April 2, 1933 – November 16, 2021
After living a good life for 88 years, Melvin Franklin Davidson passed away on November 16, 2021, in Palliative Care at Riverview Health Centre.
He leaves to mourn his loving wife of 59 years, Joyce (nee Podaima); daughters, Lynn (Tim) and Shannon (Mike); brother Bill (Dorothy); grandsons Nicholas and Christopher; niece Janet (Paul); nephews Glenn (Katherine), Jim and John (Darlene); and numerous great-nephews, great-nieces and cousins. His grand-pups Emma, Oliver and Charlie will also miss him dearly.
On April 2, 1933, Mel was born to Catherine (nee Ewart) and Frank Davidson. He grew up in Winnipeg’s North End. Early on, Mel found employment with the Midland Railway and remained with the company as it became the Burlington Northern. When the railway relocated to River Heights, Mel and his family did as well. After decades of service in the office and then in the shop, Mel departed for a second career. At the Villa Rosa, he was responsible for building operations under the direction of the Sisters of Misericordia in supporting young mothers and their newborns.
Mel enjoyed being Santa Claus at the Villa Rosa Christmas events and was honoured to be invited back for this role after retirement.
Mel always kept busy and loved being with people. As a young man, he rode motorcycles with friends throughout the city and countryside. Mel was mechanically inclined and took pride in doing his own repairs. For many years, he accompanied Joyce to visit her family’s farm, and although milking cows was not Mel’s talent, he could certainly bale hay. Mel enjoyed beekeeping in early years and wine making in later years, with bottles of “Melvino” gifted to many. Mel also had an avid interest in horseracing that he shared with family and friends. Most of all, Mel loved fishing and boating so he bought and renovated a cottage property in Auglen Park near Lee River. At the lake, and in the city, Mel stopped to talk with everyone. Superstore shopping was a favourite, almost daily social activity. Mel and Joyce travelled extensively, starting with the 1962 World’s Fair in Seattle on their honeymoon. For many winters afterward, they travelled with friends and family most often to Mexico and Florida but also to Portugal, Spain, Morocco, the Panama Canal, California, Alaska and even Newfoundland. As grandparents, they were pleased to take their youngest daughter and her boys to Disney World. With Mel, travel always ended with good memories and good stories he would share, even with the new friends he met while traveling home.
Mel’s final journey was supported by many caring people. The family wishes to thank the medical professionals at CancerCare including Dr. Hochman and Dr. Daeninck, and Mel’s family physician Dr. Creek, who helped navigate ever-changing care needs. Comfort Keepers Home Care staff’s cheerful support enabled Mel to enjoy a final late summer at home. This autumn, the Palliative Care Team on 3 East at Riverview Health Centre provided extraordinary support, empathy and compassion for Mel and for his family.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Villa Rosa, Cancercare Manitoba or Riverview Health Centre Foundation are appreciated. A celebration of Mel’s good life will occur at a later date.
