Gordon Edward Davidson

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Gordon Edward Davidson -- beloved husband, cherished father, treasured grandfather and great-grandfather – on June 10 at home, at the age of 81. Dad was a testament to hard work, loyalty, commitment and the value of a sense of humor.

 

Born on October 27, 1933, to Lee and Jessie, Dad left the family farm on Black River Road, N.S., and married his loving wife, Virginia (Brown), in 1953. They travelled throughout the Atlantic Provinces in those early years, as he pursued a 15-year plumbing career, spent primarily with Western Plumbing and Heating Co. Ltd. He contributed his skills to the construction of hospitals, schools and military bases. In 1967, with Virginia and his three young children, he returned to the family farm, which he went on to manage and grow for almost 50 years. He spent his days working from dawn to dusk and, aside from early forays into dairy farming, most of those years involved raising beef cattle, working his woodlot and cultivating Christmas trees. After his retirement in 2000, Dad took much joy (and more than a few smacks from wayward branches) in time spent in his Christmas tree lot, his self-described ‘labor of love,’ which he opened to visitors annually. His Christmas trees delighted countless families, finding their way into homes around the province and far beyond. Many delighted, also, at the annual bounty harvested from his carefully tended, jumbo-sized gardens and his prolific pumpkin patch.

 

During his farming career, Dad was a member of the Nova Scotia Cattlemen’s Association and the Lunenburg County Christmas Tree Producers Association.

 

Dad was a man of great wisdom, kindness, character and strength. His work ethic and generosity were beyond compare. He was a protector and a provider; a man of lively stories shared over a steaming cup of coffee; a lover and supporter of the land, of his family and of bluegrass music. He believed in giving the benefit of the doubt, and would never turn away a friend, family member or stranger in need.

 

He is survived by Virginia, his loving wife of 62 years; three grateful children, Stephen (Lynn), Edward (Margaret) and June (Dan); nine adoring grandchildren, Emily (Kevin), Lucinda, Althea, Cassie, Lee, Mairead, Alanna, Rebecca and Erika; great-grandchild, Cameron; and his devoted canine companion, Mandy.

 

He was pre-deceased by his parents; sister, Minnie; and brother, Howard. He is also survived by his brothers, James, Cecil, Ealick; and sisters, Freda, Gertie and Clara.

 

Dad lived most of his life outdoors, working in the fresh air and respecting the land. He was taken from us much too quickly as the result of mesothelioma, a rare cancer directly related to workplace asbestos exposure, which he unknowingly experienced more than 50 years ago.

 

There will be no visitation by request. The funeral service and reception will be held at White Family Funeral Home, 100 Cornwallis St., Kentville, on Sunday, June 14, at 2:30 p.m. Rev. Gary Manthorne officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Canadian Mesothelioma Foundation ([email protected] or 416-417-5544) or a charity of your choice. On-line inquiries and condolences may be made by visiting www.whitefamilyfuneralhome.com.

 

We will forever miss Dad’s irreplaceable presence in our lives but will be eternally thankful for the valuable lessons he taught us, and the unforgettable twinkle in his eye.

 

 

When I come to the end of the road,

And the sun has set for me.

I want no rites in a gloom filled room,

Why cry for a soul set free.

 

Miss me a little - but not too long,

And not with your head bowed low.

Remember the love that we once shared,

Miss me - but let me go.

 

For this is a journey that we all must take,

And each must go alone.

It’s all a part of the Master’s plan,

A step on the road to home.

 

When you are lonely and sick at heart,

Go to the friends we know.

And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds,

Miss me - but let me go.