ALLAN FORREST DAVIES

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ALLAN FORREST DAVIES Allan Forrest Davies passed away peacefully at the Brandon Regional Health Centre on Wednesday, April 16, 2003. He was born on July 10, 1921 at Morden, MB, the second of 12 children of Percy and Cornelia Maude Davis. He quit his schooling early to find work to help support the family. Allan later enlisted with the P.P.C.L.I. in 1943, serving in the Mediterranean area, and was wounded in Italy. He was discharged in 1945. Allan met Betty Mabel Church on a blind date and they were married on September 8, 1948. After living briefly in Nesbitt, MB they settled in Brandon at 2528 Princess Avenue where they raised their four children. Together, Allan and Betty moved to Hobbs Manor in 1995, making many new friends there. Allan was a hard worker and was known in the early days to hold down more than one job. His lifes work was that of a mechanic and he always found a vehicle in need of care. Allan worked at C.F.B. Shilo, Scott National, then for the City of Brandon; first at the Parks Board, later at the Water Treatment Plant. He had a strong sense of fairness, which inspired him to help found CUPE Local 69. Allan was actively involved in many labour negotiations and served for the Manitoba Federation of Labour for a time. Allan had a generous heart and was involved in many charitable organizations over the years. He was a Big Brother and donated blood to the Red Cross for 35 consecutive years. Recently, he was bestowed a lifetime membership with the Kiwanis Club. Allan was deeply touched by this gesture from his peers. He was a longtime member and leader of Knox United Church. Sundays were always family days. After attending church he would take his family either sledding, skating or on a road trip to visit other family members. Most of all, Allan was proud of his children and grandchildren. He prized education and learning, often helping this children with homework especially history and geography. Allan taught his children by example: how to care for pets, the importance of giving to the less fortunate, how one person can make a difference, and how to persevere in the face of challenges. He was also a poet and excellent storyteller. Goldilocks and the Three Bears was transformed into Goldilocks does a B & E. Allan was fond of travel, very rarely missing the Austin Threshermans Reunion. He loved the antique cars and threshing equipment. He was always inventing something from scratch. A week before he passed away he had written out plans to make a self-supporting overhead transfer bar. He could make treasures out of someone elses discards. He will be sorely missed. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Betty; son Ivan (Eileen) Davies of Kelowna, BC; daughters, Kate (aka Cathy) Hockridge, Patti (Rick) Gilhuly, both of Winnipeg, and Shelley Davies (Allen Christian) of Virden, MB. He also leaves his grandchildren, Angela (Geoff) Greenwell of British Columbia, Nicole Goulet (Dan Steinkey), Daniel Goulet (Meghan Petteys), Ian, Alex and Aidan Gilhuly all of Winnipeg, and Sydney Davies of Virden; and two great-grandchildren, Griffin and Hannah Rene Greenwell of British Columbia. He also leaves his brothers, Dave, Scotty and Floyd; and sisters, Thelma, Doreen and Marge of Alberta. A private family service was held on Saturday, April 19, with a time of fellowship following at Hobbs Manor in the afternoon. In keeping with Allans philanthropic nature, donations in his memory may be made to a charity of ones choice. Arrangements were with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330. One Veteran To Another Sleep weary soldier you have earned your rest. Let no man say you didnt do your best. You fought the battle, like a soldier true. Some day my friend, Ill meet again with you. Allan F. Davies

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 23, 2003