Barry DAVIDSON

Barry Davidson passed away peacefully, knowing that he had loved and was loved. Beloved by his wives, Elizabeth de Ryk (deceased) and Elizabeth Brown; and children, Tony (Catherine Chang), Lisa (Steve Sanders), and Sara (Ed Teale); as well as his stepchildren, Jennifer (Greg Gannon), Melissa (Darren Silk), Nicola McLachlan, Peter (Mary Brennan), and Hope Brown. Barry celebrated the uniqueness of each of his 22 grandchildren. Born in North Bay, ON, to Russel Lee Davidson and Leah Cecile Bebee, the family now including his sister, Donna (Larocque) (deceased), then moved to Sudbury, ON, where he excelled in football and basketball in high school. The ROTP program gave him the benefit of his BSc (Chem. Eng.), P.Eng. from University of Toronto and his MBA from Western University. Betty and Barry were blessed with 44 formative and adventurous years. During those years, Barry served in the RCAF, Labatt's, General Mills, Laura Secord and helped establish the Daily Bread Food Bank in Toronto and the Canadian Association Food Banks. He still found time to play basketball, run in the Toronto Marathon, work on federal election campaigns and practice Tai Chi. Barry and Betty retired early and explored the world, worked in their gardens and cherished time with their grandchildren. Upon Betty's passing, the charms of Prince Edward County enticed Barry to leave Toronto and immerse himself in a multitude of volunteer opportunities: Rotary Club, the Wellington Community Garden, the Millennium Trail, PEC Syria, Wellington Community Supper, affordable housing, Back the Build for a new County hospital, Hospice Prince Edward, Station Road Arts, recycling (creating PErCy), the Wellington food bank and Wellington Community Association. Lakeside Landing, a small residential subdivision was Barry's dream come true. Last week, the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers, Canada's highest honour for volunteerism, was awarded to Barry Davidson by the office of the Governor General. Barry enjoyed living in Prince Edward County. He always woke up with a new project on his mind. He had the magical ability to attract other people to bring these ideas to light. Barry always saw things through; he saw what needed to be done and he did it. He was quiet, humble and unafraid to work for the betterment of the community. He did not back down, he participated fully in life and he always wanted to share what he had with others. Barry wore his heart on his sleeve, feeling deeply for others. Needless to say, his presence among us will be missed. Barry has donated his body to Queen's University. All are welcome to celebrate the life of this quiet, tenacious "volunteer of the decade" at a Memorial Mass at St. Gregory the Great Church, Picton, at 11:00 a.m., Friday, April 19, 2024 followed by a reception at Highline Hall, Lehigh Arena, Wellington. Flowers are declined but memorial donations would be appreciated by: Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Back the Build Foundation, Station Road Arts or PEC County Foundation (specify Millennium Trail).