William T. Davis, of Victoria, B.C. passed away peacefully at the Royal Jubilee Hospice on February 26th, 2013. Born and raised in Bedford, N.S. he was the son of the late Paul and Mildred (Cann) Davis. He attended Dalhousie University and pursued a career in real estate development in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and British Columbia. He then retired and spent his time on Salt Spring Island.
He is survived by his three children Arthur, Catherine (Phillip), and Leslie; grandchildren Spencer and Madelyn. He leaves behind his brothers Frank (Barbara), Jim (Sharon), and his sister Elizabeth (Michael), as well as nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his nephew Cpl. Paul Davis.
Cremation has taken place, and there will be a private family burial with internment at The Royal Oak Burial Park in Victoria B.C. A gathering of friends will be taking place on Sunday March 17th, 2013 at 19-901 Kentwood Lane, Victoria, B.C. Canada, from 3:00pm to 5:30pm.
Those wishing to make a donation in memory may do so to the Trans Canada Trail. www.tctrail.ca
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Gill Palejko
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Lo Camps of Annemarie Linders Hello all,
I’ve been a friend of Bill’s for the last 7 years while he was on Salt Spring Island. We met by chance when he thought I was a BC Hydro tree removal guy while all I was doing was clearing some downfall on my brother’s driveway (Bill’s neighbor). A wonderful friendship ensued where we would go for long walks and discuss everything under the sun. Despite the distance between British Columbia and the East Coast, both the Maritimes and the many good friends and adventures he had there surfaced all the time. His family, particularly Catherine, Leslie and Arthur and Spencer and Madeleine were a part of every day in Bill’s life.Our mutual interest in the great outdoors made for many little adventures from sea kayaking to exploring the Juan de Fuca trail, from the Lynn canyon in North Vancouver to miles of off-road hiking on Salt Spring Island. Bill readily shared his passion for music literature and politics with me, topics I had little interest in at first but I grew to love his knowledge and gentle insistence to read, listen and engage on all three topics.
He admired youth and had great respect for the achievements of others. Our two boys came to regard him as a ‘gentleman sportsman’ who would, on occassion, come to watch their soccer antics on the island.
He was a private man, a bit reserved even, but once I got to know him better he readily shared his thoughts and dropped his guard enough to see the person beneath the veneer – a great guy with a subtle sense of humor and his heart in the right place. We’ve planted a Walnut tree close to where he loved to live on Salt Spring Island and in that sense he’ll outlive most of us!
Greetings from Salt Spring Island
Lo Camps and family
Gill Palejko shares:
I first met Bill on our drive up to and back from a ski trip with the Vancouver Skiers at Blanket Glacier out of Revelstoke in 2005. We had plenty of time to talk and share which made a connection that grew.
We lost touch for a while but reconnected and through our love of nature and hiking considered ourselves hiking partners. Over the length of time his heath began to dictate limitaions to some pursuits but he never gave up walking. One of his favourite spots was Burgoyne Bay on Salt Spring Island where he lived at that time. We had hoped to hike the Stein together which was not to be, however I hope to hike it with three of my ‘girl’ friends this summer and will think of Bill more than a little.
Equally importantly there was so much to share and learn from him. Exchanging thoughts about books and literary espression, he was partly a dreamer but many would not guess that side of him. He played piano well and desired to progress. It meant so much to him. Listening to music, discussing the arts, and politics of course! We both had strong opinions which made it entertaining but we mostly concurred. I learned so much from him.
He was intelligent, independent, a perfectionist, fascinating, artistic, reserved, charming and gentle with a subtle dry sense of humour. He deeply loved his family; Arthur, Leslie, Catherine and his two grandchildren Spencer and Madeline and was constanty considering them.
George, my husband, and I both admired his courage, integrity and his ability to overcome the many hurdles in his life graciously and in a timely manner. He had such a strong desire to keep living.
In remembrance of Bill I want to share with you one of his favourite pieces of music. Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No.26 in E flat major op.81a ‘Les Adieu’ played by Vladimir Ashkenazy. The name of the is poignant. (I have the Decca recording from London).
You will be missed most deeplly but remembered eternally for your true friendship and radiance.
Thoughts from North Vancouver, BC
Gill and George Palejko