Major John W. Davis
September 2, 1933 – November 29, 2024
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Major John W. Davis, 91, of Sudbury, formerly of North Bay, ON. He passed away peacefully on November 29, 2024, surrounded by family and friends at Health Sciences North.
John was born on September 2, 1933, at Western Hospital in Toronto, ON. His adventurous spirit was evident from a young age. While attending school in Toronto, he spent his summers working aboard the ships of the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway. At 18, John applied to the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), a decision that would shape his remarkable life and career.
Throughout his 25 years of service in the RCAF, John was stationed in Clinton, Winnipeg, Moose Jaw, and Trenton. It was in Trenton that he met the love of his life, Ella, a spirited woman from a small town in Nova Scotia. The couple married on John’s birthday—a strategic choice to ensure he’d never forget—and embarked on a journey filled with love and adventure.
In 1962, John and Ella moved to Germany, where they welcomed their first child, Stefan, in 1964. The family returned to Canada briefly in 1966, living in Summerside, PE, before relocating to Sardinia, Italy, for 3.5 years. In 1970, the family settled in North Bay, ON, and welcomed their daughter, Laura, completing their family.
While serving, John pursued his passion for education, earning his teaching credentials and graduating from Teachers College in 1977. He went on to teach at several schools, including St. Hubert’s, École Merielle, and St. Mary’s in Huntsville, where he retired as Vice Principal.
In addition to his 25 years with the RCAF, John also served 10 years in the Canadian Army. He was a proud member of the 33 Battalion North Bay, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 23, 406 Wing, and 422 Wing, serving as President of 406 Wing in the early 1990s. John was also a 3rd and 4th-degree member of the Knights of Columbus, joining in 1996. His community contributions were honoured with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal. For 20 years, he proudly served as Master of Ceremonies at the North Bay Memorial Gardens for Remembrance Day celebrations.
John’s love of sports was lifelong. He enjoyed softball, bowling, hockey, football and curling, and was an avid fan of the Toronto Argonauts, Kansas City Chiefs, Toronto Blue Jays, and Ottawa Senators. Fridays often found him at Casey’s with friends, enjoying a beer and friendly football wagers.
In recent years, John’s health declined, and he moved to Sudbury to be closer to family. He resided at Countryside Extendicare, where he made new friends and lived peacefully.
John leaves behind his son, Steve Davis (Sue) of Kanata, ON; grandsons Ryan (Siena) of Victoria, BC, and Liam of Kanata, ON; daughter Laura Davis-Bleishwitz (Denis) of Sudbury, ON; grandson Jordan Davis of Sudbury, ON; nephew Paul Jacobs of BC; and niece Kate Wood of Kenora, ON. He is predeceased by his beloved wife, Ella Davis, and his sister, Katherine Jacobs.
Our Father has asked us to thank his friends: Ed and Cathy, Tom and Nicole, Bernie and Heather, Margaret White- Ensuring he got his paper, and Shirley-Corpus Christi Court for always looking out for him.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff at Countryside Extendicare for their compassion, the nurses on 5 North and 4 North, and special family friends Linda and Lynn for their support during our Father’s final hours. A special thank you to Nurse Roxanne and Dr. Mathur for their professionalism and empathy.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 2:00 PM at Queen of Peace Chapel, 22 Wing Hornell Heights, CFB North Bay, ON. Cremation services are provided by Simple Wishes of the North and Crystal Crematorium.
“Lord, hear our prayer.”
“Per ardua ad astra” – Through adversity to the stars.