Donald R. Davidson

Donald Davidson was born in Devils Lake, North Dakota on July 25, 1929 of pure Norwegian heritage. His parents were Myrtle (Gulseth) Davidson and Thorban Davidson, and he is survived by his brother, Duane Davidson. In North Dakota, Don worked with his father's construction company and on his uncle's farm in the summer. As a boy, Don loved music and played the trumpet in the Official State Guard Band of Devils Lake. Later, he performed at parties on the lake and at clubs with the Campus Cadets. At 21, Don traveled on an army troop train to Camp Rucker, Alabama. Sgt. Donald "Red" Davidson, 2nd INF. DIV. shipped out of San Francisco to Korea in 1951. He often described his memories of the Korean War and his comrades-in-arms. After military service, Don received a BS engineering degree at North Dakota State University on the GI Bill in 1956. He then worked in Denver as a civil engineer on the "Topo"(topographical) maps for five years on the Glen Canyon Dam state project. Don enjoyed the wonderful skiing in Colorado and may have occasionally called in sick on Mondays for his 3 day ski weekends! In 1962, Don graduated from Pacific University Oregon receiving a Doctor of Optometry degree. He started his practice in San Rafael, California on Nov. 22, 1963, the day Kennedy was assassinated and his office bell "never rang for a week." Don married his wife, Germaine Davidson, in 1977 and she became an active partner in his practice. He was a wonderful step-father to Patrick Foldenauer, Pamela Holmberg, Sean Foldenauer and Jamie Davidson. He is survived and adored by seven grandchildren, Jon, Annika, Jake, Chandler, Troy, Miles and Delphina. Don's hobbies were hunting and fishing which he enjoyed his whole life, returning yearly to North Dakota for Canadian geese, walleyes and ice fishing. Each Fall, he hunted with his step-sons in El Centro, CA. A huge sports fan, Don's favorite teams were the San Francisco Giants and Forty Niners. Don also kept busy completing many construction projects on his property. He loved nature and the outdoors and took his family to the mountains in Tahoe for skiing vacations which they will always remember and appreciate. After thirty four years of practice, Don and Gerrie retired in 1996 receiving the key to the city of San Rafael. They moved to Sun City in Palm Desert, and in 2001, began spending their summers at their home in Laguna Beach, and their winters in the desert. Together, they traveled all over the world, from Alaska to Maine and from Australia and New Zealand to the African and European continents. Don also assisted his wife with many of her charity events. Don was a member of many social clubs. He spoke fondly of his TEKE fraternity days. He was a member of the California Optometric Association, San Rafael Chamber of Commerce, Elks Club, Lion's Club (president), Duck's Unlimited, Laguna Rod and Gun Club, and in Sun City, the Couples' Putters, "Just For Fun", North Dakota and Minnesota Clubs. Don was a happy, positive man and well loved by all. He was generous and kind, fun and sweet. We will dearly miss him and will forever miss hearing him say, "How sweet it is!" A private Lutheran memorial service will be held at the Korean War Veterans Cemetery, Santa Nella, CA with a military honors' ceremony on August 14, 2015. As a teenager, Don played Taps for the soldiers returning from World War II, so it is fitting that Don will receive a 21 gun salute. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Stroke Center of Palm Springs or Ducks Unlimited.

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