complications were limiting factors in Irvin’s life. His circumstances also revealed his astonishing mental capacity and strength of spirit to endure whatever life put in front of him. He simply refused to complain. He forged loving and long-lasting relationships with his caregivers over the years with one recently remarking, "I just never had a bad day with Irvin.” Not inclined toward self-pity, he rooted for the success of his family, friends, and caregivers, so he was easy to forgive when he was bossy or he nailed you with his dry sense of humor. He cared. Irvin was proud and independent, and always hopeful. His was a life well-lived. Irvin is survived by four siblings: Jim (Helyn) Davis, Amy (Phil) Markham, Ruth Long, and Alan Davis. Cherished nieces and nephews include: Arika, Willie, and Katie Long and Andrew and Sara Markham. A celebration of life will be held later this summer at the family’s mountain ground on the Big Horn Mountains.