As Roger Davidson moved from childhood to senior years, he made his way from the Ottawa Valley to Kingston and Toronto, and on to Victoria. Born in Vancouver on June 14, 1938, his courtship with Cherie, his Island Girl, brought him back to B.C., the province of his birth. There they married and raised their family while Dr. Roger R. Davidson made his mark as a statistician in the Department of Mathematics and as the final Dean of the combined Faculty of Arts and Science at the University of Victoria.
He was an ever-present, always loving, dedicated and faithful husband, father, grandpa, and member of both his Davidson family of birth and the Piercy-MacKenzie families who welcomed him with full hearts as Cherie’s partner in life. Roger’s keen intellect and enthusiasm for academics made him a gifted scholar and educator. He was a man who always gave people the benefit of the doubt, would give the shirt off his back and speak a kind word of encouragement to all, strangers and family alike.
Roger was a true master of the Dad Joke. He also had the ability to laugh at himself, if he could figure out what he had done or said to have everyone else in hysterics. Family, friends, his church community and colleagues will all cherish their memories of time spent with Roger. All the people he met in passing while he and Cherie experienced new places through sabbatical leaves and extensive travels, when he participated in conferences and served on boards, will remember Roger’s place in their lives.
Roger often got lost in his ponderings, puzzles and papers. His humility was remarkable for a man with an academic mind, a man who accomplished so much. Despite his demanding career, he always put family first.
Roger never left any of his family and close friends to doubt how important they were to him, and we can be confident that he knew he was adored by all of us. His demonstrative way of giving love was answered by all who had the blessing of him in their lives.
Roger’s life drew to a peaceful close on October 17, 2026, in his 88th year. He was surrounded by love. Fond memories of him will be held close by his wife Cherie, children Heather, Colleen and Michael and their families, right down to his great grandson. His wide circle of family and friends who live on, do so with Roger in their hearts.
Roger and Cherie have always given generously to charities that support children and families in need. If you wish to remember him with a small gift to such an organization, that is preferable to flowers.
Thank you to the wonderful staff at The Victorian on Feltham and St. Charles Manor who provided comfort and care for Roger.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
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3 Responses
He was a wonderful man. He and Cherie raised a beautiful family, which is a testament to their kind nature. Deepest condolences to you who are blessed enough to be among his family and friends. May God welcome him home.
Colleen and Heather, thank you for these words, my sisters. A beautiful reflection on our dad’s life for family, friends and colleagues. I am grateful we could be together these past days to console one another and our mother and also laugh to dispel some of the heavy tears that grief brings. I love you.
Our deepest condolences to your family on the loss of your father, Heather. It sounds like he was a brilliant, kind and loving man…the same traits his daughter has! Germaine and Murray