William “Bill” Davies
Obituary
DAVIES, William “Bill”…
William Kenneth Davies was born on August 1, 1942 in Woodstock, Ontario. His parents were William Earl Davies and Leta Merle Davies (nee Taylor). He had two sisters, Marilyn Elaine Davies and Patricia Merle Grimbley, formerly Munday (nee Davies). The family moved to London in July 1947. All have predeceased him.
Bill attended Knollwood Public School for kindergarten and grade 1, then due to boundary changes attended Boyle Memorial Public school. The family moved and Bill attended Medway High School. Bill attended U.W.O., Faculty of Music where he obtained the degree of Bachelor of Music, Honours in Music Education, and diploma of Associate of Music in Trumpet performance.
He taught music at Patterson Collegiate in Windsor for 2 years and then became Head of Music at South Secondary School in London for 9 years, then at Beal Secondary School for a further 7 years. He then went into Special Education, working at Thames, Ross, Lucas and W.D. Sutton Schools for the rest of his secondary career before retiring after 31 years. After retiring, Bill went to teach at Baotou University in China. Upon his return, he was asked to work at Lucan Elementary School, then to Cleardale Elementary School as Learning Resource teacher and teaching students with Learning Disabilities.
From the age of 8, Bill played trumpet, studying with A.C.Robinson and James Ford. He played in the Police Boys Band, in the 4 Column Royal Canadian Army Service Corp band and the London Civic Symphony (later Orchestra London). He played in many dance bands including Lional Thornton’s Casa Royal Orchestra, Johnny Downs, Ron Shadbolt’s New Modernaires, Len Langley, Gordon Cooper, and became lead trumpet in George Laidlaw’s Prime Time Big Band. He also played in Encore the Concert Band, the London Pops band, Swingmasters, and conducted the Royal Canadian Regiment band of Fourth Battalion.
Bill’s greatest enjoyment came from playing trumpet. Although he did much performance of all kinds, he took great pleasure in rehearsals also.
Bill would like to thank Wanda – best friend and caregiver, the staff at Queen’s Village Retirement Home, and his music, teaching and woodworking friends.
Cremation has taken place. While there is no funeral or visitation, a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Donations in memory of Bill may be made to the Kiwanis Music Festival London. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationlondon.com
I have many enjoyable memories of music class and band at South Secondary with Bill. He lived down the street for a few years and used to pick me up for early morning band practice. His classes were always filled with funny sayings and stories that I remember 50 years later. He certainly enjoyed playing trumpet and was a gifted musician. Rest in peace Bill.
Grant (aka “Grunt” as Bill nicknamed me)