Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
William Davis Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Davis
37 Entries
Dave Fair
February 22, 2019
Bob was a great man and had a huge impact in many many lives, in a positive way...
Wally Brooker
March 28, 2012
I did not know Bob very well. We spoke on only a few occasions in the eighties. I'd already been deeply impressed by his writing, his editing, his musical activities and his deep cultural activism. Today his stature is obvious. We need to celebrate people like him. I offer my condolences to his family and friends.
David DePoe
March 26, 2012
He was a wonderful man, and a mentor and friend since, I think, 1965. A loving father, partner and grandfather. The memorial on Saturday was a model of how such things should be done, very moving, and full of music and stories that celebrated his life and all his accomplishments. The displays of photographs and all his publications brought back many fond memories, and reminded of of the impact he made on so many lives as a teacher, activist and a warm, kind, loving human being. Congratulations to everyone who put it together, particularly Meredith, Haydee, Laura and Art. and all the other speakers and musicians.
helen sutherland-brown
March 24, 2012
Through a friend of John Sewell's, I got a room in a rooming house in the Annex, where John said I could read anything in his book case. I read everything. One of the things I read was a thick little book called This Magazine is About Schools, and reading it made me realize that teaching was what I wanted to do. I am retiring this year, and have really liked going to work every day. Many thanks to Bob, and the people he gathered around. My son Ade and his daughter Haydee thought for a while that, given their names, they had to be related, and they were, small "brothers and sisters" chanting "Don't buy Dare."
Esther Fine
March 24, 2012
Bob was an inspiration to me and to so many teachers. It is a privilege to have known him and to have worked with him in the Mudpie Magazine days. I write this from California and am very sorry to miss the memorial gathering by only a few days. I send my condolences to Meredith and to all of Bob's family.
Terezia Zoric
March 24, 2012
When I was a teacher candidate in the early 1990s, my formal education included very little--and almost nothing positive--about teaching working class kids. A couple of years later, taking a summer AQ course, I read Bob's work on creating a just, relevant, and respectful curriculum for working class students and communities. It made a HUGE impact on me. In the years that followed as I became a more seasoned teacher of inner city kids, then a full time equity worker at the school board, and finally, now as a teacher educator at OISE, I have shared Bob's insights about socio-economic justice and his valuing of working class knowledges with scores of other teachers. They usually react the same way I did 20 years ago: with a sense of 'finally', 'this is really important stuff', and 'we SO need to share and discuss these ideas'! Bob's good work lives on....
Ester Reiter
March 23, 2012
I remember Bob teaching my son Daniel Koulack to wrestle in my living room on Grosvenor Ave in Winnipeg in the 1970s. Daniel later played in the Spadina band and later at 113 Spadina when he and Meredith first got together, and then as a colleague at Atkinson College, York university Bob's life was a large one. He contributed much to the world.
Esti Reiter
Eve Richardson
March 19, 2012
I knew Bob when I was a child at Everdale. Everdale was an important part of my childhood. I'm sorry now that I didn't take the opportunity to talk to him about education once I grew up and went into teaching myself.
marcelo puente
March 12, 2012
I could not believe it when I knew and I still do not believe it, and for me it will never happend because it will be like forgeting your music, how could I forget the incredible musical reunions in your house, your concert at the tranzac and your presence every time we played with Heather. Good thing my dear friend that there is a heaven of the musicians. I'll miss you Bob.
Surya Govender
March 12, 2012
I wish I had a chance to know him better, but I will miss his familiar face when I get those rare chances for a visit with the extended Light/Davis family and I'm thinking of you all. All my love.
Susan Caldwell
March 12, 2012
Bob was a friend from 'daycare days'when Haydee and Omar were both at Sussex Day Care Centre and then on to the occupation that set up the over-2 year old daycare centre at Devonshire. Wonderful memories of a wonderful person.
Susan Caldwell
Sarah and Emily Fowlie Paradis
March 7, 2012
We have been privileged to know the Davis family all these years in Toronto. First through Brandy and then through Laura. It was always such a pleasure to be with Bob at Laura's gigs, each time she introduced a song with a story relating to him and his musical influence and inspiration - we would be touched. Hope the after life is one big Honky Tonk with Coal Miners, Outlaws and Troubadors!
tony souza
March 6, 2012
Bob was an amazing man. In the 70s I signed up for a summer course he was teaching at OISE. The course began at 8 a.m. and he always had almost 100 percent of us there on time every day!
He opened my mind then and has always inspired me through his writing and music. A great man who definitely made his mark on the world - leaving us better people for having known him. However his critical pedagogy has left us always struggling and questioning!
Arel Agnew
March 5, 2012
Bob was such a force to contend with. Whatever he took on it was with great energy and vocabulary. I first met him when he was fundraising from the Student's Union of the University of Waterloo in 1968. He opened my mind to alternatives in education. I went on tho become a teacher and mother trying to use a lot of what I learned from Bob .He once told me I was too "touchy-feely" to deal with the real issues of Campus Co-o[p Daycare, We were parents there. I tried to get tougher because of him. Enough for now. He is missed but his legacy does continue.
Jane Olson
March 5, 2012
Remembrances from long ago at Everdale, being neighbours across the upstairs hall, when Laura was 4-5 years old
Shiloh Davis Light-Barnes
March 4, 2012
I will miss the amazing talent that Bob (my uncle) had on the piano, and the attendance on every Christmas eve party singing carrols and Bob playing the piano.rest In peace Bob.
Derek Hawksley
March 4, 2012
I've always remembered Bob sharing his shear joy of driving across the Lions Gate Bridge listening to the organ in Procol Harem's Whiter Shade Of Pale.
Kirsten Agnew Iler
March 4, 2012
Bob was one of the most warm, inclusive and kind people I know and I will always love him dearly. So many memories keep flowing in. I'll never forget his greetings - he'd say my name with a big "hey hey!", a grin, followed by a big hug and kiss. He made me feel special. Then there was the empowerment lesson he taught Haydee and me on a canoe trip the three of us took to Algonquin some thirty or so years ago. Bob insisted Haydee and participate in chopping wood, even though we were just kids - "I'm not having any of this sexist bulls*** where girls can't chop wood" he told us, and handed me a huge axe. So I nervously took a few weak swings, then a few more, and befor eI knew it I had found my strength and it felt amazing. Thanks Bob :)
Simon Vigneault
March 4, 2012
My uncle Bob was a great mentor and friend to me. In many small and large ways he positively shaped my outlook and understanding with his love, wisdom, music, and laughter.
lynn and hamish
March 3, 2012
Many fond memories of christmas visits out at the farm and piano wafting across the lawn.
Errol Sharpe
March 2, 2012
March 4, 2012
From New Zealand
Bob was a great friend. I am grieved to hear of his passing. He was a warier, a fighter for justice. I owe him a lot. My thoughts are with Merrith (sp) Art and Laurel. We lost a good one..
Errol Sharpe
Sharon Davidson
March 1, 2012
Bob was one of my exciting Davis cousins, and we all shared a special time at my family,s farm at Lanark, to celebrate a Davis reunion.We all
enjoyed his music and his beautiful family, and of course his warm smile and wit.
my deepest sympathy to you all...he will be missed....but the stories and songs will live on!
Sharon Davidson
John Fulsang
March 1, 2012
From all Leacock Alumni. 30 years has past,yet all you're words of wisdom live with in us all. Thank You, God Bless You.
March 1, 2012
Mr. Davis was a classic!!!! He was one reason I went to school everyday!!!!
Chris Orleck
Ruth Shamai
March 1, 2012
Bob was my teacher at Everdale, and was also the "house-dad" of the Homestead house where several of us lived. Later I lived at the home on Spadina which I shared with Bob, and other friends. Bob WAS warmth. He was always supportive, ready to engage, listen, and to laugh. A fabulous human being, with a lasting legacy on all he touched. My world is emptier without him, and I will never forget him.
Stephanie Duncan
March 1, 2012
I got to know Bob at a WorldSongs Vocal Camp on Amherst Island a few years ago. When we weren't singing, you could always find Bob playing the piano in the living room, providing a running accompaniment to whatever might be going on. And he was always smiling...
March 1, 2012
A great teacher and human....Peter Allen.. Homestead Farm resident when at Everdale
Heather Chetwynd
March 1, 2012
Bob was my history and music teacher at Everdale and my very faithful supporter since then. He was an amazingly warm and open person who loved life and I shared in that via our music and celebrations. He welcomed me into his family and always made me feel cared for and important. He was an amazing role model for me and I will never forget him. His family is blessed to have shared with him so long.
Katherine Woods
February 29, 2012
Bob was a great friend. He was a quiet guy with a warming smile. Bob was a great step-grandad, too. RIP, Bob.
Ethiopia Davis-Spinks
February 29, 2012
Grandpa (Bob) was a great grandpa. He always helped me with stuff like reading. It was so great having him as a grandpa that wrote so many books. I will miss hearing him play the piano and sing at gatherings.
Sophie Cohen
February 29, 2012
Bob was one of the few teachers I actually remember from High School. He had a profound effect on me, and I will never forget him. A really great guy. I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing.
Gary Dinan
February 29, 2012
So sorry for your loss.
Alan Gasser
February 29, 2012
I remember his playing "Bread and Roses," with the Echo Women's Choir. And my whole life changed, in a really interesting way, when someone insisted I buy his lovely songbook, "Singin' About Us," at a church used-book sale.
Dave Fair
February 29, 2012
Bob had a very positive effect on those of us who were fortunate enough to be part of the Everdale Place experience!
RIP Bob...
February 29, 2012
I'll always remember how Bob always helped me look for Tuttles, our adventurous little cat. My condolences to the family.
Rita Piazza
Jim McKibbin
February 29, 2012
I am saddened to hear of Bob's death. My condolences to his family and loved ones. I first met Mr. Davis in 1961 on my first day of high school at Victoria Park Secondary School. He was my English teacher. He taught French as well, and was active in promoting drama and music at the school. He also coached the wrestling team. He was a greatly loved teacher. After high school I would occasionally see Bob. We moved in similar activist circles and I was always delighted to see and chat with him. I saw him last at the Victoria Park reunion in November of 2011. More than any other teacher, I learned from Bob. A few years ago I saw Bob sitting a few aisles away from me at a concert. I was sitting with an elderly gentleman. I pointed Bob out and told him that Bob was the best teacher I ever had. My elderly friend said, "If you've never told him that, now is the time to do so." I did. He was. Thank you, Bob, I will never forget you.
Rod Albert
February 29, 2012
The world has lost an intelligent, engaging and generous soul. Keep them singing old friend.
Showing 1 - 37 of 37 results