William Alan Davidson
July 13, 1918 – July 25, 2017
Alan died peacefully, having just reached the age of 99. He was born in Vancouver to parents William and Lily Davidson and grew up in the Tynehead and Port Kells area of Surrey. Alan graduated from Surrey High School and in 1936 was hired to work as an office clerk with Hugh & McKinnon in Cloverdale. Alan answered the call in the Second World War and served 4 years as a pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force. He spent much of his time flying in East Africa where he made many deep and lasting friendships which he maintained throughout his life. After the war Alan continued as a member of the Air Force Officers Association.
Shortly after returning to Canada in 1945, he was offered a partnership with Hugh & McKinnon in charge of the insurance branch. Alan remained with the company until his retirement at the age of 65. In 1947, Alan married Doris McBeth who passed away just 6 weeks before Alan’s death, leaving them to just miss celebrating what would have been their 70th wedding anniversary in September. Throughout his life, Alan maintained a wide circle of friends both locally and internationally and had many memorable trips abroad. He was a Past President of the Insurance Broker’s Association of BC and was involved with many organizations and served on many boards. Some of these positions included being a volunteer with the Cloverdale Volunteer Fire Brigade, a member of the Jaycees, a Director and Chairman of the Cancer Control Agency and a Director with the Canadian Northern Shield Insurance Company. He was recently the recipient of an award for 70 years as a member of the Masonic Lodge. Alan exemplifies the expression of “a life well lived”. Alan is lovingly remembered by his children Lyall (Sandy), Denise, and Jamie (Lori); grandchildren Stuart, Craig (Margot), Erin, and Amy; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers Lambert, and Ken, and recently his sister Jean Ardiel. The family will be forever grateful for the extraordinary care which Alan received while at the Peace Arch Hospital and the Royal Columbian Hospital.
A Celebration of Life
will be held for Alan
at 2:00pm on Friday, August 18, 2017, at Victory Memorial Park,
14831 28 Avenue, Surrey.
In lieu of flowers, a donation to the White Rock South Surrey Hospice Society or Parkinson’s Society of BC would be welcomed.