Memories of Ian Ross Davidson

In memory of

Ian Ross Davidson

Bancroft, ON, Canada

January 28, 1934 - November 27, 2018

Jan 28, 1934 - Nov 27, 2018

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Catharine Smallwood

I remember Mr. Davidson's smile and helpful demeanor. He was born a year later than my mother. Funny how only now i see he was like a father figure to me.

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Blair K. Sears, Captain, CD (Ret’d)

2018, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

How I came to know a man with a heart of gold.

I wish to express my sincere condolences to Commander Davidson’s family. May he rest in eternal peace.
Many years ago, in my early teens, opportunity presented itself and, would influence and set a path for this youngster and now ole man.

Ian Davidson shall have many things said about him from the hundreds of persons who have known him in his many capacities. Personally, my first interaction was through the Royal Canadian SEA Cadet program. As founder and Commander his active participation would influence and change lives of many young men and women who joined the Corps.
Living in Bird’s Creek with Commander Davidson living a little further north, he was willing to drive me and my brothers David and Robert and into Bancroft to the Royal Canadian Legion, where 229 RC(SEA)CC VIKING” would conduct its training.
The corps wasn’t big and was often on the edge of being closed, but the determination of a dedicated commanding officer wouldn’t permit that to happen. Primarily, it was a unique government sponsored, means of providing young adults in the community with training that was not available elsewhere.

I think of those days with great fondness, and I recall all the things I did, places I travelled, and people I would come to know through my participation in the Sea Cadet program. One of these people was Commander Davidson, who encouraged me as a cadet and made it possible for me to participate in many events through the program. These events included sailing on a Square-rigged Brigantine, experiencing firsthand what it must have been like in those early days. I was also given the opportunity to work as crew aboard a Defense Destroyer off the coast of Nova Scotia and attend training at CFB Cornwallis, CFB Halifax and HMCS Quadra, in British Columbia. One of my fondest memories is participating a Natal Day parade in Halifax while wearing a borrowed Admiral’s uniform. As there were thousands of observers, this was a huge accomplishment for a shy timid young man. At the heart of all of these experiences was Commander Davidson, who provided me with these opportunities and encouraged me to seize them.
In turn, I was pleased and proud to aid and try to influence other lives in a positive direction as he did.
On turning nineteen, I would end my cadet experience but not my experience with the program. I enrolled as a staff member or the RCSCC Viking, serving the corps and the sea cadet program for fourteen years. I later went on to form an Air Cadet Squadron and remained on the staff until I retired as the Commanding Officer. During my time as staff with both the Sea Corps and the Air Cadet Squadron, I tried to emulate the example of leadership demonstrated by Commander Davidson and was happy to give back what was given to me, opportunity and experience.

One of the most notorious saying about the sea is “You can take the Man from the Sea, but you can never take the Sea from the Man”.

In our lives there are certain things that remain in the forefront of our memories, some of which are insignificant. For me, I recall Mr. Davidson asking, “What do two sailing vessels do when they meet? I didn’t know – “Race”, he replied – with a boyish grin.

In closing, I would like to say that as we walk our path of life, we shall encounter special people outside of our families, and somehow, they shall have a special influence on our path. To me, Commander Davidson was the wind in my sails, and a lasting influence in the course of my life.
I shall always be grateful for what he’s done for me and thankful that I was able to take to heart his teachings and share them likewise with other youngsters and maybe influence them just a little.
Is heaven ready for Commander Davidson? READY – AYE – READY
May the peace of Lord Jesus Christ, be with him ALWAYS

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Catharine Smallwood

I'm so sorry for the loss of this pleasant man, my former teacher. My condolences to the Family, sincerely Catharine Smallwood(nee Seidenbusch).

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Comments:

Nicole Bicknell

Mr Davidson was a great teacher and believed in his students. I'm very sorry to hear of your loss but know... Read more Mr Davidson was a great teacher and believed in his students. I'm very sorry to hear of your loss but know that he has touched... Read more Mr Davidson was a great teacher and believed in his... Read more

In lieu of flowers, consider a gift to The Bancroft Navy League.

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Anne Thomsen

I wish I had been able to get to know my Uncle Ian better than I did. My mom held him in high regard, and I often heard her talk fondly of her younger brother. She often shared the story of the day he was born. She was told that her mother had just had a baby and the baby had been placed in a bassinet. She remembers looking in the bassinet but not being able to see the baby. She was afraid to tell her mother that the baby was not there. In hindsight, she realized that her baby brother was probably bundled in a lot of blankets to keep him warm as he arrived on a cold morning in January.

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Gwen McColl

To the Davidson family, so sorry for your loss, I had Mr. Davidson for Grade 11 Chemistry in the 70s', he was a great teacher, may he rest in peace,

Gwen McColl (nee Miles)

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Douglas Skogstad

The Davidson clan has lost a good man. My condolences to all of the family.

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Sarah Davidson

We are so sorry for your loss our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

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Justin Jones

Deepest condolences to the family. Fondest memory of in my day Lieutenant-Commander Davidson back when I joined Rcscc 229 Viking was when I was the Commander of the corps for the Christmas Dinner 1988. I was the youngest cadet that year so I got the honour of trading places with Commander Davidson. Cadets were the greatest thing I had going for me back then. I salute you Commander Davidson as you transfer to your final unit the White Brigade.

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