Rod Davey left on his greatest adventure June 26, 2025. He was born April 16, 1939 in Ashland, WI to Byron and Vera Ledin Davey. He grew up in Wisconsin, attending Kenosha High School. Summers spent in Iron River, WI at his parents' home & cabins on Lake Millicent. He graduated from University of Wisconsin in 1963 and received his master's in mining engineering from Michigan Tech in 1967. In the summer of 1961, he met his sweetheart, Laurel Gundersen on the campus of UW-Madison. They were married the following summer of '62.

Rod began his career with Kennecott Copper at the Chino mine near Silver City, NM. They then relocated to Salt Lake in 1966, where he began his 30+ years with Kennecott specializing in mine planning, feasibility, operations and modernization. In 1988, he was appointed General Manager of Kennecott Utah Copper. In 1993, he was asked to head the development of the Diavik diamond mine near Yellowknife, NWT, Canada. This was his greatest and most rewarding experience. The Arctic, its landscape and its people held a special place in his heart. Of utmost importance to him was supporting the communities near the mines where he worked. Caring for people, their livelihoods and the environment were integral to his mining approach.

After retiring, Rod and Laurel spent countless days enjoying the peaceful beauty of Mancos, CO. Rod loved spending time outdoors, swimming, caring for plants, animals, eating strawberries and anything chocolate and being the most devoted Pa to his granddaughter, Linnea. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Kristin Davey. Rod will be deeply missed by his wife of 63 years Laurel; daughter, Ann Durrant, son, James and granddaughter Linnea Durrant, all of Salt Lake; sisters Hildur (Ken) Hannsgen, Blacksburg, VA and Nancy(Charles)  Jones, Grand Junction, CO. A private celebration of life will be held. In his memory, we ask that you donate to your favorite animal rescue or plant a tree.

ON WISCONSIN!

Published by Deseret News July 9-10, 2025.