Dr. William (Bill) Davidson
1930 – 2018
After a full and wonderful life, Bill left us on September 14th after a brief illness surrounded by his loving family.
Bill grew up in Glasgow, Scotland with his six siblings. In his youth, he served in the British army as a radio mechanic in Singapore. After his tour, he returned to Scotland and graduated from medical school at the University of Glasgow. He ended up in Canada via Carbonear, Newfoundland as a General Practitioner. In 1962, he arrived at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto where he worked as a pediatric intern and then Chief Resident, eventually earning his Fellowship in Pediatrics. In 1972, Bill served as a pediatric volunteer doctor in the Vietnam War caring for orphans. Back in Toronto, Bill started his own pediatric medical practice in the mid-70s. He also worked in Dr. Norman Epstein’s allergy office and was on the neonatology clinic staff at St. Michael’s Hospital. An incredible 50 plus career in medicine and pediatrics.
An extremely proud Scot, Bill was an avid, competitive sailor out of the National Yacht Club (known best for Gunboat), a reckless skier at Craigleith Ski Club, a lover of fast cars, and a Sudoku and Jeopardy expert. A Medical Officer for the 48th Highlanders and a beloved member of the Toronto Welsh Male Voice Choir, Bill was also an exceptional story teller with a wry sense of humour. He was unapologetically unique and remarkable in his individuality.
Bill met his wife, Pat, a pediatric nurse, during a lumbar puncture on a baby in the infectious ward at SickKids. Normally an intern would leave immediately to let the nurse comfort and settle the baby. After the procedure, Bill held and comforted the baby until the crying stopped. Pat sensed that this doctor was an exceptional man - and the rest is history!
Loved by many others including his daughter Katherine Kennedy (Peter), stepdaughters Linton Carter (James Darling) and Sarah Carter; siblings Helen Wylie (Bill), Margot Barrie (John), Peter Davidson, Kenneth Davidson (Patsy), Jim Davidson (Marion). Grandpa to Colin, Bridget, Georgia, Samantha, Alex, Ella, Oscar, Isidor, and Kara. Adored by another 10 nieces and nephews, their 20 kids, and the thousands of children he cared for as a pediatrician from the mid-1960s until six days prior to his passing.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial gathering for drinks and desserts will be held at the University of Toronto Faculty Club, 41 Willcocks Street, Toronto on October 1, 2018 at 7pm.
Thank you for your donation to SickKids in memory of Bill.