Donald DAVIS

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DAVIS: With his family lovingly by his side, Donald William Davis, of Brandon, MB passed away October 6, 2013. Don was a Brandon boy from start to finish, born January 3, 1942. At heaven’s gate waiting for him were his parents Roy & Mary Davis, along with little sister Sandy (Stratton). They were also joined by Duke and Smokey, along with the other numerous cats, dogs, rabbits, birds, hamsters, and fish he’s willingly and sometimes not so willingly took care of over the years! Some of those things he took care of but probably preferred not to would have been pets belonging to his two daughters, Donna & Jenny. There wasn’t much that Don wouldn’t do for his little girls, and he was proud that his daughters grew up displaying the same type of decency, work ethic, and commitment to family that he gave and showed each and every day of his life. Both his daughters repaid the love they received by making Don a grandfather, with each having a boy. Derek Troke was Don’s first grandson, born to Donna, and 19 years later, Jenny gave Don a second grandson, Vaughn McLeod. Don excelled in his role as Papa, gaining legendary superhero status in the eyes of each grandson, no doubt helped by the superhero body he crafted through his passion and dedication to the sport of bodybuilding, and also by the many rides he gave to his grandsons in his superhero-like 1977 Ford F-150 Monster Truck, a pride and joy of local repute, which Don bought brand new and drove as recently as July of this year! But of all those he has left behind, it would have been leaving behind the love of his life, his wife and partner of the past 47 years, Lois (Bercier) that would have been the hardest thing he’s ever had to do. Married in 1966, they have been together pretty much every day since, save for a short vacation Lois took in the late 1990’s to visit the McKenzies, longtime friends who had moved to B.C…Don would say he married the hottest girl in town and wasn’t about to let her go, and he didn’t!! They became such an intertwined couple that thru the years, that family began to refer to Don and Lois simply as “Dois”, because they might be two people, but they were of one mind and togetherness, and it was simply a marriage and partnership of love, devotion and friendship. To provide for his family, Don worked at the Brandon Mental Health Centre for almost 30 years, retiring at 55, keeping busy with family, and his constant need to putter). Don always had the cleanest vehicles, the perfect yard, and was possibly the best snow shoveller in Brandon! In addition to bodybuilding, hunting geese with his buddies was a passion in Don’s life, illustrated by his comments in his last battle with cancer when he stated, “I had better hurry up and get better so I can go hunting with the boys”. Don also leaves many others to mourn his loss, including son-in-laws Greg Lowe and Billy McLeod. Both will miss Don’s common sense approach to life and the guidance he showed in his actions and character, illustrated through a phrase he stated often, “I’m not paying for anything that I can’t pay for with cash!” Don also leaves behind his Brother- in-Law George Stratton, and Sister-in-Laws Mavis Diment (Rod), Sharon Ginter (Don), and Jo-Anne Bercier, along with the many associated nieces and nephews. Don was kind, generous person always willing to lend a hand, loved his family the best anyone could, and led not by talk but by example…he was a man of principle. In typical Don manner, he preferred not to have a funeral, and has been cremated. Don’s family would like to thank all the Doctors and medical staff through the years that have helped him, and would also like to thank all of Don’s extended family members and friends who have provided the many laughs, tears and adventures that have contributed to Don’s story, he will be missed. In lieu of flowers, please consider Don’s charity of choice - the Brandon Humane Society.  Messages of condolence may be placed at www.brockiedonovan.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Oct 12, 2013