Rod Orville Davidson

Rod Orville Davidson was born to Agnes (Danielson) Davidson and Joseph Davidson on August 27, 1947 in Toledo, Oregon. He became a big brother three years later to his favorite sister Dee. The family moved to Newport close to Agate Beach. Rod completed his K-12 education in Newport, and graduated.

His father Joseph was a small business owner with his own service station and garage. Rod learned as he grew and became an engine expert. He was always a hard worker. He attended University of Oregon, but returned to work full time after his father passed. One of his jobs was as a traveling salesman selling educational materials. Rod also worked for several local service stations in Eugene and Springfield using the skills he learned from his father. He met Sandra (Norregaard Ball) Davidson while working at a station and love blossomed. They were married June 17th, 1973, and making Rod a father to Kenny, David, and Cassie. He loved them so much and took to parenting like a duck to water.

After staying in Springfield for a while, the family moved to Corvallis. Their daughter Ronell was born when they lived in Camp Adair. Rod worked for Singer Sewing as a repairman, both in the store and visiting client’s homes, for 10 years. He later secured a job at the Oregon State University Chemistry Department; he held the position for many years. He actively participated in the Service Employees International Union and was a dedicated shop steward. During this time, the family left Camp Adair and moved to Albany. Both he and Sandra later took positions working at Stoneybrook Assisted Living. He was the Head of Maintenance and the bus driver for the residents.

After retiring, Rod and Sandra travelled in their RV having adventures. They enjoyed camping, attending the Rose Parade, thrift store shopping, and visiting different states. Rod always loved returning home to his beautiful Pacific Northwest. He continued to repair anything that was broken and taking care of his growing family. Rod was known for saying “I can fix anything!”

Out of all of his careers, Rod said being a grandfather was his favorite job. Rod and Sandra later moved to Salem to help with their youngest grandchildren. He was kind, firm, funny, and willing to give you the shirt off of his back (He would often say “what’s mine is yours”). His aptitude for learning made him a voracious reader and a computer enthusiast. In addition, Rod never found a food he didn’t like with the exception of celery and grapefruit. He made an amazing beef curry rice that was a family favorite. On the other hand, his “Seafood Surprise” was not…well…as popular.

After an extended illness Rod died at home surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his parents and son, Kenny Davidson. Rod is survived by his wife Sandra Davidson, sister Dee Taylor, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Leland and Sue Dworshak, son David Ball, daughter Cassie Slanga and her spouse Todd, Ronell Schaffner and her spouse Matt, and three nephews. He has nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. Rod had the biggest heart and loved being alive. He will be greatly missed. Per his wishes, there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to a local Humane Society.