David Andrew Davison
David Andrew Davison (D.A.D), age 63, passed away peacefully in his home on August 23, 2024 after a courageous journey with pancreatic cancer. He was lovingly guided from this world by his family and diverse Spotify playlist.
Dave was born to Ralph “Bud” and Julia Davison on December 10, 1960. His siblings, the late Dennis Davison, Susan (Rich) Lanfersieck, Tom Davison, Carol (the late Mike) Abeln, Laura (Larry) Hammerschmidt, and Nancee Scaglione, were a constant presence in his life. Dave left behind six devoted children- Tracy (David) Taylor, Ellen (Jacob) Engle, Angela Davison, Kevin (Michelle) Davison, Bradley Davison, and Michael Pollitt. He had a unique relationship with each and the memories they shared will be treasured. He also established legendary uncle status as a friend, confidant, and supporter with his nieces and nephews.
Dave graduated from Riverview Gardens High School in 1979. The legend of his graduation party lives on today. He attended the University of Missouri- Rolla, receiving his Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1983. He was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, where he met his best friends for life. While at UMR, Dave married Shari (Scharf) Davison in 1980 and started his family that same year. After graduation, he moved the family to Cedar Rapids, Iowa to start an engineering job at Rockwell Collins – where he worked on the Boeing 747. He eventually moved into sales of electrical components most couldn’t understand.
In 2000, Dave met his loving partner, Brenda Hudson. She was the rock holding him together at many points in his life, and tenderly cared for him after his diagnosis. They cultivated a life together with her daughter, Abbie (Taylor) Hudson, his children, and their sweet pets- Mia, Max, (the late Oreo, Gizmo, and Buffy), and cat, Roxie, as well as granddogs, Lena and Ollie. Animals brought happiness to their home and the pets kept watch over him in the last days.
Dave discovered one of his greatest joys when he became a grandpa (i.e. Papa Dave) to each of his five grandchildren: Olivia (12), Bennett (11), Connor (9), Louis (4), and Dennis (6 mos.). He was a steady fan at their games and school functions, was always up for catch in the backyard, entertained them with golf cart rides and still loved snuggling on the couch. They will forever know his love.
Dave was an avid golfer and spent his free time on the course as often as possible. He loved his golf trips, regular golf buddies, and weekend rounds with his kids. He also picked up the sport of disc golf and loved showing off his skills to his grandkids. If you were lucky enough to sit with him behind third base at Busch, he would impress you with his baseball intel, but the jury is still out if the Blues were his bigger love. He tinkered with electronics, enjoyed word games and puzzles, attended all possible live music performances, grilled a mean pork steak, and helped build fences, decks, cabins, fires and big dreams.
The tradition of Soup Sunday was established sometime in the early 2000s. The weekly get together for football, food, and a fire pit was eagerly anticipated by all. The doors were always open to anyone and Dave would greet them with a warm smile, a firm handshake, and directions to the beer fridge.
Dave Davison never met a stranger and has touched so many lives. He was an animated storyteller and everyone’s favorite bartender. The precarious balance of grief in knowing he’s gone and gratitude for having loved him will challenge us in the days ahead, but we forge forward with the confidence he remains in our hearts and his presence will be felt in many small moments.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, August 30, 2024 from 4-7 pm at Forest Hills Country Club, 36 Forest Club Drive, Clarkson Valley, MO 63005. Toasts to his legacy will commence at 6 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in his memory.
D.A.D. A true warrior, a friend to all. You’ll be missed Papa Dave. Loving your family on this side until we all get to be with you again.
Dave you were a great brother in law and more like a brother to me. You were always there when I needed a hand. We shared many laughs even when we got kicked out of a bar. But really! Who gets kicked out of a bar in Baden? So many fun times we spent with our brother in law gang. I miss you so much! We will all be together again someday. Tell Bud and Mike hello for me.
Dave was a great neighbor. He always had a smile and pleasant conversation. He was very welcoming when we moved in and he was so generous with letting us walk our three young children down his driveway and back again. He will be fondly remembered by our family and I am so sorry for your loss. He seemed like a great guy b
My memories of Dave go back to East Jr High and high school at Riverview. Yes the graduation party at his house was legendary! Our lives went in different directions after high school and we didn’t reconnect till the last reunion our 40th. He reached out and wanted to put together a golf outing and I was more than happy to oblige. We started playing golf regularly and when I decided to build some cabins outside Montauk he volunteered his help. I would offer to pay him but he wouldn’t take a dime. He was a generous soul who loved the Current River. We had a lot of laughs and a few deep end of the pool discussions. Dave left an indelible mark on Montauk Pines and on my heart. He became a a good friend these last few years that I’m going to miss. Thanks for being my friend DD…
Dave was kind, joyful, generous and easy going, which can be rare qualities today, and they made him a great neighbor to have. We moved into the neighborhood several years ago and discovered that most of Dave’s siblings (and two nephews) lived on our street. We thought what an extraordinary upbringing the Davidson children must have had to remain so close and what a blessing it would be to have family so physically close in times of need. And living among this extraordinary family, we have witnessed that. Dave was a blessing to have as a neighbor and friend, but his loving partner Brenda and all his loving family were a blessing to him throughout his life, especially in times of need.
My heartfelt condolences go out to Kevin and his family. Dave sounded like an amazing person with a vibrant personality. May his spirit live on in his family members for generations to come.
My condolences to all suffering in Dave’s passing. It has been many years since I have seen Dave. We were friends when he and his family lived in Cedar Rapids. He was always so much fun and so positive. We were kind of a crew that ran together for a while, but as life happens, we sort of all went our different ways. It sounds like all of you that knew him, later in life, cherished him and he you. Rest in peace Dave. You will never be forgotten and always remembered fondly.
Dave was one of the first people I met when I moved to Cedar Rapids in 1984. We worked together at Rockwell Collins and through him I was able to access his large network of friends and associates, along with his family. What can you say about Dave – he just had a fun, upbeat outlook – always quick with a joke and a smile. I’m so glad I got to know Dave – he will always be remembered.
Dave was always so great with the kids and letting us cross his yard – I miss his smile and feel so sad for Mia who would always walk with us . I was hoping he would be the one tough bugger who would beat this disease – and I thought he had it – three cheers for the good fight! I’ve now lost three at 63 , my dad my husband and Dave , who I didn’t know well but felt at heart , part of his fight! The very best to all his family and friends
My heartfelt condolences as Dave and the Davidson’s were an amazing family and cornerstone to the Lake Chesterfield family and friends. Dave was a great neighbor and our condolences go out to the entire family.