Obituaries

REX JOHN DAVIDSON

October 16, 1928 – April 30, 2018

It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of Rex Davidson on Monday, April 30, 2018 after a brief illness at the age of 89 years. Dad so much wanted to live to 90 years, but God had other plans for him and he passed away peacefully with his daughter and family by his side.

Left to survive Dad are his cherished children Trevor and family, Venetia (Denis); grandchildren, Colin, Mathieu and Nicole, David and family, Marc and family, Christine and family; sister-in-law Marie; niece Lucia; nephew Rodney; brothers Colin, Geoffrey, Roy and Jeremy; sisters Joy, Carol and Anita; as well as numerous relatives and friends around the world. He was predeceased by his father Allen; mother Annie; brothers Alan, Don, Edwin and Owen; and his beloved wife Grace.

On October 16, 1928 Dad was born in Cape Town, South Africa the second oldest of 12 children. He had a wonderful childhood and always had lots of stories to tell his grandchildren about his life spent with his brothers and sisters in Cape Town. Although he never had the opportunity to complete higher education as he had to work,  education was very important to him. He instilled this in his children and grandchildren and was very proud of their accomplishments. Dad had a strong work ethic and always told the grandchildren that the only place that success was before work was in the dictionary.

Dad married our Mom Grace in December 1954, and they had almost 60 years of love and happiness together. Since our Mom’s passing four years ago, Dad’s life changed but he always made the most of what he had and was content. He had settled well into his new home at Golden West Centennial Lodge, where he received exemplary care and the staff all loved him.

Following a very successful career in insurance at the Old Mutual in Cape Town, Dad worked in sales at various locations including Eatons in Winnipeg. As a consequence of this training, he loved to talk to anyone he met, and he was very well versed on any topic. At 89, this was still very evident as Dad won most trivia games at the personal care home.

Dad was an avid sports fan and he loved to watch soccer, rugby, track and field but his favourites were curling and the Winnipeg Jets hockey team.  During his illness, he was still able to hear both games on the TV above his bed in the ICU so he did not miss a game.

Dad was a dreamer. His big dream, which came to fruition, was bringing his family to Canada in 1974. He knew that this move was right for his family and that they would flourish with the opportunities for a better life. For this, we will always be grateful.

At age 87, Dad fulfilled yet another dream. He went back to his home country on his own to bury his wife’s ashes in the garden of St. Andrew’s Church where they were married. He had a wonderful time connecting with his family and good friends and visiting the places he loved. So many relatives and friends have recently commented on how they enjoyed spending time with him on this visit. In the future, we hope to make this trip with his ashes so that he can rest in the garden with Mom. Totsiens Rex.

A memorial service to celebrate Dad’s life will be held at St. James Anglican Church 195 Collegiate Street on Monday May 7,2018 at 10:30 a.m., with Rev. Canon Dr. Murray Still presider.

Dad received excellent care from his health care team of Dr. Hartley and Dr. Saranchuk. A very special thank you to Dr. Anand Kumar and the exceptional staff in ICU at the Grace Hospital for giving Dad a chance at life and for involving us in the decisions around his care. A special thank you to our dearest Auntie Marie, cousins Lucia and Rod for not only being so present in Dad’s life but for the incredible support provided to us during his illness. To all of you who touched our hearts during this time, thank you.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. James Anglican Church whose community provided Dad with spiritual care when he needed it most.

Wojcik’s Funeral Chapels & Crematoriums, 2157 Portage Avenue, Winnipeg 204.897.4665 www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com