Obituary of Don Davidson
Donald Lee Davidson was born July 26, 1925 to Ralph and Margaret Davidson in the east bedroom of their home east of Alliance. He passed away on February 4, 2019 at the age of 93.
Don grew up on the farm with his older siblings Tom and Mary. He attended Southbend School until grade 8, then Alliance School, before attending Olds College where he obtained his high school and agricultural diplomas. After graduating he took over the family farm from his Dad and Uncle Lee. In 1958 he married Lila Ferguson and they raised 5 children. They were happily married for 56 years. His farm was his whole life and moving out of his home was something that he never wanted to do. He wanted to be where he could care for his animals.
Don strongly believed that if you wanted to have a community you had to support that community. That included everything from shopping at local businesses to giving time and money to local organizations. Don was involved on the farm and in the community to the day he died. He fed his cows that morning; he had coffee with his friends and was planning to attend an Ag society meeting that night.
Don died like he lived, never quitting. Don believed that when the going gets tough you just keep putting one foot in front of the other and that was what he did to the last moments of his life. He was the kind of person who liked to do things for others, not the kind that wanted others to do things for him. We know that on his last day he did not intend to put anyone through that much stress and worry. As a family, we truly appreciate that in the end, the community that he loved so much came out in droves to show how much they loved him in return.
From the bottom of our hearts, we thank everyone from the Alliance community and beyond who came out on a dangerously cold night and drove every snow filled back road and oil lease until Don was found.
Don is survived by his children Jennifer (Ralph) Boone, Frances (Craig) Holte, Maggie Davidson, Ralph (Beth) Davidson, and Helen (Steve Madge) Davidson. His Grandchildren Jennette (Chris) Corsi, Cliff (Sanah Sidhu) Boone, Heather (Chris) Robblee, Michelle Holte, Cassandra (Devon Bizuk) Holte, Jeffrey (Rebecca) Holte, Brianna Madge, Tyler Madge, Kevin Davidson. And his Great Grandchildren Leonardo Corsi, Coraline Robblee, Silas Robblee, Callahan Robblee, Josephine Bizuk, Danielle Bizuk, and Brieal Rath. As well as numerous extended family members, neighbours, and friends.
He was predeceased by his wife Lila, his parents Ralph and Margaret, his brother Tom, and his sister Mary Ferguson.
A memorial service was held at the Alliance Community Hall on Sunday, February 10th at 2:00 pm. Donations in Don’s memory may be made to the Alliance Volunteer Fire Department (cheques payable to the Village of Alliance) or the Alliance United Church or a charity of the donor’s choice.
