Douglas Gordon Davidson

I’ve been in love with my Uncle Doug since I was in second grade. Even at that young age, I knew he was funny. One day I gave him one of those long foil sticks of gum, the paper refolded after I actually ate the gum. I asked him if we wanted a piece of gum and handed him the refolded empty gum wrapper. He laughed and laughed and our love affair began. We have been sending each other joke Christmas gifts for decades now; voting each year on who’s gift was the funniest. I admit an even split of winners, so I pride myself that I’m as funny as my dear Uncle Doug; at least in the gift department. When I got older, I decided Uncle Doug was the model of my future husband. Tall, cute, athletic, funny, successful, and kind. What more could a girl want? Every time our family visited Aunt Jackie and Uncle Doug’s the visit was fun, relaxing, and entertaining. Their plants, their dogs, and eventually their children – all joyful, compassionate, and interesting conversations. I remember my sister and I used to run through their house counting how many plants they had. We’d play with their dogs that somehow were always nice dogs. Jackie and Doug would listen and watch, as we danced or talked or offered them sticks of non-gum. Smiling and happy to be with us, as we were with them. As I and we all grew older still, a new appreciate developed for me with Jackie and Doug. They were easy to talk with both silly things and serious things. They listened, in a way we all should, to our stories and shared their own. The environment with them always welcoming and calm, as well as a good amount of laughter. You could hear and see the respect and love they had for each other – it was a visible comfort and care. Such a beautiful marriage and partnership to witness. How lucky and blessed they were to found and have each other. How lucky and blessed their children are to have these caring loving parents to help form them. We’ve all seen those babies emerge into themselves; all carrying a bit of their parents with them: Andy’s hard-working family man, Emmy’s creativity and kindness, Matt’s amazing skill set and spirituality. May we all take a piece of Jackie and Doug with us. My Uncle Doug’s dry and quiet wit was always present at our Fitzpatrick family gatherings to quietly cut the tension and have everyone laughing in stitches. The family photos he took over the years, and the jokes about other people’s family photos were both appreciated. In recent years when the Fitzpatrick sisters started dreaming up family songs and dances, Doug was there with his good-humored jokes, and also his own participation. The quiet sarcasm with him also joining in the crazy fun; made me more endeared to him. In the words of Salt-N-Pepa, “What a man. What a man. What a mighty good man.” What a man, what a man, what a man, What a mighty good man I want to take a minute or two, and give much respect due To the man that's made a difference in my world (Whatta Man by Salt-N-Pepa) I will miss you Uncle Doug. You made a difference in my world. Forever your Gean-Bean. Peace, love, and light to you.