Former Providence Health Care executive Ryland “Skip” Davis remembered for compassion, leadership

Ryland “Skip” Davis, a former Providence Heath Care executive and community volunteer, has died.

A celebration of his life is planned for 1 p.m. Sunday at the Historic Davenport Hotel. Davis, 77, died Oct. 7.

Davis was the chief executive at Sacred Heart Medical Center from 1996 to 2006, and he also worked as the top executive of Providence Health Care and a related organization, Providence Strategic Ventures. He retired in 2008.

Davis “lived the Providence Mission,” said Elaine Couture, Providence Health Care chief executive, in a tribute written about Davis. “He led us with a focus on innovation, systemic growth, and most importantly, compassionate service.”

After he retired from Providence, Davis spent about eight months as the interim CEO of Spokane Airports. He oversaw day-to-day operations at the Spokane International Airport, including a runway expansion, and led the search for a new director.

Larry Krauter, who was hired as the airport’s CEO in 2011, said Davis was waiting on the tarmac to meet him the Sunday afternoon he arrived in Spokane. It was a welcoming gesture at the end of an emotional day, said Krauter, who moved to Spokane ahead of his wife and young daughter, who were in Pennsylvania.

“He was a true gentleman,” Krauter said of Davis. “He had that kind of care and concern for people.”

Davis was born in Richmond, Virginia. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Military Institute and a master’s degree from George Washington University’s School of Business.

Davis, a pilot, kept an airplane at Felts Field. In his obituary, family members listed flying and fishing among his passions. He and another pilot had the idea of starting the annual Felts Field Neighbor Day, a free event that helps expose people to aviation.

Davis served on the board of directors for Red Lion Hotels Corp. He was active in many other organizations, including Angel Flight, Boy Scouts of America, Greater Spokane Incorporated and the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture.

Davis is survived by his wife, Sharon; children Lindsay and Zach; and two grandchildren, all of Spokane; and a sister, Pamela Davis of Falls Church, Virginia.