In Memoriam
Hunter Davidson, Jr.
Hunter Davidson
1964 Yale graduation
September 2, 2025
On this date we were notified by Yale that Hunter Davidson ’64 had passed away on November 23, 2025. Here are the following remembrances:
- Obituary, Legacy.com
- Essay, 50th Reunion Book
- Remembrance by Steve Passek ’64
Obituary
published on Legacy.com
November 25, 2025
Hunter Davidson
in recent years
Hunter Davidson, Jr., of Annapolis, Maryland, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2025 at the age of 82. A mechanical engineer, writer, and lifelong learner, Hunter leaves behind a legacy grounded in curiosity, creativity, and an unwavering passion for understanding the mechanics of the world around him.
Born in Washington, D.C., on December 28, 1942, Hunter was the son of Anna Yirka Davidson and Hunter Davidson Sr. He grew up in Darnestown (Seneca), Maryland, and graduated from Gaithersburg High School before earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from Yale University in 1964.
Following his education, Hunter served for five years in the United States Air Force, completing his service with the rank of Captain. He then spent 32 years as a mechanical engineer with the Oceanic Division of Westinghouse in Annapolis, now part of Northrop Grumman, where he contributed to numerous projects in marine and defense technology.
A resident of Annapolis for over 50 years, Hunter made his mark well beyond the workplace. He authored numerous articles reviewing CAD software for DesignNews and other engineering publications, and he wrote a book on CAD.
His passion for the mechanics behind engines, tools, and systems extended into his personal life. In his home, he built a turn-of-the-century-style workshop — complete with hand tools and machinery — and created the Workshop Engineering YouTube channel, where he shared detailed videos exploring engineering principles and the science behind mechanical systems. His videos served as a creative outlet and a way to pass on knowledge to future generations of engineers and tinkerers alike.
He was married twice, to Leigh Land and Christina Thomsen, both of whom preceded him in death.
Hunter is survived by his son, John W. Davidson; his daughter, Natalie B. Gover; and his cherished granddaughters, who brought him deep joy and pride.
Hunter's legacy is one of intellect, craftsmanship, and quiet generosity. He loved to learn, to teach, to share ideas, and to engage in thoughtful discussion. He found deep purpose in passing along what he knew and took joy in helping others work through problems, explore solutions, and grow in understanding. Whether through conversation, collaboration, or hands-on support, Hunter was always willing to give his time and knowledge to those around him.
Memorial service details will be shared at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions in Hunter's memory be made to Hospice of the Chesapeake Foundation, designated for the Rebecca Fortney Inpatient Care Center, in memory of Hunter Davidson Jr.
Essay, 50th Reunion Book
by Hunter Davidson
May 2014
I operated heavy equipment for a few months after graduation. Then I joined the Air Force, spending five years stateside with the title of engineer, a suitable switch from my physics major and more fitting to my capability and preference for more hands-on endeavors. These were good years, working with serious, focused people. With a primary station on the Choctawhatchee Bay and the chance to get many hours and a little non-pilot stick time in some impressive (for the day) aircraft, this was probably more pleasant than deserved in those difficult times.
Armed with my new title, I joined Westinghouse Oceanic Division (now Northrup Grumman) as a mechanical engineer. No one seemed to notice, nor at least mind, that I wasn’t officially one. These, too, were good years, 30-plus of them including post retirement consulting, again working with the best crew I could imagine doing innovative work. Again on the water, many pleasant evenings passed sailing the Chesapeake Bay.
Since my hobbies have always been engineering-oriented, I’ve fallen easily into retirement, still pursuing technical interests but without the PowerPoint presentations. I’m now assembling the machine shop I always wanted, venturing into some studies of industrial history, writing and applying simulation software useful for small-engine design, and testing and working on a perhaps never-to-be-finished, large ePublication project to bring some engineering and historical thoughts to amateur engineers. After a 40-year hiatus, I’m forcing the old bones back onto the tennis court and am making furtive efforts at the ukulele after giving up the guitar as a lost cause many years ago. I can count to four far more easily than to six.
Shades of the early 60’s, there’s plenty of time for long conversations covering the gamut with old friends and new. With the freedom to pursue any interest of the moment, these retirement years are the best.
Remembrance of Hunter Davidson
by Steve Passek ’64
February 2, 2026
Hunter Davidson was my dear friend and Yale (Calhoun) roommate for three of my four years at Yale. Recently he passed away as the result of a quick-moving cancer.
While Hunter and I were out of contact for the first 25 years after graduation, we resumed contact after our 25th Class Reunion. Hunter didn’t attend, so Ken Demario (our other Calhoun roommate for three years) and I traveled to Hunter in Annapolis, MD to have a mini 25th reunion with Hunter. It worked out beautifully! We reminisced and shared the glorious intellectual stimulus we three experienced during our years at Yale! Additionally, during the visit, Hunter shared with me his new passion for astronomy and star-gazing with his smallish Televue telescope.
I was so taken by Hunter’s enthusiasm for star-gazing that he and I ended up forming a two-person astronomy club, keeping in weekly contact for the next 10+ years, sharing and discussing our star-gazing discoveries ... he in Annapolis and me in Berkeley, CA. As a second lovely outcome of our 25th minireunion, Hunter, Ken, and I, and another close Calhoun friend, Charlie Trumbull (Santa Fe, NM) who did attend our 50th, began a monthly Skype call sharing personal stories and having animated discussions of world events. It was like our Yale undergraduate years 2.0!!! Our monthly calls lasted right up to the end.