Adventure, generosity continue through Trapper Davidson’s gift of life

December 22, 2021

By: Kara Cordell

When the Davidson family gathers for Christmas this year, each of Ross and Carol’s seven grandkids will line up next to a wooden measuring stick to see how much taller they are than last year.

This family tradition was made possible by the Davidson’s son, Kevin, who crafted the yardstick by hand years ago.

Marking and dating the wood—comparing how much each child has grown—is just one of the ways Kevin’s family will remember their beloved son, big brother and uncle who passed away in 2020.

Kevin, or Trapper, as most people refer to him, was given his nickname from an uncle when he was just a boy.

An avid outdoorsman, Trapper went on his first coyote hunting trip at age two. Hunting remained a passion throughout his life. He traveled to western Nebraska, South Dakota and Arizona in pursuit of deer, antelope, elk, pheasants, wild hogs and other animals.

Being in the outdoors, battling the elements with family and friends was Trapper’s “happy place,” said his sister Kelly.

Trapper also enjoyed the freedom of the open road on his Harley Davidson motorcycle.

Growing up, Trapper and his siblings rode dirt bikes, go-carts and four wheelers around the makeshift track on their farm near Albion. Later, he competed in racing events in Lincoln and Omaha.

He purchased his first Harley Davidson in his early 20s and joined the Fire and Iron Motorcycle Club.

If he could, Trapper would ride every month of the year, often doubling the miles most Nebraska riders would put on annually.

“He loved to be on that bike,” said Carol, recalling one of Trapper’s trips to Sturgis.

The thousand-mile trip from Lincoln to South Dakota wasn’t enough. Trapper and his riding partner continued their venture into Montana.

Trapper was outgoing and social—the life of the party.

He restored airplane interiors for Duncan Aviation in Lincoln. In the fall, he looked forward to football season, but never went to a game. Instead, he reveled in the camaraderie of friends, family and co-workers at Husker tailgating events.

Above all, Trapper was known for his generosity and caring spirit.

He was the oldest of four Davidson kids and the only son.

Trapper was close in age to the oldest daughter, Kelly. The two shared many of the same friends and participated in the same activities together at Newman Grove High School.

Younger sisters Sam and Shawna watched their older siblings with admiration.

“As the two little ones, we always kinda had to sit back and watch Kevin and Kelly,” said Sam. “So it was great for us because they were such great role models. They were always so respectful and caring and so we learned a lot from that. Watching them teach people and just kind of how they did life, you just wanted to be like them.”

If someone needed help, Trapper would drop what he was doing to be there for friends and family. Whether a call from Carol asking for help on the farm or a friend that could use a hand with their livestock, Trapper would jump on his bike and drive the two hours back home.

He was also the uncle that every niece and nephew wanted to have.

“He would never tell the kids no,” said Kelly. “No matter if it was a motorcycle ride or ‘come do this Uncle Trapper’ or come do that. He was always game. He was always up for it.”

It was these relationships and experiences, Kelly says, that inspired Trapper to be a donor.

“He wanted someone else to have another chance; another moment with family, another birthday, another adventure. Although his loss has been extremely difficult, we take solace knowing he lives on in our hearts, minds and now through the gift of helping others. This is something that would certainly make him smile. And, for us, through tears, we smile, too.”

As a tissue donor, Trapper’s gift of life has allowed others to live pain-free and heal from devastating injuries. Each donor can potentially help 100 people. You can help by signing up to donate life today.