Angus Davidson

Angus J.S. Davidson

Suddenly at home on Tuesday, May 9, 2023.  Greatly missed by his wife Elspeth, children Moira, Peter (Eva) and Sheila (Brent) and grandchildren Fiona, Thomas, Graeme and Carleen.

In 1958 Angus and Elspeth sailed from Scotland for a new life in the colonies. They endured their first Canadian winter in Deep River where Angus worked at the Chalk River nuclear facility and Elspeth taught in a one room schoolhouse. After moving to Lachine, they welcomed Moira Claire and then relocated to Ottawa when Angus joined the Patent Office. Peter James arrived shortly thereafter followed later by Sheila Helen.

With a degree in electrical engineering from St. Andrews University, Angus became a partner in a patent agent firm while at the same time acquiring a Masters Degree in engineering from Carleton University and a law degree from Ottawa University.

Angus enjoyed spending time at the family cottage at White Lake teaching his children the finer points of Rumoli (and Big Thumb) while fruitlessly seeking to overcome the challenges of growing tayberries and rhubarb in the alkaline local soils. He and Elspeth enjoyed travelling and visited many fascinating places becoming veteran cruisers in their later years. Rounding stormy Cape Horn on more than one occasion was one of his favourite memories.

A proud but self-effacing Scot, Angus was something of a polymath who was endlessly curious about the world around him. He was constantly answering questions from children (and grandchildren) about world events, geography, naval history, scientific principles, postage rates, taxable income, the mysterious oscilloscope in the hall cupboard and countless obscure recipes. Throughout the years the many cats, dogs and others who found their way into the house were subject to his gentle ministrations to eat their dinners or take their medications. He approached each day with sense of humour and delighted in the contradictions of everyday life. Angus taught his children about civility, patience and compassion with laughter and wisdom. He enjoyed nothing better than to sit out on the lawn by the lake chatting with family and friends while speed-reading the Economist and watching the sailboats.