WILLIAM EDISON DAVIDSON

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WILLIAM "BILL" EDISON DAVIDSON Peacefully, on Saturday, February 24, 2001 at Deer Lodge Centre in Winnipeg, Bill Davidson passed away after a lengthy illness. Bill was born November 17, 1929 in Souris, MB to Bill and Pearl Davidson, (deceased). He received his schooling in Souris. At 17 years old Bill left to play hockey. In 1947, Boston Bruins signed him to a contract to play for The St. Catherines TPs. He played there one year and then 2 years for the Port Arthur Bruins . In 1950, Boston assigned Bill to Tulsa, Oklahoma in the US League. When the league folded in 1951, Boston players were sent to Tacoma, Washington, of the Western Hockey League. After 2 years, the Boston players went to the Seattle Americans. After 1 year, they were assigned to the Victoria Cougars, in the Western Hockey League. Bill was there for 3 years before returning to Seattle to the Seattle Totems for 3 years. In 1960, he was sold to the new franchise in Portland, Oregon . He played for 3 years in Portland, winning the Lester Patrick Cup, the first year. A large investor owned utility, Portland General Electric asked him to join the company in 1963. The owner suggested he try it for the summer and if he didnt like it, he could return to the Portland Buckaroos to play hockey. He retired from P.G.E. in 1994. In 1990, Bill suffered a severe brain aneurism and was confined in a head injury hospital in Seattle for a year. He came to Souris Hospital and 15 months later to Deer Lodge Centre in Winnipeg, where he remained until his death. Bill was active in baseball, playing for Souris Cardinals, Fairfax and Neepawa. In Portland, he was very active in the minor Hockey Association for years. He played 3 years Junior A hockey and 13 years professional. He is in 2 Halls of Fame, Seattle Hockey Hall of Fame and the State of Oregon Sports Hall of Fame. He always played Defense. Bill is survived by his wife of 47 years, Dorothy (Staples) Davidson of Portland, Oregon and son Guyle (Susan) and grandchildren Brett, Brittany and Brianne all of Portland, Oregon. A service of remembrance will be held on Wednesday, February 28 at 1:00 p.m. in the Kowalchuks Funeral Home 99- 2nd St. S., Souris, Manitoba, with personal friend Rev. Don McIntyre officiating. The family wish to extend a special thanks to the staff of 6th floor west at the Deer Lodge Centre for their care and compassion. Should friends desire, a donation in Bills memory may be made to a charity of ones choice. LEATHERDALE GARDINER 1858 Portage Avenue949-4872

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 27, 2001