Arthur Corbin Davy (RCMP, S/Sgt.(Ret’d) – 95, Truro, Colchester County. The Davy family are saddened to announce that our father, grandfather, husband, and proud veteran of the RCMP, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at the Colchester East Hants Health Centre, Palliative Care Unit, on Friday, May 26, 2023.
Born in Pictou, to Arthur and Lilla (Corbin) Davy in 1928, Arthur was an identical twin to brother, Jack. The family moved to Truro after the tragic loss of their father in 1930. After several years as a widow, their mother met and married, Gordon Morash, and started a new life at 81 Smith Avenue which would remain the family home for over forty years.
During his teen years, Arthur met and fell in love with Maxine Iris Lane and spent every weekend earning their reputation as "the best dancers in Truro", a time our father reflected on often with immense joy. They both graduated from the Truro Academy and Dad spent the next several years as a bank employee in Truro. Bored and yearning for a chance to make a difference, (and be part of a famous police force) he decided to apply to the RCMP. However, the physical examination did not go as well as expected. At 6 ft.2 inches and 140 lbs, his chest measurement was ½ inch short of the physical requirement, but his ability to talk his way into or out of any situation was legendary and he was off to Regina as a new recruit, doing push-up in the aisles of the train to ensure his new position.
After training, he proposed to Maxine and they were married in Truro, and moved to Burnaby, British Columbia for his first posting. While there, in 1956, they welcomed their first child, Christopher, and then, after being transferred to Regina as an instructor in the Depot Division, three years later they had their daughter, Susan, and four years later, after moving to Stephenville Crossing, Newfoundland, they added the final family member, Sean.
The Davy family loved Newfoundland (Stephenville, Deer Lake, and Corner Brook) but tragically our mother was diagnosed with M.S. in 1964. Overwhelmed as a young corporal with an ill wife and three children under the age of 10, Arthur applied for, and was granted compassionate leave. He was posted to Truro in the winter of 1967, and with the help of incredible grandparents and close friends, neighbours, and approximately 20 housekeepers, Dad was able to navigate the turbulent waters of taking care of his wife and parenting three highly energetic children.
Undeterred, he ran our family like a mini- RCMP detachment, where he was the undisputed officer in command. Duties were assigned, expectations announced, and any descension or misconduct within the ranks resulted in confinement to barracks. In high school, this could last for months depending on the failure to meet curfew laws. Obviously the RCMP admired this type of leadership and Arthur was promoted to Sgt and then Staff Sgt and NCOIC at the Truro Detachment.
During these years, Dad was a member of the Masonic Lodge (Scottish Rite), Truro Rotary Club, and Truro Golf Club. He also enjoyed snowmobiling, fitness routines, driving his moped (it was cheaper on gas), and traveling south, but golf was his passion and every chance he had, he was playing or watching his golf heroes on TV. We still refer to ourselves as "golf orphans" and possess an unnerving knowledge of golf names and statistics from the 1970’s.
After the death of our beloved mother in 1973, he was a young widower with three children and the responsibility of running the Truro detachment. He remarried in 1975 to Barbara Boyd and we were extremely grateful that Barbara stepped into the role of wife and stepmother with such a high level of commitment, patience, and compassion. She was a welcome addition to the Davy family. We were just relieved he had someone else to focus his attention on!
Throughout our lives, our father was determined to raise us to be educated, independent, and hardworking adults. (In other words, get us educated, and out of the house). We always knew that if we were planning to return home after University, we were expected to pay rent and follow ALL of his rules. Needless to say, that was our incentive to move out ASAP.
Our father continued to love his career and life in Truro and in 1978 he retired after 27 years of outstanding service. Then, after a brief stint as a Purolator driver to feel useful, he retired permanently in the early 80s. So, our father was retired longer than his career life! Free to golf, travel, and ride his new motorcycle every day until the age of 80 and enjoy his golden years. Trips to Florida and Ontario, and our annual visits home were the highlights of his year.
Throughout, he was a great story-teller, (including his ability to quote Shakespeare, Robert Frost, and Robert Service). He was renowned for his recitation of ‘The Cremation of Sam McGee’ and as a dancer, public speaker, voracious reader, and fan of action movies, classic films, Coronation Street, Bugs Bunny Cartoons, and classic musicals. YES, he loved cartoons and musicals!!
In his 60s Dad began a loving 28-year relationship with Elizabeth Walters and we are so grateful for her devotion and Herculean patience with our father. Together they created a life they both thoroughly enjoyed. As Dad grew older, daily workouts at GoodLife, visits around town to former colleagues and lifelong friends, coffee sessions with the boys at McDonalds, and being home with Elizabeth kept him engaged and very happy.
Although it often went unspoken until recent years, he was proud of his children and grandchildren. Despite his colourful language, sarcastic wit, booming voice, and sometimes intimidating exterior, he was lovable, honest, funny, sincere, loyal, and immensely protective of his country, friends, and family. And although his passing will leave us with a tremendous hole in our hearts, his legacy will always remain a powerful and unforgettable presence in our family’s lives.
We are so grateful to be "Works of Art", the time he spent on this earth with us, and his peaceful passing. Elizabeth and the rest of our family would like to thank Cindie Smith and Michael Fleming for their unwavering support to Arthur over the many years, especially during his treatments in Halifax and throughout Covid; sister-in-law, Lorainne Davy for her love and Saturday morning coffee chats; neighbours Claude and Marilyn Rushton for their assistance whenever Arthur needed it; Donald Boyd for his friendship and loyalty over forty years, and Barry and Sandra Mellish for their wonderful support and friendship.
Arthur was predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Lilla (Corbin) Davy; twin brother, Jack Cyril Davy; first wife, Maxine Lane, mother of his three children; second wife, Barbara Boyd.
Art is survived by his devoted partner, Elizabeth Joan Walters; three loving children, Christopher Davy (Elee), Susan, and Sean (Fran); grandchildren, Leslie Ann, Aja, Lane, and Na-Mi; sister-in-law, Lorainne Davy; step-brothers, Robert Morash and Charles Morash (Jinny).
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mattatall - Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street, Truro where the celebration of life service and reception will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, June 1, 2023 The Reverend Lori Ramsey officiating. Please have your "Art" stories ready for sharing at the reception or online. Interment will take place at Terrace Hill Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Art’s memory to the Multiple Sclerosis Society would be greatly appreciated. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family by viewing Arthur’s obituary online and selecting "Send A Condolence" at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com