| Graduation Year | Faculty |
| Date of Birth | Jan 15, 2024 |
| Date of Passing | Jan 15, 2024 |
| About | It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband and father, Harold D Davenport, on November 15, 2023. Harold was born in Millington, MI on August 9, 1945, the only child of Wilbur and Jessie (Davidson) Davenport. At 4 years old, he followed his cousins to their one-room schoolhouse. When the teacher lowered the blinds for a film, Harold snuck out and ran home saying, “Whatever was about to happen in there was not for me!”, a comical foreshadowing of his future career. He cherished his childhood growing up on a farm, and enjoyed outdoor adventures--haying, fishing, hunting, and riding his horse, Silver. Harold excelled at Mt. Morris High School, where he was the first recipient of the Bigelow Award, recognizing the most outstanding scholar/athlete. He was the first in his family to attend college, Michigan State University, where he majored in Engineering. His college advisor remarked “You’re the only Engineer I’ve ever met with a Physical Education minor,” and with that, Harold followed his passion to become a high school math teacher and coach. Upon graduation, Harold began his teaching career at Mt. Morris High School. He met his future wife, Mary Ann Russell, when they chaperoned a school dance. They married in 1968, enjoyed vacationing “up north,” and in 1969 moved to Oscoda. Harold taught at Oscoda High School for 31 years, coached football and basketball, and served as the Head of the Math Department and President of the Athletic Boosters. Harold enjoyed his life in Oscoda to the fullest! He was well-known to hunt or fish before the start of the school day. If he wasn’t coaching, he was volunteering at track meets, wrestling matches, baseball games, and other events, cheering on Oscoda’s athletes. He loved tutoring students in all math subjects and helping them prep for college admission tests. He also taught night school for Alpena Community College, served as a board member of the Oscoda Yacht Club and American Legion, and was the anchor of many pool league teams. He loved to be on the water, fishing, boating, or waterskiing. A lucky few got to witness him on trick skis, a flying disc, or slalom skiing on a canoe paddle, but mostly he drove the boat and enjoyed helping others learn to ski. Harold left a remarkable impression on everyone he loved, taught, coached, and befriended. He will be remembered and tremendously missed by his wife Mary, son Aaron (Veronica) Davenport and his children Connor and Willow, and daughter Deanna (Marc) Sicard and her children Adam and Allison. In recognition of his scholastic legacy, his family is establishing a Harold Davenport Memorial Scholarship. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation at www.OscodaEducationFoundation.org/donate, in memory of Harold Davenport. The family will hold a Celebration of Life at a later date. You may offer condolences online at www.BureshFuneralHomes.com. |
