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WILLIAM DAVIDSON Obituary

WILLIAM C. DAVIDSON - NEW HAVEN - William C. Davidson, 72, died Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2014, at his home in New Haven from complications of Parkinson's disease and ALS. He was born in Rutland on Jan. 27, 1942, the son of R. John Davidson and Bertha Morehouse Davidson. Bill attended school in Center Rutland, graduated from Rutland High School in 1960, and from the University of Vermont in 1964 with a Bachelor Degree in Economics. Having completed the ROTC program at UVM, he fulfilled his military obligation by serving in Vietnam from February 1967 to February 1968 as a Forward Observer and Artillery Officer. After his return from Vietnam, Bill began a successful career as a stockbroker at Francis I. DuPont. He was with the same firm until he retired from Smith Barney in 2002. Bill was a wonderful husband, dad, uncle and friend. He loved skiing with his sons at Mad River and coaching their Little League and Babe Ruth baseball teams. He loved his time spent on the golf course and at deer camp with his friends. Sports were an important part of Bill's life. He played baseball and football for Rutland High School and football for the University of Vermont. He was a longtime member of the Middlebury College Golf Course. Bill lived an active life with Parkinson's disease, continuing to ski, play golf and do Pilates until he was diagnosed with ALS. He faced this new challenge with the same courage, determination and goodnatured humor as he faced his previous challenges. Although ALS slowly imprisoned his body, ALS never touched his spirit. He was blessed with family, friends and caregivers who accompanied him on this journey. Bill was predeceased by his parents; sister, Lora Ann Munukka; and his identical twin, Robert N. Davidson. He is survived by his wife and friend of 46 years, Candy; sons, Andrew O. Davidson of Oakland Park, Fla., and Brian M. Davidson of Beach Lake, Pa.; grandson, Blake M. Davidson of Scranton, Pa.; and several much-loved nieces and nephews. Bill and his family were thankful for the benefits he received from the Veterans Administration, first for Parkinson's as a result of Agent Orange, and then for ALS. They are also thankful for his years of care from his Parkinson's neurologist Dr. Hamill, the doctors and staff at ALS Clinic at FAHC, and the Spinal Injury Clinic at the White River Veterans Hospital, and John Stansbury of Paralyzed Veterans of America. The family is grateful for his caregivers and the aides and nurses from Addison County Home Health and Hospice. They made it possible for Bill to stay in his home until his death. They became his friends. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life for Bill at the Kirk Alumni Center at the Middlebury College Golf Course, Middlebury, on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2014, from 3 to 5 p.m. There will be a graveside burial for the immediate family at an earlier time. Assisting the family is the Brown-McClay Funeral Home, Bristol. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill's name to Addison County Home Health and Hospice, PO Box 754, Middlebury, VT 05753; or the New Haven Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 120, New Haven, VT 05472.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Burlington Free Press from Oct. 4 to Oct. 9, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for WILLIAM DAVIDSON

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Anne and Vic Ratkus

September 28, 2022

Think of him often. He was a man of integrity.

Anne and Vic Ratkus

September 28, 2020

Remembering with fondness, Candy, your husband Bill. You were a great team!

Joan Gleason-Serre

October 12, 2014

Candy - We are so sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I have known him since he was 12 yrs old. He was always so much fun to be around with his great sense of humor. We will miss him.

Gail Bristol Wehling

October 11, 2014

I will miss Cousin Bill very much. He was such a very nice guy with a wonderful sense of humor. Our whole family will miss him, especially Derek. Sympathy and love to the entire family!!!!!

October 10, 2014

Bill and I played little league baseball together and were league champs. I think it was probably all his doing. I have the picture of Bill with the team having banana splits at Sewards Dairy. Gone way to early.

RIP Bill & God Bless the family.

John Quinn

October 9, 2014

Bill and I graduated 6 years apart with ROTC commissions-he visited me a few days before he left for Vietnam-we both were trained Arty forward observers and FDC officers. Last saw him at Max Orr's funeral in New Haven-Blessings to Candy and family-I have fond memories of her dad, mom and David. John

Rich Feeley

October 9, 2014

Bill was a great guy, and always had a kind word for me whenever we crossed paths. He and his twin brother Bob were among Vermont's "good guys".
RIP

Bill Bedford

October 9, 2014

Davidson family,
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Bill. I remember all the wonderful times together at UVM and Sigma Nu with both Bill and Bob.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.

October 9, 2014

My deepest condolences to the entire Davidson family on Bill's passing. He and Bob were my good friends throughout the years at RHS.

May peace and comfort be yours during this time.

Roy Carpenter
RHS Clas of 1959

Jim & Lea Kachadorian

October 9, 2014

Dear Candy,
Please accept our sincerely condolences. Lea and I have many fond memories of our relationship with you and Bill. He was a good friend and adviser.
He fought the good fight.
Love,
Jim & Lea

Scott Severance

October 9, 2014

Candy, Many good memories of Bill while at UVM and the Sigma Nu House. A great man who was competitive to the end. Our thoughts are with you and the boys.

Nancy Sobotka

October 9, 2014

To the Davidson family, please accept my deepest prayers to you on behalf of my late brother Edward Sobotka. As his little sister I fondly remember the "Davidson Twins" coming to our home and their long close friendship. It was an immense pleasure to see them at the celebration of life for Eddie in 09 and I was deeply grateful. May you find peace and comfort knowing how loved they were by my later brother and respected by me. Be well.

Tony Collard

October 6, 2014

Dear Candy, Kay and I sent our thoughts and prayers to you and your family. Bill's passing brings back many wonderful memories of times spent at UVM and Sigma Nu. Bill, along with Bob, were good people, who always had time for friends. May he rest in peace, Tony Collard

Janet Berger

October 5, 2014

I jut found out from my sister of Bills passing this past week.Our family will miss him at the lake and we are saddened of this news. Candy, you and the boys are in are prayers. If you need anything let us know. Please keep us informed about The Celebration of Bills life...

October 5, 2014

so sorry to hear of Bill's passing RIP

carol chandler

October 4, 2014

So sorry to hear of Bill passing Candy .he will be missed from Carol and Kris Chandler

circa 1959: Bob Davidson, Emmie (Ormsbee) Burke, Ed Sabotka, Bill Davidson

Hannah Ormsbee Bondioli

October 4, 2014

My deepest sympathy to you, Candy, and your children. I trust you will find comfort in knowing how much Billy is respected and loved by his life-long friends. He and Bob were a gift to all who knew them. Bless you.

Anne O'Rourke Ratkus

October 4, 2014

With great sadness I have just heard of the death of Billy. He was a dear friend for 50 years. He and his twin, Bobby, were always highly regarded for their integrity. They were great athletes- yet humble; charming yet sincere; loving, kind and fun. It was a privilege to know them. They both will be missed greatly. Our sincere sympathy to you, Candy, and to your boys .

Gina Leonard-Soder

October 4, 2014

Sincerest sympathies to the Davidson family in your loss. There is a new angel in Heaven now.

October 4, 2014

Two of the nicest 'young men' and older gentlemen anyone had the pleasure of knowing. Rutland High School Class of 1960 has lost another good friend and classmate. The 'Davidson Twins' are together again.

October 4, 2014

Sorry to hear the sad news of Bill's passing. Bill and Bob were great friends. Glad I got to spend time with both at our 50th high school class reunion. RIP.

Jeanie Ross

October 4, 2014

So sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I'm glad I got to see both he & Bob at our 50th Class Reunion. My sincerest condolences to his family.

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Funeral services provided by:

Brown-McClay Funeral Homes Inc. - Bristol

4 South Street, Bristol, VT 05443

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