The City of Mercer Island mourns the loss of one its most accomplished citizens, Aubrey Davis.

Mr. Davis served the Mercer Island community for much of his adult life. He was a City Council member, mayor and advisor on many issues facing the community. Mr. Davis and his family moved to Mercer Island, where he was elected to the City Council, in 1967. He served as a Council member until August, 1978.

Mr. Davis’ colleagues selected him to serve as mayor from December, 1969, to December, 1974. As mayor, he joined other Council members in negotiations with regional leaders regarding the design and construction of Interstate 90. His efforts led to the concept of a linear park running from bridge to bridge with parks, lids, trails and landscaping stretching across the Island; the Park on the Lid.

“Aubrey Davis was one of the great ‘civic leaders’ of his time,” said mayor Bruce Bassett. “He leaves a legacy of public service achievements that will define this community, this region and this state for many decades to come. He will be missed.”

Mr. Davis served the broader regional community as CEO of Group Health Cooperative; regional administrator of the Urban Mass Transit Administration; member and chair of the State Transportation Commission; and member and chair of METRO’s Regional Transit Committee. Mr. Davis never forgot his Mercer Island roots. Recently, he participated in a forum of former Mercer Island mayors to discuss the WSDOT’s proposal to toll Interstate 90. On Feb. 13, he was honored as co-chair of the 2013 Giving From the Heart Breakfast for Mercer Island Youth and Family Services.