Douglas N. Davidson

Douglas Napier Davidson died June 9, 2025, aged 75 at Hospice Wellington after a year-long battle with Multiple Myeloma. Doug was born in Kitchener, ON to Dr. Roderick and Dorothy Davidson, but spent most of his life in Guelph, ON. He is dearly missed by his wife Elizabeth and his children Moira, Iain, and Hilary. Doug was preceded in death by his daughter, Kate. Doug is survived by his sister Dorothy (Craig), his niece Heather (Mark), and nephew Kevin. He delighted in recently meeting his great niece Beatrice and sharing his love of trains with great nephew Orion. Doug was a great brother-in-law to Peter Vogt (Mary Beth), Julianne Longlade (Craig) and Jean Heath (Chris). He was predeceased by his sister-in-laws Mary Rose Graham and Susan Burke, and his brother-in-law Danny Graham.  Doug was also uncle to Paul, Krysta, Andrea, Ursula, Nicole, and Annaleise.

After studying at the University of Waterloo and Althouse Teachers College, Doug spent many years as a teacher with the, now, Upper Grand District School Board where he shaped the scientific & mathematical background of thousands of students.  Doug was also a long serving member of the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve for over 32 years and held the role of Pipe Major of the Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada Pipes and Drums for 25 years. Doug continued to provide music as a volunteer civilian member at many military and civilian parades and functions until his illness prevented it.

Over the past 25 years, Doug volunteered throughout the community by coaching for and leading Guelph Ringette Association, assisting with Guelph Marlin Swim meets, organizing speakers for the Royal City Men’s Club, playing in the Ayr Pipe Band, volunteering at Mary Phelan Catholic School, and playing his pipes at various events, including Commencement at Centennial CVI.

Doug will be remembered as a warm, kind, caring and cheerful husband, father, brother, uncle, friend and colleague. He was a leader in many sectors of the community and gave so much of himself.

As the author Alfred Armand Montapert stated, “The monument of a great man is not of granite or marble or bronze. It consists of his goodness, his deeds, his love and his compassion.”

Doug will be honoured at a Celebration of Life to be held June 20, 2025, at 6:45 pm at the The Royal Highland Fusiliers of Canada Cambridge Armoury located at 1 Valour Pl., Cambridge, ON N1R 3P1. 

Doug received treatment and compassionate care at Grand River Cancer Centre (Waterloo Region Health Network – Midtown) and at Hospice Wellington. Donations to those charities would be appreciated.

Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.

 A tree will be planted in memory of Douglas N. Davidson in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.