When North Idaho real estate broker and developer Dan Davis died Sunday morning, he left a legacy of transactions from southern Washington to North Idaho that were locked in with a handshake.

Davis, 79, the owner of Dan Davis Realty on the 1000 block of Sherman Avenue, died of kidney failure in the presence of his family.

He had spent a half century in the business he loved, working at times under the banner of ERA, Remax and a handful of other companies before starting Property Research Inc. 40 years ago, said his son, Danny Davis.

“He really was just a real estate guy,” Danny Davis said.

He had his hand in developments from the Tri-Cities where he developed a 120-unit apartment complex, to the Spokane Valley where as part of a joint venture he helped build a 115-unit complex. He built City Mini Storage behind Fred Meyer, and the condos at Bayview.

“He was kind of a maverick,” Danny Davis said.

He got things done fair and square with a handshake and by looking partners in the eye, Danny said.

“He was always honest,” he said. “He was authentic. People either loved him, or they weren’t too big of a fan if they brushed up on his wrong side.”

Since his dad’s death, the local real estate community has shown an outpouring that has been overwhelming, he said.

“I can’t keep up with it all,” he said.

Despite a series of medical issues and complications spanning three years that left him with symptoms including severe headaches, Dan Davis continued to work daily until he was no longer able.

Davis was a public figure, but deep down he was a private man.

“He didn’t have a lot of people close,” Danny Davis said. “But he touched a lot of people in ways I don’t think he even realized.”

His father’s last wish was simple, he said.

“We are all trying to honor one of his final requests of us, and that was to live,” he said.

No services are planned, according to the family.