Obituary of Robert Arthur Davis

On January 13th, 1937, Robert Arthur Davis was brought into this world in Windsor, ON. He was the loving son of Douglas and Catherine Davis, and brother to Doug (Pat) Davis and Ken (Sandy) Davis. He was married to the love of his life, Jean, for almost 60 years, and was a caring father to Jan, Kevin (Nancy), and Patti (Chris), and an adoring grandfather to Andrew (Lauren), Nicholas (Jessica), Samantha (Brandon), Kourtney (Chris), and Jack. Bob was an uncle to many nieces and nephews, and a friend to anyone that had the pleasure of meeting him. The sun set on his life on June 2nd, 2020, in London, ON, when he passed peacefully surrounded by the love of his family. He will be remembered for his sense of humour and his razor-sharp wit. Bob was always quick with a joke and a comeback, and could effortlessly make an entire room burst into laughter. Even in his final days, he still managed to hold onto his ability to make people laugh. One of Bob’s greatest passions in life, and the thing that most of the people he knew remembered him for, was baseball. While he was an avid player in his youth, he spent decades coaching teams in Dorchester. Shortly after he and Jean moved to the small town, he wanted to find a way to get involved in the community, and he volunteered to coach one of the local teams. Throughout his life, he coached his children, grandchildren, and countless others, making a lasting impact on everyone that was lucky enough to play for him. Not only was he a dedicated coach, but he was also President of the Dorchester & District Athletic Association for over a decade. He oversaw not only baseball, but soccer, figure skating, and activities for Dorchester Playground. His commitment to the community he lived in was a driving force in his life. In Dorchester, it’s easy to find someone who not only played for Bob, but fondly remembers the lasting impact he made on them. Bob embodied the very best qualities of a husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was filled with a sense of positivity and optimism that spread to anyone that met him. He always did his best to look on the bright side, and it was almost impossible not to feel happier after being around him. He was a kind and compassionate man that made everyone in his life feel loved and important. Bob was always exceptionally proud of his family, and no occasion was too small to celebrate. We will always remember Bob for the love he had for his family. Whether it was the family vacation to Disneyworld, trips to the ballpark, gathering for holidays, or something as simple as Sunday dinners, he was at his happiest when he was with his family. If there ever was a person who personified living in the moment and enjoying life to the fullest, it was Bob. He was never in a hurry to get anywhere, and when asked why this was, his response was always that “he was just taking it all in.” From something simple like going for a walk with his family, to something adventurous like exploring Times Square, Bob always did his best to take in everything that was around him. His love for life, and the importance of noticing the world around us, is something we will always remember. Bob was a devoted member of the Catholic Church, and volunteered at St. Justin’s Parish. His devotion to Christ was one of the biggest parts of his life, and he always did his best to embody the Church’s teachings. For over 20 years, he brought weekly Communion to the sick at Victoria Hospital. He also did daily food deliveries to St. Joseph’s Hospitality and the Men’s Mission. Bob and Jean also created the Dorchester Food Bank, where they worked tirelessly to ensure that no member of the community went hungry. His selflessness has made a lasting impact on not only his friends and family, but countless members of the community. Bob’s children were his world. Throughout his time as a father, he was their biggest supporter and was always there for them. As soon as his kids were old enough to participate in sports and competitions, Bob assumed the role of chauffeur. Whether it was waking up at the crack of dawn to drive Jan and Patti to Majorettes, or taking Kev to one of what seemed like a million sports he played, Dad did it all. He was their competitor on the golf course, biggest fan at the school plays, and a mentor and role model throughout their lives. One of his joys in life was travelling with his family. Some of the more memorable trips included loading 8 people into the family sedan and driving to Cedar Point, taking Jean and the kids to Hawaii, and their annual car trip to Florida. Even as his kids grew up, the trips did not stop. He went with his kids to baseball games in Toronto and Detroit, visited historic ballparks like Old Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, and Wrigley Field, and visited family in British Columbia. His children were, without a doubt, his favourite travelling companions. He was always involved in their lives in one way or another. Each summer, Jan helped her dad coach Andrew, and it was something they both looked forward to every year. Bob was Kevin’s first boss at Mckeough Supply, and going to work every day with his son was something he cherished. When Bob would return from Whitby after visiting Patti and her family, some of his favourite memories were the long walks and bike rides that the two of them would take, where they spent hours and hours talking about anything and everything. His memory and legacy lives on with each of his children, and the love and commitment he had for them will be remembered and greatly missed. There was always a special bond between Grampa and his grandchildren. Regardless of the event, no matter how big or small, Grampa always showed up to cheer on his grandkids. Whether it was coaching Andrew’s baseball, watching Nick and Kourt’s hockey, going to Sam’s figure skating and soccer, or watching Jack play hockey and lacrosse, Grampa was always there, and there was never a question about the love he had for them, and the admiration they felt for him. He was always brimming with pride over his grandkids’ accomplishments. Whether it was a graduation, a new job, or moving into a new house, Grampa was always their biggest fan. He was always quick with a smile and a big hug whenever the grandkids came through the door, and this love is something that will be cherished forever. Our hearts are filled with sadness as we try to navigate this world without him. We take comfort in remembering such an amazing man that made a lasting impact on so many people. He was a kind and genuine person, with a penchant for life that will never be forgotten. We will miss the laughter, the smiles, and the love that surrounded him everywhere he went. We hope there are plenty of ball games to watch in heaven, where we know you will be taking it all in. Love you forever and always. In lieu of flowers, we ask for donations to be made to St. Joseph Hospitality Centre, or the Men’s Mission. Thank you.