Robert M. Davidson

Robert was born in Alexandria, Virginia. He was the youngest of five siblings, and left us far too soon, but we are not supposed to question why he was called home so early, but instead, have Faith that God had a reason. Robert was a long-time resident of both Sarasota and Bradenton, Florida since 1971.

Robert leaves behind his beautiful wife of almost 20 years, Dina Davidson. He also leaves behind three amazing and adored daughters, Kelsey Davidson, Taylor Davidson, and Morgan Davidson.

Our adored Mother, Ellen Davidson, preceded him in death. Robert is survived by our Father, Warren Davidson formerly of Sarasota, Florida and currently of Clermont, Florida, and his wife Aileen Mauer Davidson, and his mother-in-law Betty Goodfellow of Venice, Florida.

Also grieving are Robert’s sisters Catherine Cox and her husband Gregory Cox of Groveland, Florida; Barbara Erskine and her husband Rodney Erskine of Houston, Texas; and brothers Brian Davidson and his wife Dana Davidson of Brandon, Florida; and Michael Davidson and his wife Sonja Davidson of Sarasota, Florida.

Robert ‘Uncle Bobby’ also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews who will miss him very much: Keith and Fern Erskine, Neil and Maggie Erskine, Kevin and Chelsea Erskine, Garrett Davidson, Celeste Reid, and Shane Davidson. Robert will also be missed by his six great-nieces and great-nephews.

Robert also leaves behind many dear friends who are being very supportive of Dina and the girls and the rest of our family. Robert never knew a stranger! He was kind and considerate, and he had a very funny sense of humor that was loved by all who knew him.

Robert was a track star at Sarasota High school and subsequently in college for a total of 10 years. He could run as fast as the wind, and do hurdles like a champion! Robert worked for Sunset Chevrolet in Sarasota for 19 years, and was well-respected. More recently he worked for the USPS in Bradenton, Florida, where he was also highly respected. He was honored by his supervisors and co-workers with a minute of silence after his passing.

The following are a few precious memories from his siblings: Cathy was 17 and Barbara was 16 when Robert was born, so we both felt more maternal than sisterly due to the age differences. Two funny notes are that our Mom was very concerned about appearances, and refused to let Cathy even take Robert to the store with her when he was a baby because she was afraid that people would think he was her baby; and when Mom’s pregnancy was announced to us kids at a nice restaurant, our youngest sibling at the time, Michael (the baby at the time) took his dinner knife and stabbed a roll on his plate. Subsequently, Mike, Brian and Robert became not only brothers, but also best friends.

Barbara recalls that she was the first one to make Robert cry! Just a few weeks old, she was trying to put a tiny hat on him, and the little elastic under his chin ‘snapped’ and then snapped a second time, and a third time! He started crying and gave her a look, bottom lip out, that made her feel horrible so she gave up on the hat, held him close, and carried him around for hours telling him she was sorry.

As we all grew and left home for college or marriages, we all felt badly leaving Robert behind....he was too young to really understand that one minute we were there, and the next we were not. As Robert said a couple of years ago, he always felt like he missed so much family history and precious times with his birth order in life.

One final memory (of millions of them) is the difference in the discipline and rules from our folks depending on our birth order. Cathy had so many rules and regulations and curfews she felt like a Nun, Barbara had a bit more relaxed rules and got to stay out much later, Brian and Michael got away with things even Mom and Dad don’t know about today (like sneaking out at 3 in the morning, riding their bikes for miles to fish off a bridge)....and then there was Robert. Mom and Dad were just a tad more tired then, and even Robert admitted he was a spoiled child.

Robert was a wonderful Husband and Father. His wife and daughters already miss him terribly, and as they say, they will always remember his advice, his praise and encouragement, his jokes and his laughter.

Darling Robert, all of us, your family and your friends, will keep you in our hearts forever.....until we are together again. Rest in Peace.

https://www.gofundme.com/robert-davidson-memorial-fund