The Honourable John McNab (Jack) Davison

It is with deep sorrow that the family of Jack Davison announce his passing on September 1st, 2015 at the age of 79.

Survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Margaret Louis (Peggy) Davison, his loving children Catherine Davison and James (Kimberlee) Davison and his 5 cherished grandchildren Benjamin, Evan, Marrah, Samuel and Alexia. Jack is also survived by his brother Rick (Carol) Davison of Canmore AB., along with their children Trevor (Cory) and Jeanette (Tomas). Sister-in-law Betty (Ross) Towler and their children, David, Bruce and Patricia. Jack was predeceased by his parents Kenneth and Minnie Davison.

Jack was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia on October 23,1935. His education started at Sir Charles Tupper School, where his children, daughter-in-law and some of his grandchildren also attended. He graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from Dalhousie University in 1956 and then a Bachelor of Laws also from Dalhousie in 1959.

Upon graduation, Jack moved to Winnipeg where he worked in the legal department of Great West Life and Peggy joined him after their marriage in August,1960. While in Winnipeg, Jack received an offer to come home and practice law with McInnis, Cooper & Robertson, where he enjoyed an illustrious twenty-six year career, specializing in Insurance and Tort Law. He became a partner and received his QC while there. He had a busy litigation practice; appearing in every level of court, including numerous appearances before the Supreme Court of Canada. In addition, he acted as Commissioner of the Nova Scotia Law Reform Commission and held various offices in the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society. His career as a lawyer culminated as Managing Partner of the firm.

Jack was appointed a Justice of The Supreme Court of Nova Scotia, Trial Division in March, 1987 and remained on the bench until his retirement in 2008. He was appointed a member of the Executive Council of Canadian Judges Conference and was a judicial appointment to the Nova Scotia Appointment of Judges Committee and was chair of the committee overseeing the revision of the Nova Scotia Civil Procedures Rules.

Jack loved the law and committed himself completely to every client he represented as a lawyer and every case he presided over as a judge. In both roles he mentored those who came after him and showed the utmost respect for those who came before him. In addition to his law career he was very involved in the community both directly and by supporting Peggy with her considerable charitable contributions. He was Life President of the Dalhousie graduating Class of 1959 as well as President of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. He was on the Board of Directors of the Halifax Protestant Orphanage, the Board of Directors of Veith House, President of the Halifax Club, Board of Directors of Ashburn Golf Club, Secretary at St. Margaret Sailing Club, a long time Elder at St. David’s Presbyterian Church as well as being on the Board of Session.

Jack had many interests and groups of friends. As a boy he loved sailing his Snipe at The Waegwoltic Club (even though he said he always came last) and he was on the curling team at Dalhousie University. An avid golfer, he enjoyed his days at Ashburn and golfing with his buddies on the annual “Hit the Road” trip. He also looked forward to the annual father-son fishing weekend at Glenelg. He cherished his beloved Seabright cottage and quiet family time as well as a good game of crib (he had a 29 hand three times). He was a history buff who could recite historical events as accurately as he recited case law and he loved his books and old movies.

Above all, Jack was a committed family man. He and Peggy were loving partners for most of their adult life. He was a protective and supportive father, loving and fun-loving grandfather and proud brother. He will be sorely missed by all but the guidance he gave and the examples he set will live on. He had a strong moral compass and passed on his values to his children and grandchildren: be honest; treat others as you’d like to be treated; a promise is a promise; work hard, do well but don’t brag.

The family would like to thank the wonderful team on 7A, the palliative care unit at the Victoria General Hospital, who provided exceptional care with compassion and dignity, as well as his caring and dedicated doctor, Dr. Peggy Leighton.

There will be a celebration of Jack’s life on Friday, September 11th at 3:00 pm at Saint David’s Presbyterian Church with a reception to follow at the Old Ashburn. There will also be a visitation scheduled from 6:00 - 9:00 pm on Thursday September 10th at J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive. Family flowers only, but donations may be made to St. David’s Memorial Fund, The Dalhousie Medical Research Foundation-Neurological Research or a charity of your choice.