It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of John Scott Davidson on Sunday, March 24, 2024, at the age of 90. Predeceased by his beloved first wife, Betty Lou Davidson (1987); his stepdaughter Elizabeth ‘Beth’ Koggel (Dan) and his youngest brother Adrian Mayne Davidson (1943). He is survived by his cherished second wife Sharon Davidson, formerly Lancaster. Father to Keith John Davidson (Tricia) of Vancouver Island and Angella Scott Hughes (Geran) of Wales. Beloved Grandpa to Medi and Nia. He is survived by his brother, Robin Davidson (Anne) of England. John is also survived by stepsons Robert Lancaster (Linda) of North Lancaster and Don Lancaster (Irene) of Alberta. He was Grandpa John to 11 step-grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. John is also survived by his nieces and his cousins Anne Usher of Grenville-Sur-La-Rouge and Scott Conrad of Montreal.
Born in Forfy House, Lisnaskea, Co. Fermanagh, Northern Ireland on August 13th, 1933 to John Henry Davidson, a veteran of the first war and Grace Scott, who graduated with honours from Queen’s University, Belfast. Both were from Castlederg, Northern Ireland. After obtaining a scholarship to Queen’s University Belfast in 1951, John received a BSc in Physics and Radio Engineering (1956). In addition to excelling academically, as a young boy, John enjoyed hunting with his dog Laddie. He was also on the rowing team at Queen’s University. When he moved to Hudson, he became an avid skier, both cross country and downhill. He and his family also sailed as members of the Hudson Yacht Club. He was a member of Toastmasters International and he spent many years dabbling in beer making.
John had an esteemed career as an Avionics Engineer. In his last year at Queen’s University, he was head hunted by Northern Electric and he set sail for Montreal in September 1956, where upon he joined the YWCA as a social member and met his 1st wife Betty at one of the many Saturday night dances. They were married in November 1958 during a heavy snowstorm. John missed his homeland Ireland, and in the spring of 1961, he and Betty relocated to Belfast, Ireland. There he joined Short Bros and Harland Ltd specializing in Flight Testing. A new airplane, the Belfast, was being flight tested and many hours were spent flying to various airports in England and Madrid. John & Betty returned to Montreal in 1966 after the births of Keith & Angella. There he began his career with Air Canada, where he remained until his retirement. Over the course of their marriage, John and Betty lived in Montreal, Belfast, Ottawa, and upon moving to Hudson, John and his 2 children became Canadian Citizens.
In the early 1990s John met his 2nd wife Sharon at a square-dancing social. They were wed on August 4, 2000. They lived in Hudson, until moving to The Sunrise of Beaconsfield in August 2023. John and Sharon enjoyed travelling, square dancing, yoga, and an active social life at Legion Branch #115 and their churches, many college general interest courses and playing bridge with their many friends & a weekly online bridge game with his brother, Robin and his wife.
The most important titles John had during his life were ‘Husband’, ‘Dad’, ‘Grandpa’ and “Grandpa John”. He was first and foremost a family man; always making time to attend sporting, musical & school events for his family. John’s children and grandchildren will fondly remember all the many holidays to Disney, UK and Europe.
He will also be remembered for his weekend visits to Vancouver Island and Wales. Never one to let obstacles get in the way, in 2022 at the age of 88, while travelling to Wales, John missed his flight, slept in the airport overnight and the airline lost his luggage. John took all of these in his stride, and as soon as he landed, spent the day, attending the Eisteddfod, a Welsh music festival, where he thoroughly enjoyed several Welsh beers.
In June 2023, John and his children had a wonderful family road trip down memory lane, in Ireland. Exploring family history and tracing their roots. Keith at the helm, they visited places/locations fondly remembered from their youths. Always ending the day enjoying a glass of Guinness and local beer.
His Protestant faith was important to John and gave him strength and comfort during difficult and uncertain times. John will be remembered for his strong Irish accent, which he never lost, and his great sense of humour.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday May 4th,2024, at Noon, at St Mary’s Church in Hudson.
The family wishes to pass on their special thanks to his Hudson caregivers and friends, the staff at the Lakeshore General Hospital and Sunrise Residential Home, Beaconsfield for their compassionate and gentle care.
Donations to St. James Anglican Church in Hudson, QC would be greatly appreciated, especially after their recent devastating fire.
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When I worked with John Davidson in the Avionics Office of Air Canada Engineering, I found John D to be an unerringly decent and polite gentleman, He had sense of humour and we surely needed that from time to time. Thank you John for the good things you brought to my career at AC.
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