Obituary: Ned L. Davis, AIFD, CFD, CMLFD
August 23, 1949 – November 28, 2024
December 3, 2024
Ned L. Davis. 1949 – 2024
Ned Leslie Davis, 75, of Waterbury Center, passed away on Thanksgiving, November 28, 2024, with family by his side. He was born in Morrisville on August 23, 1949, the son of Alfred N. and Irene (Graves) Davis.
Ned graduated from Harwood Union High School in 1968, received an associate’s degree in 1972 from Stockbridge School of Agriculture in Nursery & Greenhouse Management, and a bachelor’s degree in 1974 from the University of Massachusetts in Landscape Architecture.
Ned's background in horticulture and landscape architecture served as a basis for his work in the floral industry, which began in 1976. Ned studied floral design in Europe under world-renowned premier German and Dutch floral designers. He owned and operated Hunger Mountain Florist & Gift Shop from 1971 until 1987.
Ned was the owner and director of education at the Vermont Academy of Floral Design, a private, professional floral design school from 1987-2024.
In 1987, Ned was the first and only florist in Vermont to become an accredited member of the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD) and a Certified Floral Designer (CFD). The AIFD is the floral industry's most prestigious accredited floral organization with approximately 1,100 worldwide members. He was also an officer on the board of directors for the Northeast Regional Chapter of AIFD. From 1997 to 1999 and again in 2002, Ned served on the AIFD National Education Committee that researched and assembled the Book of Floral Terminology First Edition. In 2012, he was recognized as an AIFD Laureate for his years of membership and support.
In 1989, he represented the Northeastern United States as one of four designers competing in the Design America competition where he was a runner-up for the event. He had been a guest designer for industry programs throughout New England as well as a commentator and judge in state and regional design competitions.
In November 2005, Ned became the first Commissioned Minister of Liturgical Floral Design (CMLFD) in the United Church of Christ in the United States. Liturgical floral design focuses on the artistic and aesthetic dimensions of floral composition and how it is used to interpret scripture and biblical themes. He was a member of the Waterbury Congregational Church.
Ned is survived by his niece Bobbi Capone and husband Jerry of Richford, his nephew Donald Davis Jr. and wife Lily of Bristol, his niece Leslie McNeice and husband Gordon of Bristol, and brother Roy Davis of Kentucky. He is further survived by many close family members, friends, and his wonderful neighbors. He was predeceased by both parents and brothers Donald A. Davis Sr. and Martin Davis.
Special thanks to all of those who visited, called, and sent cards.
A funeral service will be held for Ned on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 11 a.m. at the Waterbury Congregational Church, United Church of Christ. A light reception will follow the service.