Obituary of Art Davidson

John Arthur Davidson of Calgary passed away on Thursday, October 18, 2007 at the age of 96 years. Art was born on Mother’s Day, May 12, 1911 at Summerland Farms, (Ogden, Calgary) to John and Minnie (Porter) Davidson who had immigrated from Scotland via England, first to Ontario in 1904 and then to Alberta in 1906. He grew up on farms across Alberta, first at Ogden, then at Bears Paw for several years, then to Gilby for three years and back to Sharpe Hill, east of Balzac and then to Calgary. While living near Balzac, Art grew up and enjoyed his free time playing fast ball for the Balzac fast pitch ball team as their left handed pitcher and did lots of volunteering, including the construction of the original Balzac Community Hall. In 1927, Art started working at The Bay to put himself through S.A.I.T. and graduated from Electrical Technology in 1929. He spent three years in Lethbridge and then it was on to Medicine Hat for two years. Art was called to the Army Signals in 1939, and was sent to West to Work Point, Esquimalt B.C. as a signalman. Art was a very proud Canadian! After his army career ended, Art went back to A.G.T. and to Drumheller in 1948, Calgary in 1949 and to High River in 1950 as a local plant manager and back to Calgary in 1964 as a business office supervisor. Art retired from A.G.T. in 1973 after forty-four years of service. While in Drumheller in 1948, Art met Marilyn Olive, who was a dietician at the hospital and they were married in Calgary on July 8, 1950. Moving to High River in 1950, Art and Marilyn got actively involved in small town living by volunteering at the United Church and being heavily involved in the “Couples Club”. High River is also where their three children were born; John, Ross and Sherry. After Art’s retirement, he became the “gopher” for Marilyn as she continued in a new career doing market research. During these years they had many good times as “snow birds” in Yuma and traveling abroad. In 1992 Art started showing signs of Alzheimer’s. By 2002, more care became required and in March 2003 Art was moved into the Colonel belcher Care Centre with Marilyn living next door in the apartments. Art’s beloved wife of fifty-five years, Marilyn, passed away in 2005. Art is survived by his loving children; sons John (Brenda) of Calgary, Ross (Helen) of Aliso Viejo, CA and daughter Sherry (Thomas) Graw of Calgary; grandchildren, Jennifer (Greg), Jason, Michael, Robyn (Jevon), Stephen, Katelyn (James), Gwendolyn, Christopher and his great-grandchildren, Hannah, Emma, Noah and Xander. Art was predeceased by his wife Marilyn; his father and mother in 1963 and 1964 and his sister Elsie in 1967. Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Chapel of the Bells (2720 Centre Street North) on Friday, November 2, 2007 at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly. Friends of the Colonel Belcher Society, c/o Colonel Belcher 1939 Veterans Way NW Calgary T3B 5Y8 or to the Agapé Hospice, 1302 – 8 Avenue N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1B8 Telephone: (403) 282-6588. Condolences can be forwarded to www.mcinnisandholloway.com. Art’s family wish to express their sincere appreciation to the staff of Highlander House at the Colonel Belcher and Pastor Phillip Costain for their “family” care and support looking after Dad for the past five years. Your generous use of your time and talents will always be remembered. In living memory of Art Davidson, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH Telephone: (403) 276-2296.