Donald William Davidson
May 18, 1938 – February 8th, 2022
Passed away peacefully in Naples, Florida. Don was born in Toronto to Jack and Gertrude Davidson and lived an exemplary life of hard work, self-sufficiency and devotion to his family. He also had a heck of a lot of fun along the way. Working to support himself from his teens, Don left school to pursue his first love, a brand new ’57 Chevy. The job in the billboard business that paid for this new hot rod would ultimately become his career.
His next great love was a beautiful school teacher from Alliston, Ontario named Olive Somerville who, despite his desperate shyness, he wooed and wed in July of 1962. Now driving a souped-up Buick convertible and with his bride by his side, Don set out to have a brilliant and, most important to him, interesting career.
Don would rise from an entry level job at Gould Outdoor in Brantford to become the CEO of the largest outdoor advertising company in the world, at the time, Gannett Outdoor. Along that path, Don took tremendous pleasure in the success of his many long-time colleagues at EL Ruddy, Foster & Kleiser, Claude Neon, Mediacom and Gannett. He also worked passionately for the many charities he supported over the years, particularly Junior Achievement, The Madison Boys and Girls Club, the Ad Council and the United Nations Campaign Against Violence Around the World.
Don will be most remembered for his love of life. Throughout his career, Olive and his children, Scott (Christin) and Susie (Doug Marshall), enjoyed the privilege of seeing the world through his vantage point. No hotel was too grand for a stay, no restaurant too difficult to secure a table, no experience out of reach, no French fry not tried. He encouraged his children to get a good education and to follow his strong work ethic. He also shared his favourite places with each of them, whether that was the Hotel du Cap Ferrat, the Beverly Hills Hotel, the ski hills of Colorado or the grandeur of the Concours d’Elegance in Carmel. Each was an opportunity to have a unique and shared life experience.
Don was an epic traveller for business and pleasure. He enjoyed a global community of friends from his days in Toronto, his work in New York and his peers in the industry in England, France, Australia and Israel. His advice was frequently sought, his company always welcome. With so much time on the road, a constant was the community of Lake of Bays in Ontario. His dockside ritual of a large glass of Bordeaux and a Cohiba every night at 5 was faithfully adhered to and all were welcome to join in watching the sunset.
Don enjoyed a tight circle of lifelong friends who met ritually at “boys’ weekends” for over 50 years to pretend to fish, drink, tell lies and share camaraderie. He was a meticulous man, well-tailored, urbane and funny. He loved Woody Allen quotes, NFL football, Springer Spaniels and perhaps most of all, his grandchildren: Emily, Charlie and Anna Marshall. As a grandfather, he made everything more fun, teaching a few “life lessons” along the way – like flowerpot dives, convertible rides to the ice cream store, dog walks, playing blackjack on the dock, ordering room service, fishing and Giants games – and always quietly providing the happiness of his unconditional love. He was also warm and welcoming to his step grandchildren, Matthew and Lindsay Cross.
Don finally retired at 80, reluctantly. To the end, he loved fast cars, good company and family. His wry smile will be missed every day. A celebration of life will be held this spring in Toronto. Details to be announced at a later date.
Online condolences at newediukfuneralhome.com
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Donald William Davidson Tuesday February 8th 2022..
Death notice for the town of: Toronto, Province: Ontario
I am so sorry to hear of Don’s passing. I remember Don from my first day at Claude Neon. He told me how important my job was dealing with Sales Reps, etc. I always remember our talk and took pride in my work with the Company for 37 years. What a wonderful man he was. I always thought of him through the years. Hearing that Don passed away shocked me. My condolences to all of Don’s family. He will be greatly missed but his memories will always be with you.
Zena Telfer(Thompson)