Dr. Rev. J. A. Davidson

DAVIDSON, Rev. DR. J. A. (Jock) Born in Winnipeg, Man. June 25, 1919, passed away in Victoria on Friday, March 18, 2005. Jock is survived by a large and loving family: Marion (Brunsdon), his wife of 59 years, his sister Adele Parkhill (Jim) and his four children Margaret, Bill (Maion), Leslie (Lincoln Ford) and Jane (Boyd Norman). Jock was especially proud of and delighted by his nine grandchildren: Leah, Aaron, Samuel, Sarah, Naomi, Annie, Timothy, Natalie and Christopher. Jock's extended family includes his nieces and nephews, brothers-in-law and sister-in-law. Jock grew up in North Battleford, Sask., the son of William and Helen. In 1942, Jock joined the Canadian forces in Europe as a member of the Royal Canadian Corps of Signals and as a signals officer in the Queen's Own Rifles of Canada. He served with distinction and received the decoration, Mention in Despatches. Following the war, Jock attended St. Andrew's College at the University of Saskatchewan and was ordained into the ministry of the United Church of Canada in 1949. He served a number of rural charges in Saskatchewan for two years before returning to military service as a chaplain. He left the Canadian Army in 1961 and became minister of Sydenham Street United Church in Kingston, Ont. (until 1971) and then senior minister at Dominion-Chalmers United Church, Ottawa (1972-1984). During this period Jock was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Queen's University and served as Honorary Chaplain (Protestant) for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Ottawa. He was also particularly honoured to be one of the officiants at the funeral of the Rt. Hon. Lester B. Pearson. Jock Davidson was a prolific freelance writer who wrote two books and many articles about theological, historical and social issues as well as etymology. His weekly column Perspectives and Prejudices appeared in newspapers across the country for over 30 years. Jock continued to write well into his 80th year following his retirement to Victoria in 1984. One of Jock's most distinguishing attributes was his sense of humour that endured despite even Alzheimer Disease. He touched so many, was loved by so many and will be missed by so many. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 26, 2005 at 1:30 pm at James Bay United Church, Victoria, B.C. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the United Church of Canada Mission & Service Fund, the Alzheimer Society of Canada or the charity of your choice. Arrangements by McCall Bros. Funeral Directors. 56290