William Davidson

William Davidson

William Davidson Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Oct. 6 to Oct. 10, 2007.
DAVIDSON, William John Hons. B.A. U of T Born September 14, 1942. Entered into rest on October 4, 2007 at Windsor Regional Hospital Western Campus. Son of the late Mabel and William Davidson of Toronto. Survived by: dear sister Joan and husband Louis Dill of Newmarket. Loving niece Elizabeth Dill of Toronto and loving nephew Geoffrey Dill of Newmarket. Cherished friends, whom he had adopted as family, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Cholubko, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Eastman, Mr. and Mrs. William Giroux, Mr. and Mrs. James Green, Ms. PA. Haydon, Mrs. B. J. Kennedy, Mr. Gordon Orr, Mr. and Mrs. David Richie, Mr. Jim Spinks and Mrs. Lou (Judy) Veres. We who were blessed to know and love him will remember with fondness his generous and inspiring spirit. As teacher of History and Forum Teacher sponsor at Hon. W. C. Kennedy Collegiate Institute, he set an extremely high standard of excellence. His life's work does him credit by his superb reputation. Longtime member of Westminster United Church; member of Windsor Humane Society and ARM O. S. S. T. F.Arrangements entrusted to Walter D. Kelly Funeral Home and Cremation Centre , 1969 Wyandotte St. E. A memorial service will be held at Westminster United Church, Dougall and Tecumseh Rd. on Saturday, October 13, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. Rev. Dr. Williamson officiating. Memorial messages may be sent to [email protected] Memorial donations to Windsor Humane Society, Doctors Without Borders, Windsor Downtown Mission, World Vision, the Jane Goodall Foundation or to a charity of your choice would be appreciated.www.mem.com

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Sign William Davidson's Guest Book

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November 5, 2007

Kirstie Warner posted to the memorial.

October 22, 2007

Carl Twigg posted to the memorial.

October 22, 2007

Jennifer Hoffman (Sinnott) posted to the memorial.

32 Entries

Kirstie Warner

November 5, 2007

I was saddened to hear of Mr. Davidson's passing. I count myself fortunate to have had the opportunity to be taught by him and have the benefit of his enthusiasm, humour, and encouragement. My deepest sympathies go to his friends and family for their loss.

Carl Twigg

October 22, 2007

I am shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Davidson. It has been many years since I have seen or chatted with him but I can still remember clearly some of his classes from my time at KCI in the mid/late '80s. He fostered my love of history and the concept that the past is clearly linked to the future. It is something that I will try and instill in my own children. I know that he's in heaven right now teaching an Introduction to Canadian History to all the people of the world who know nothing of this great country of ours. Carl Twigg

Jennifer Hoffman (Sinnott)

October 22, 2007

Mr. Davidson was a kind man and a wonderful teacher. He taught us all so much more that history, and I feel so lucky to have known him. I will forever remember the example he set when working with children and youth.

Carly Elsea- Lemire

October 21, 2007

I was so saddened to hear you are gone. But never forgotten. You were such a remarkable teacher and I thank you for your part in making me who I am today. You were the only teacher to whom I made a point of introducing my children too, so that could meet the person I refered to so often while trying to instill the importance of History in their lives. ( who knew?) I will remember you fondly forever. And lets not forget the many students who spent lunch hanging around in your classroom, just to absorb some of your candid wit.

Dan Katkic

October 18, 2007

I am deeply saddened to hear of Mr. Davidson's untimely passing. He'll be remembered for his enthusiasm, sharp wit, the elegance with which he carried himself and certainly his passion for teaching. We've lost a true gentleman who made a significant impact on the lives of those fortunate enough to have known him. May he rest in peace.

Marta DeLuca

October 16, 2007

I remember Bill Davidson as an extremely dedicated teacher. There always seemed to be a meeting going on in his classroom at lunchtime or after school, and his classroom was rife with papers and teaching material. His teaching style challenged students to see multiple perspectives and often sparked debate. He seemed to thrive on the energy of his students and he brought the best out of us. My condolences to the Davidson family – you have lost a very special relative.

Ivo Bordignon

October 15, 2007

As a student of Kennedy C.I. in the mid 1970s, conversations with Bill were always stimulating, insightful, witty and interesting. His vitality and passion as an educator inspired us to reach for the stars during our own journey. To family and friends, my deepest sympathy. I fondly remember conversations with Bill.

Susan Redfern

October 14, 2007

It was a pleasure to have known such a happy and sincere person. You will be sadly missed by many people.

Peter Redfern

October 14, 2007

It was a pleasure to have worked at Kennedy with such a dedicated teacher. Over the years Bill enriched the lives of many students with his unique teaching style.

Julie Wells-Murakami

October 13, 2007

Mr. Davidson was my teacher during the time I spent at Kennedy in the mid-80s, and he has been a wonderful friend for years beyond that. He became one of the key teaching figures that inspired me towards my own dream of teaching. His commitment to us as learners of history and as individuals seeking leadership opportunities through the Forum was unprecedented. I came to know that I could always rely on him for advice, for laughter, for genuine dialogue. Passion and commitment guided his teaching practice; loyalty, humour and generosity guided his friendships. I will always remember the profound impact he has had on my life and my teaching. I smile when remembering one of our luncheons together after I began teaching. During this long discussion about education, Mr Davidson invited me to call him "Bill". We both laughed that years later I still felt compelled to address him so formally! Underlying such formality though is huge respect for a man who committed his life to making a difference in other's lives. What an honour to have been blessed with his friendship, to have learned from his wisdom, and to have been inspired to follow my dream of making a personal commitment to learners of the future. I wish to send my condolences to Mr. Davidson's family and close extended family. Living out of town makes it difficult for me to be there physically tomorrow to share in the celebration of his life and the reflection of his passing; but my thoughts are with all of you and with Bill!

Chris Appleyard

October 11, 2007

Mr. Davidson taught me history in grade nine, and always made me do my very best. I remember at the time not liking history very much, which would amuse my children now since I read and watch all the history I can. I guess I would have liked to have met Mr. Davidson one last time and had a chat with him, about history and politics and whatever. I think he would have been pleased knowing that one of his past students, who didn’t like history ended up loving history and he had something to do with that.

Melissa Juhasz (Rankine)

October 11, 2007

I am truly saddened by the passing of Mr. Davidson. He was a wonderful, inspirational teacher who genuinely cared for his students. A teacher that you always remember because of his incredible passion for teaching and love for his students. Condolences to Mr. Davidson's family and friends - He will be sadly missed and always remembered.

Jim Darrach KCI 82-87

October 11, 2007

Had the pleasure of having Mr. Davidson for history for 9th and 10th grade. Great teacher who looking back really loved what he was doing. His absence will be difficult to fill.

Marc Hall

October 10, 2007

My condelences to the Davidson family and friends. I was fortunate to have Mr. Davidson as a teacher and will cherish the memories forever. Sincerely Marc

Chris Etches

October 10, 2007

With a heavy heart, I sign this guest book for without a doubt, the most influential teacher I ever had the pleasure of learning from. His patience and kindness to those that took the time to get to know him as more than just a teacher touched hearts and enlightened souls. Rest in Peace, Mr. D!

Joyce Davis

October 10, 2007

I remember Mr. Davidson for his gentle, kind and caring nature and for his love and dedication to KCI. Mr. Davidson was one of those rare teachers who genuinely enjoyed what he did and ensured that his students took something away with them. He was thoroughly involved in the life of Kennedy Collegiate and will be sadly missed - especially for his laughter.

Ann (Watkins) Johnson

October 10, 2007

It is with fondness as a former student and Alumni of Kennedy C.I. that I remember Mr. Davidson. His humour during lessons made learning an enjoyable experience. As a young member of Westminister United Church I can still see Mr. Davidson in his favourite pew during Sunday service. Heaven is enriched with his presence.

Joanne Nukk

October 10, 2007

I was sad to read about the loss of Mr. Davidson. I was in his history class in the late 80's, early 90's. He was a great teacher and a great person.

Tina McMenemy

October 10, 2007

I was also a student of Mr. Davidson at Kennedy and remember him fondly. My sincere condolences to all his family and friends on your great loss.

Francesco Costa

October 10, 2007

I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Davidson.

He was a kind and gentle man; with a quick wit and open heart, he changed so many of our lives. To have known him was one of the greatest pleasures of my life.

You will never be forgotten Mr. D

Kevin Shea

October 10, 2007

I very much enjoyed the mirth and mystery of history that unfolded in Mr. Davidson's classes while attending Kennedy Collegiate in the mid-1970's. Mr. Davidson is fondly remembered as one of the highlights of a most enjoyable period in my life.

With great respect,

Kevin Shea

Steve Kubicki

October 9, 2007

I am shocked and saddened to hear about the passing of Mr. Davidson. I remember him as a kind, selfless, and dedicated teacher. Who could forget his great sense of humour or his mischievous grin? We have truly lost “one of the good guys”. Rest in peace Mr. Davidson, I’m sure there’s a History classroom waiting for you in Heaven.

Nick Nowitski

October 9, 2007

I'm saddened to learn that such a caring man has left our midst. Bill was one of the few teachers at Kennedy that treated his grade 13 students with true respect and as adults. I enjoyed knowing him both as a teacher and as a friend.

Joe Strong

October 9, 2007

Very sad news to hear right now. I was extremely fortunate to have to opportunity to have met this great man. He was one of the very few teachers that had an effect on my life outside/beyond high school. I wish friends and family the best.

Nik Paranosic

October 9, 2007

It is with great sadness that I heard of the loss of Mr. Davidson. He was, without a doubt, the best teacher I ever had. He was an encouraging, kind man who was extremely influential in my wanting to become a teacher and I only hope to be, someday, half as good as he was.
His humour, generosity and sage advise will sorely be missed. RIP Mr. Davidson, you will not be forgotten.

Jennifer Gaspar

October 8, 2007

This is such sad news. I'm proud to say that Mr. Davidson was one of my teachers during my years at Kennedy. He was a bright, funny, thoughtful man, who genuinely cared about his students, and their intellectual development. He was determined that his students would come away from his classes having learned something. Thank you for your care, Mr. Davidson. We all learned something from you.

Rob Baxter

October 8, 2007

This is extremely sad news. As one of his students at Kennedy, I throughly enjoyed his classes. He was truly an inspiration to many and was always fair and kind to everyone. Best wishes to family and friends during this difficult time.

Spencer Hills

October 8, 2007

Simply one of the greatest teachers I have ever known. His commitment to his students was unsurpassed, and I am extremely grateful for having him as a member of the K.C.I. extended family.

Michelle Smith

October 8, 2007

It was a pleasure to spend my high school years as one of your students. Those of us who were lucky enough to know you won't ever forget you.

Darrel Laurendeau

October 6, 2007

You were an inspiration to the lives you touched and to the students you taught. Your infinite kindness will always be remembered.

John and Dinah MacDonald

October 6, 2007

It was our pleasure to know Bill for several years when we were members of Westminster United Church. He was a very kind and considerate person and an asset to the church and the community. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.

Jeff Bonhomme

October 6, 2007

As I mourn the passing of a dear friend, I celebrate the life of a humourous man, a dedicated instructor an a wonderful human. William left an indelible mark on the lives of all he touched. He will be missed.

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Sign William Davidson's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

November 5, 2007

Kirstie Warner posted to the memorial.

October 22, 2007

Carl Twigg posted to the memorial.

October 22, 2007

Jennifer Hoffman (Sinnott) posted to the memorial.