On July 12, 2020, we sadly lost the backbone of our family’s musical harmony and the only one who knew all the words to ‘King of the Road’. Jack Douglas Davison, husband, father of four, grandfather of seven and great grandfather of 10 passed away in his 90th year.
Jack was born in Port Dover in 1929 to James and Euphemia Davison. His younger years were active playing on many of Dover’s baseball and hockey teams evidenced by many ‘Sailors’ team sweaters in the downstairs closet. Upon graduation from high school, he joined the Royal Bank and started a career that spanned 42 years covering such stellar roles as junior draft carrier, several accounting, and branch management posts and a long stint in credit department finishing as an executive in the Ontario West District. Branch posts and many good friends were found at those towns and cities around Ontario including Port Dover, Peterborough (twice), Orillia, Tillsonburg, Islington, Goderich, and finally, Mississauga.
On August 9th, 1950 he married his childhood sweetheart Lillian (Pat) Powell and over the years raised two sons Jim (Jane) and Jack (Sue) and two daughters Pat (Roman) and Nancy. Out of that crew have come seven grandchildren and 10 ¾ great-grand-children… and a host of grand-dogs, each of those a great lover of toast with jam or peanut butter!!
When his own hockey career in Peterborough (Petes) and Orillia (Pontiacs/Terriers) ended, he enjoyed coaching at the minor hockey level as well as several years with the Royal Bank hockey club. Not to mention driving two young players to practice all over Mississauga.
Beyond hockey and baseball, Jack also was a skilled and avid curler and golfer, consistently beating his sons in the latter in spite of his irritating “bunt it up the middle” game. And in tennis, he was known to team up with his baby girl in doubles to ‘hustle’ unsuspecting buddies. He was a lifelong fan of the Blue Jays & Maple Leafs, watching airplanes land at Toronto airport, looking up at the stars, and space station over-passes. His gardens were the envy of the neighbourhood with many asking for advice on how to keep their yard in such beautiful condition! His workshop in the garage turned out many a fine piece of woodworking which we will all treasure as a little piece of him.
Those who knew Dad will remember his sense of humour, always ready with a joke, his loud laugh, and the joy of mastering almost any song with three chords on the piano. And when that ran out, picking up a trombone, trumpet, or going to the drums and singing along. Late in life, we got him hooked on the computer and in particular Facebook and online banking to keep tabs on RBC stock. He even mastered the switch to Windows 10 like a pro.
He took a huge interest in all the activities of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, thinking the sun rose and set on each and every one of them. He led by example, taught us all the meaning of hard work and to be true to self. He will be greatly missed by all.
Many thanks to the staff in the cardiac ward of Trillium Hospital. They provided wonderful care, constant support, and never failed to keep us informed on a daily basis. No small task during the challenge the pandemic presented for front line workers. We will forever be grateful to you all.”
Online condolences can be expressed at the Turner & Porter 1981 Dundas St W, Mississauga, ON. In Jack's memory donations to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or charity of your choice would be appreciated.
Due to the current provincial limitations, a celebration of life will be arranged at a later date.