Tribute Wall
Plant a tree in memory of Brian
An environmentally friendly option
Provide comfort for the family by sending flowers or planting a tree in memory of Brian Davis.
Guaranteed hand delivery by a local florist
Loading...
D
Del Smith posted a condolence
Monday, February 10, 2020
I lived across South Drive from Brian during my final two high-school years. Brian’s older brother, Roger, took this socially and athletically challenged transplant from Peterborough under his wing and became my best St. Catharines friend. He encouraged me to join his many friends in baseball and football games despite my abysmal incompetence. He talked me into joining the rowing club and joined army cadets with me. I didn’t see much of Gerry or Brian as, in those days we pretty much kept to our own age group. However, I know him to have been cut from the same cloth as Roger - little wonder with such loving parents. Of course, my main condolences are for Roger. We both have younger siblings and I can only imagine how terrible it would be to lose one of them. Still reading the many tributes to Brian, I am honoured to add mine. Blessings, Del Smith
J
John Nasmith lit a candle
Sunday, February 2, 2020
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/Candle3.png
I lived on South Drive a block away from the Davis family. We had nick names for everyone. Brians' parents were 'Thinking
Thelma' and 'Wild Willard' ,both fine, generous, kind people, with a sense of humour always at the ready. Gerry, Brian and I
had an interest in cars, hot rods,and racing. When Brian went to Ryerson we shared a little apartment in Toronto. Later I
visited him, when he was a programmer in London. We bought an old Morris postal van, and toured Engand and Scottland.
So many memories. Brian had a dry sense of humour, tons of integrity,generosity, and kindness. He was a really decent
human being, and a very very fine friend. He will be greatly missed by me and many. So, you rest in peace 'Bolee'.
John Nasmith.
K
Kent McKinnon posted a condolence
Friday, January 24, 2020
There are many kinds of heroes, but the ones I admire most are the humble, quiet and self-effacing types.
That was Brian Davis. He was an everyday hero to his friends and admirers.
Brian and I grew up in the same neighbourhood and went to the same schools in St. Catharines. He seemed to prefer staying in the background; he was never looking for attention. Kindness, consideration, fairness and a non judgmental demeanour were some of his best attributes.
We both attended Sir Winston Churchill SS and in 1964 Brian, an experienced oarsman, put together our high school's first rowing crew (a straight four with Brian, Ross Robinson, Tom Davis and myself). With the help of one of the Collegiate's coaches (Jack Nicholson) and with Brian's calm tutelage we were moulded into a decent crew.
As an example of how considerate of a man Brian was I go back to some of our training runs. Brian and I both rowed starboard; he was in bow and I was seat 3. If our side was getting outpulled by the port boys, Brian would calmly say, "more power starboard" - knowing full well he was meaning me, but not wanting to be critical. Others in his position might have yelled "pull harder McKinnon"... but not Brian. He was too much the gentle soul to do that.
When our crew won at Schoolboy that year I remember all of us feeling that the one deserving of the most praise was Brian. The expression "we couldn't have done it without you" was never more true to Tom, Ross and me. He was a hero to us.
Over the years Brian's contributions to the St. Catharines Rowing Club were legion. He will always be remembered for his quiet courage, strong work ethic, devoted friendships and humble bearing.
Kent McKinnon
D
Dan Creamer posted a condolence
Thursday, January 23, 2020
I was part of a group of rowers that, through Brian's wisdom in the sport and his mentoring, had a number of successful rowing seasons in the mid-90s. Brian was a selfless leader who dedicated a significant amount of his time helping others rise to their potential and achieve their goals, asking for nothing in return. At every practice and regatta, I felt that he was solely there to support his crew. I remember Brian as having the utmost respect from all those he interacted with on the island... just a fair and likable guy.
I had only crossed paths with Brian a handful of times in the past 20 years. Each occasion felt like no time had elapsed since I had last seen him. As we would trade stories, I would witness that grin and wry chuckle that was emblematic of his sense of humor. It is those moments that are locked in my memory of Brian.
I am glad that Brian was part of my life path and I appreciate all that he did for me. Thank you Brian.
Dan Creamer
V
Valerie Hugo posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 22, 2020
Brian played more than a couple of roles in my life - but ultimately, the most important one was that he was my friend.
He took time out, on his European trips, to visit me - the last was not too long ago. I was so sad to watch him leave on the train and wondered, as I waved my farewell, if it might be the last time I would see him.
We kept in touch, via sporadic emails - his last, just before Christmas. I was really busy and thought I would answer him in the new year. Sadly, that chance has gone.
When I think of Brian, these are a few of the words that come to mind - -
Trustworthiness, tolerance, kindness, class and great integrity.
He should have had many more years. He is a great loss for all of us.
My deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
Valerie Hugo X
R
Roger Smith posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 22, 2020
The Bra was one of the high-school role models who led some of us a few years behind him into rowing. I only rowed with him one full season in 1970 when we won the lightweight eight and the 500-metre dash at Henley, then rowed in the first lightweight exhibition race at the world championship. I sat behind him in 6-seat – I not only learned every inch of his back, he taught me much about giving everything, about doing that extra trip up the course without complaint. Later that year, we hooked up in London, roomed together briefly, rowed a bit on the Thames and haunted as many pubs as humanly possible. He was a man of few words, of great dry humour, dedicated, a leader. On occasional visits to St. Catharines, I'd see him at Henley Island and was so amazed by his continued dedication to the sport and by how many rowers he mentored. Brian is gone way too soon. He will be missed.
Condolences to Roger and Gerry and the rest of the Davis family.
Roger Smith, Ottawa
R
Ross Robinson posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 22, 2020
Such a difficult message to write...
Long long ago, in March of 1964, we started a rowin' club at Sir Winston. Collegiate coaches Jack Nicholson and Dalt Clark got us started, tellin us to row beside their four eights. "Just don't get in the way."
Only Brian had rowed before, Club for one season. As our trusted and wiry bowman, he kept us on the straight and narrow as we rowed up and down the Henley Course getting ready for Schoolboy in late May. The Bra kept us focussed, and explained what "Sit Up and Let 'Er Run" meant.
We tried our best, pulled our hardest, and our 135 lb. bodies were hooked on the sport. On the day of the Finals, the nine race schedule forced us to row two finals within 60 minutes. We always remembered doing our best that afternoon.
Brian "the veteran" kept us somewhat focussed. Jack, Dalt and the Bra pushed us hard, but being total rookies, we didn't know when to lay off. Was every 20 a hard 20? A few more sandpiles, another 10 fingertip pushups...
The next year, we were so lucky again, when Dick Blank became the Bulldog coach.
"The Bra," Tom Davis, and Kent McKinnon and I were so fortunate and blessed to have found each other, and such talented and dedicated coaches. Way back then, the rowin' season was short, and as Craig Swayze limned in late May in The Standard, "the future of rowing at the south end high school was bright indeed, on the sun dappled waters of the Henley course."
For the past 56 years, such memories have been created. Rowin', trainin', racin', finishin' first, second, third or horrors, even worse. Reunions, visits, telephone calls. Always, the Bra spoke without the last letter "g." Rowin', pullin', runnin'...
Every time I found myself down on the Island around the boathouse, there were so many magnificent shells and sculls, the athletes all looked disgustingly fit, and always, "the Bra" was quietly helpin' somebody. Coachin', riggin', cleanin', always helpin'.
Asking for nothin' in return. Just help out. Brian Davis was a tough, dependable, helpful, talented and loving person. So many people must now say "See ya later" to Brian. He was such an unassuming hero, always makin' time to help. In so many ways.
We are all so fortunate to have him in our lives. Rest in peace, Bra.
All the stories we tell will be good stories. You were a good man.
My sincere condolences to the Davis family.
D
David Moyes donated to LINCOLN COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY
Wednesday, January 22, 2020
On behalf of Brian Davis
Please wait
D
David Moyes lit a candle
Wednesday, January 22, 2020
//s3.amazonaws.com/skins.funeraltechweb.com/tribute-gestures/Candle.png
I met Brian in 2010 while walking my dog at Henley. My wife and I were new to the area at that time. Brian graciously extended himself to us and went out of his way to help us settle in. He quickly became a close friend and a valued part of our life.
Over the years we shared many hours keeping each others company. Lots of dinners and even more walks around Henley. Brian was always there when you needed him. He was kind and sincere. He always did his best by me. He was a strong and reliable support to myself and my family.
He will be greatly missed.
Susan and I send our most heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
David and Susan Moyes
P
Peter Barr posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 22, 2020
Brian was a crew mate in the 1960’s and 70’s and a friend for life. He coached our son John too and well into December and the snow...one solitary sculler with a solitary coach along side. He made it possible for the Masters to get on the water during the cold water season and coached all who wanted coaching. You knew that Brian would be down at the dock when he said he’d be there regardless of how many or who was going out. His example set the standard during the “Erg” season and you knew that he would be at the “Y” when he said he would be there. He coached at the national team level and those just starting to row . You would find him pushing a broom to clear to dock. He would help out wherever he could and he never asked for anything in return.
We will miss him.
Peter Barr, John Barr & Sharon Broderick
D
Dereck posted a condolence
Wednesday, January 22, 2020
Brian was an amazing man. As a coach, he was a true servant leader. He was there only to serve his team and help the people around him. He never asked of anyone and only gave to others. He was honest to a fault. Will miss our quiet chats in the morning on the water.
S
Silvia Nuttall posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 21, 2020
Brian was our friend. He worked with us in London when he was travelling in the 70s. He was there to help us celebrate our engagement. Over the years we would talk about our friend from St Catherine and caused great excitement when a group of rowers came through Heathrow airport and he was their coach!
R
Rick Jackson posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 21, 2020
Brian and I rowed bow and 2 seat in the 1964 Jr 145 eight, our first Henley medals but more important the start of a long friendship. He will be missed.
Rick Jackson
J
John Armitage posted a condolence
Tuesday, January 21, 2020
I have known Brian for longer than I remember. In the 60's and 70's we raced against each other. Years later we coached crews which raced each other (rarely beating he or his crew in a race). Indelibly etched into my memory is Brian, Jack and other fixtures sitting at the Ridley picnic table, program in hand, intently watching races go by; always acknowledging friends with a warm greeting and smile as they walked by. Brian was a caring soul who would help anyone in need. To young to leave us. Goodbye my friend.
M
Mark and Kathy Scobie donated to LINCOLN COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY
Tuesday, January 21, 2020
Brian was an important part of Drew’s life for so many years. He will be missed.
Please wait
Mark Scott posted a condolence
Monday, January 20, 2020
Brian was our rowing coach and our friend for many years.
He devoted so much of his time to ensuring we were prepared for the big races.
He gave us his keen eye for detail, making our strokes crisp and precise.
He gave us his knowledge; pushing our fitness to where it needed to be to perform at our highest level.
He gave us his unwavering support, always looking out for our best interests.
He gave us a lift, driving us all over for regattas in his grey and burgundy GMC Vandura – all the way to Boston and Indianapolis.
On one occasion, he gave us his pants. We were short a rower for our pre-Henley race practice so he left his jeans on the dock and rowed with us in his undies to make sure we got our practice in.
Later in life, he continued to give us his support. Always there for us at weddings and funerals.
Always bringing his kindness and his warmth.
Brian was an extremely kind and caring person and his example stuck with us all.
Thank you, Brian. We will miss you and we will never forget you.
96-98 SCRC LM
P
Paul Jenkins posted a condolence
Monday, January 20, 2020
First, our deepest condolences to the Davis Family. Brian was a friend, fellow rower and first and foremost a fine person. I have many memories of Brian (or the "Bra" as we called him). We rowed together in many Senior Lightweight crews and won a number of Henley and US National Championship ( and lost a few as well). Brian was also in London England the year Sheila and I lived there while I was at the LSE. Brian lived much of the year at the London Rowing Club. I vividly remember going for a row with him on the Thames, the pub nights and the many times he came to our flat in Highgate for Sunday dinners. We shared many laughs together. He was family.
We are sorry we are unable to attend the visitation or the gathering at Henley Island. While a sad time indeed, there much to celebrate. Brian was one of the finest.
Sincerely,
Paul and Sheila Jenkins
U
The family of Brian William Davis uploaded a photo
Monday, January 20, 2020
/tribute-images/17967/Ultra/Brian-Davis.jpg
Please wait
D
The family of Brian William Davis uploaded a photo
Monday, January 20, 2020
/tribute-images/17964/Ultra/Brian-Davis.jpg
Please wait
Who we are:
Our mission is to serve each family to the absolute best of our ability, along with their friends and to give to the good of our community in which we live and serve.
oUR lOCATION:
mAP:
qUICK lINKS:
George Darte Funeral Home proudly serves St. Catharines ON and the following (but not limited too) communities of: Niagara-on-the-Lake, Thorold, and Lincoln ON.