Bradford Merrill Davis ’74

Bradford Merrill Davis ’74 died unexpectedly on August 5, 2021, at his home in Durham, North Carolina. “Buff” grew up on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and came to Hanover from Harwich Port after attending Harwich High School and Phillips Exeter Academy. At Dartmouth Buff was a member of Green Key and the Hanover Volunteer Fire Department and president of Psi Upsilon. After graduating with a major in geography he returned to Cape Cod to work in the family business, Cape Cod Wind & Weather Indicators. Buff’s kindness and desire to help were evident in his time as a paramedic and phlebotomist on Cape Cod and assisting his mother in her final eight years in Durham. Buff had a quick wit and enjoyed hearing and telling stories. He would look for humor in everyday life, seeking to encourage those around him. He was an enduring friend and made new friends in any setting. Buff delighted in words, visiting Garrison Keillor’s Writer’s Almanac daily, and he loved languages, especially French. He drew great joy from reading and music. Buff credited C.S. Lewis’ Screwtape Letters with starting his journey to his Christian faith. He was a devoted father and grandfather. Buff is survived by daughter Sophie; grandson Colt; sisters Diana, Helen, and Mary; brother Edward’81; dozens of cousins; and one delightful aunt.


Portfolio

Book cover Original Sin with photo of hands over face
Alumni Books
New titles from Dartmouth writers (July/August 2025)
Woman posing with art sculpture
Inspiration in the Adirondacks
Artist Catherine Ross Haskins ’94 transforms an old grain mill into a vibrant arts hub.
Comeback Story

Alumni first returned to campus for official reunions in 1855.

Illustration of woman in movie theater eating popcorn
Katie Silberman ’09
A screenwriter on storytelling in Hollywood

Recent Issues

July-August 2025

July-August 2025

May-June 2025

May-June 2025

March-April 2025

March-April 2025

January-February 2025

January-February 2025

November-December 2024

November-December 2024

September-October 2024

September-October 2024