DOUGLASS SIDNEY DAVIDSON (1933-2016)
Douglass was born in Pomona, California, the son of H.P. Davidson, a music professor and his wife, Rosalie, a fine pianist. He grew up in San Luis Obispo, California, excelled in high school, serving as Student Body President and Senior Class President and playing tennis and golf. He attended Pomona College on a Presidential Scholarship and composed and conducted music. He met his wife Carole at Pomona and married her in 1954. In the U.S. Army Artillery from 1954-56, he served as a Fire Direction Officer stationed in Ansbach, Germany. Upon return to the U.S. he entered Harvard University as a graduate student in Music, receiving a Master’s degree in 1961. He was the Music Director at Old North Church in Boston for over 30 years and conducted over 40 musical productions in the area. He was an agent for New York Life. He and Carole moved to Winchester in 1963.
“Doogie” was a warm, sincere, generous person, who cared about people and was very compassionate and loving. He had a great sense of humor and endless patience with his children and grandchildren. He and his wife traveled widely and enjoyed their trips to Europe, Asia, South America and the US. He collected stamps and did woodworking as well as playing golf and tennis.
Doug and Carole have three daughters and five grandchildren: Katherine Linden, her husband Gary and their sons, Andrew and Michael of McLean, VA; Christine Goldstein, her husband Robert and their children, Jessica and Noah of Orinda, CA; Beth Davidson, her husband Paul Farnhill and their daughter Sophie of Winchester.
Douglass was a member of the Harvard Musical Association for many years. Donations in his name may be made to the Foote Award Program for Conservatory and College Music Students. Donations can be sent to the Harvard Music Association, 57A Chestnut Street, Boston, MA 02108.
There will be a celebration of Doug’s life on Sunday, September 11 from 1-4 pm., at 14 Thornberry Road in Winchester.