John Angus Davidson

John Angus Davidson, 91, a 19-year resident of Riderwood Village in Silver Spring, MD, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 4, 2025. In 1933, John was born in Elizabeth, NJ, the second child of Robert Davidson, an immigrant from Scotland, and Anna Valter, who immigrated from Czechoslovakia (now Czech Republic). He received his BA in biology in 1955 from Columbia Union College (now Washington Adventist University), where he met and married Suzonne Marie Walker. They were together for 62 years before her death in 2019. He earned his MS (1957) and PhD (1960) in entomology from the University of Maryland.

John was a researcher, teacher, mentor, author, scientific illustrator, photographer, naturalist, fisherman, gardener, avid reader, and artist. During his tenure as an Entomology Professor at UMD (1966-1994), John was world renowned for his work in scale insects and their taxonomy, life history, identification, and control. He collaborated with graduate students and colleagues to pioneer Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques and programs for arborists, nurseries, and landscape companies, and taught courses to train landscape professionals. He retired in 1994 but continued working for many years as Professor Emeritus by co-authoring books, mentoring students, and teaching. John was recognized by numerous awards for his contributions to the science of entomology and coccidology and for his achievements with the Maryland Cooperative Extension Service. For example, John was honored at the XIV International Symposium on Scale Insect Studies with the Career Achievement Award for his outstanding research on scale insects, and he received the Distinguished Achievement Award in Extension from the Eastern Branch of the Entomological Society of America.

While John was accomplished in many areas, he especially excelled at friendship. He loved sharing ideas, joining friends for a meal, and telling stories and jokes with his unique style of delivery. He also played the role of departmental counselor. His door was always open, and he patiently listened to anyone who needed an ear, offering sage counsel without judgement. He was a loyal, good friend to many.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Suzonne; his sister, Barabara Dow; and his son John Angus Davidson, Jr. Remaining to cherish his memory and carry on his legacy are daughter Lynn M. Davidson (Harold L. Wierenga) of Arnold MD, nephews Mark Dow (Olivia) and Matthew Dow (Wendy) and their families, and a host of former students, colleagues, and friends.

A celebration of John's life will be scheduled later. Memorial donations may be made to the University System of Maryland Foundation's Allen Steinhauer Scholarship fund; Montgomery Hospice, 1355 Piccard Drive Suite 100, Rockville MD 20850; or the Maryland Biodiversity Project (marylandbiodiversity.com).