Robert Davidge

DAVIDGE Robert Robert Cunninghame Davidge, Ph.D, P.E., died January 27, 2011 at his home in St. James Place., Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Born on May 8, 1914 in Ballston Spa, N.Y., on Town Line Road, he attended the on-room school, district 9, Milton, and graduated in 1930 from Ballston Spa High School, where he was awarded the prize for American history. With the second highest regents average in his class, he delivered the salutatory address and was admitted to General Electric's engineering program in Schenectady. After graduation from the University of Colorado in 1935, he returned to G.E. in Schenectady. In 1938, he married Jean Ann Humphrey. In his career with International General Electric, Mr. Davidge was instrumental in bringing electricity to many emerging countries and in the rebuilding of Japan followingr World War II. In his retirement he recertified as a professional engineer and earned an M.S. and a Ph.D in forestry at Louisiana State University. Mr. Davidge was predeceased by his wife of 67 years; brothers and sisters; and is survived by one sister, Isabel Davidge Glomb; and his children, Margaret Ann (Davidge)Smith, Mary Jean Davidge, Robert C. Davidge Jr., William M. Davidge and Sarah E. Fisher; 14 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held in Ballston Spa on August 20. At 10 a.m., prayers will be said at St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church and at Christ Episcopal Church, followed by interment of ashes at Ballston Spa Cemetery. No flowers or donations please.