William DAVIS

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

DAVIS: With great sadness we announce that on Saturday, April 16, 2016, William “Bill” James Roddick Davis, husband of the late Dorothy Jean Davis, suddenly passed away in Brandon, MB at the age of 76. Born September 6, 1939, Bill was the youngest of three children. His first year of life was spent on the family farm in the Brandon Hills. His family then moved to Brandon where Bill would grow up, complete his schooling and begin working, marry and raise a family, and spend many happy years. As a young boy, Bill was fond of organized sports including baseball, curling and especially hockey. He spent much time at the old Wheat City Arena where he honed his skills as a talented hockey player, and developed a life long interest in the sport. In his teens, Bill played for the Brandon Lions Juveniles, known as the Kings of the city before the birth of the Wheat Kings in 1958. The Lions Juveniles captured provincial championships in 1956-57 and 1957-58. Bill began his working career in Brandon at Gillis & Warren and then Ackland’s Automotive, where he would spend over 30 years. In the late 1990’s, Bill changed careers and joined the Keystone Centre, a dream job that allowed him to participate in and attend many events, and where he was treated like family. Bill retired in 2010, only after he was able to see Brandon and the Keystone Centre host the Memorial Cup. In 1967, while working at Gillis & Warren, Bill met Dorothy Jean Snider. They married three years later and began life on Rideau Street. Bill and Dorothy raised two sons and two daughters. In 1973, the family moved to Dogwood Blvd where they spent many happy years, and formed many life long friendships. As neighbourhood families grew up and moved away, Dad enjoyed and appreciated always keeping in touch. Bill was most notably the biggest Wheat King fan ever. A proud season ticket holder, he enjoyed attending every home game. Away games were not to be missed either: he would listen or watch – faithfully. Torn between watching a televised NHL game or listening to his Wheat Kings on the radio, Bill would do both, watching the NHL game without sound while listening to the radio play-by-play of the Wheat Kings. This passion for hockey sustained Bill throughout his life. Bill had many interests including the outdoors, taking care of his beautiful yard and gardens, and camping with family and friends. He was particularly fond of classic and antique cars and over the years, he painstakingly restored four vintage automobiles: a classic Chevy sedan delivery, a 1956 Chevy truck, a 1974 Nova and a 1955 Chevy truck. In retirement he attended classic car shows and enjoyed the camaraderie of new friends while proudly displaying his car and truck. Always willing to lend a hand and offer help to those in need, Bill was known as a loyal friend, a truly kind and caring person, and simply a great guy. As a parent, he was the best Dad anyone could ask for. He will be dearly missed as a great teacher, mentor, coach and friend. Left with cherished memories of a loving, hardworking, and wonderful man are his son Doug Davis (Pamela); daughters Shelly McCartney (Audey) and Sherice Claridge (Duane); Dorothy’s eldest son Danny Kucharyszyn; numerous grand-children, great grand-children, nieces, nephews and extended family. Bill was predeceased by his loving wife Dorothy, his parents Meredith “Med” and Eva Davis, his sisters Georgina Scott and Shirley Phillips and his faithful and loyal dog Nika. The ceremony to celebrate Bill’s life was held at Memories Chapel, April 21, 2016. Rev. Lydia Glawson officiated. Interment was held at the Brandon Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com.

As published in Brandon Sun on May 14, 2016