KENNETH ALLEN DAVIDSON

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KENNETH ALLEN DAVIDSON 1910 2007 Peacefully, at Concordia Place with his family nearby, October 25, 2007. Predeceased in 1999 by his beloved wife Olive; he is survived by two sons, Bob (Sandy) Davidson, and Roy (Viola) Davidson, of Winnipeg; five grandchildren, Laurie (Rick Larson) of Jacksonville FL, Sherry (Ted Ryplanski) of Winnipeg, Lee (Robin) Davidson of Duluth, MN, Susan (Jason Councill) of Houston, TX, and Paul Davidson of Vancouver, BC; eight great-grandchildren, Jill and Abby Ryplanski, Gray and Quinn Larson, Elena and Simon Davidson, and Zane and Zoe Councill. Dad was born in 1910 in Turtle Lake, ND, moving with his family to Saskatchewan, where he spent much of his early youth. He graduated from High School in Melita, MB, first in his class , and almost immediately joined the Royal Bank, accepting many transfers throughout Manitoba. One transfer, to Brandon, was fortuitous indeed, for there he met Olive, the love of his life. Subsequently the Bank moved Dad to Winnipeg, where, in 1937, he and Olive were married. They spent 62 wonderful years together, over time experiencing whatever life had to offer; two sons; many friends; kid sports; community service; different homes in different places; career success; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; travel opportunities; and a long and happy retirement. Some of their happiest days were spent during winters in Palm Desert CA and Eustes FL. Business and career was paramount in Dad's life. After the Royal Bank, he held a number of different management positions, including lengthy service to the Ford Motor Company and later, Winnipeg Supply and Fuel. Finally, in 1966 he got his chance to do it on his own' and he founded North West Wholesale Co. Ltd, a wholesale supplier of equipment to the heating and plumbing industry, with subsidiary companies selling swimming pools and snowmobiles. He finally retired' in 1978, but kept his business hand in for several years as a CASE counselor for the Federal Business Development Bank, where his expertise and guidance helped various Manitoba companies grow and prosper. Dad's life is notable for his service both to the business community and the community at large. He served a term on Council for the old City of East Kildonan prior to Winnipeg's amalgamation; acted for many years as an Elder of John Black Memorial United Church; he was on the founding committee of the East Kildonan Community Club (now Bronx Park); along with Vice Leah and Ernie O'Dowda, he organized the first Little League Baseball in Manitoba; an avid supporter of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, he held season tickets for over 50 years, and he was an active member of Kiwanis for 40 years. With John Bulloch, Dad was a Founding Director of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), an organization that has since achieved national importance and reputation in the conduct of Canada's business affairs. A loving husband and devoted father, Dad was ever supportive of his sons' interests and activities - from school concerts to hockey or football, Dad and Mom were there. To his grandchildren he was Bompa' and Gramps' and he loved his time with them and maintained a keen interest in their interests and activities right up to the end of his life. Dad's final days were spent at Concordia Place. Our family thanks all the staff at Concordia Place, who gave him respect and loving care. A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday, October 30, 2007 at John Black Memorial United Church, 898 Henderson Highway. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Dad's name to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 120 Donald Street, Phone 943-6622. CROPO FUNERAL CHAPEL 586-8044

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 28, 2007