Obituary of Hazen Davidson

Hazen Davidson was born in Little River, NB on February 5, 1931. He lived during his boyhood days at the Protestant Orphanage in Saint John, NB. He spent his youth on a farm in Millstream.  After working odd jobs at lumber mills and in the tobacco fields, he moved to Ontario in 1953 at age twenty two. He lived in a boarding house and he worked as a labourer, doing construction and carpentry jobs. He was proud of the work he accomplished and he often boasted about the two dollars extra an hour he was paid because he was one of the few willing to work up so high.

During his time in Toronto a fellow boarder brought him along on a double date, where he met his future wife Eileen Oliver outside of a theater.  Even though he was unsure that a city girl would ever fall for a country boy, they hit it off and were married on a stormy night in 1957. They spent their weekends taking in movies and going for Sunday drives to Niagara Falls. Up until his death he insisted that the day he married Eileen, who passed away in July 1994, was the happiest of his life.

After they were married they bought a little house and he went to work for the City of Toronto. On March 8, 1960 they brought their first child, Mark, into the world, followed by Brian on July 27, 1964, and their beloved daughter Christine, born on July 28, 1967.

Hazen returned to live in New Brunswick with his family in 1967, where he continued to work in construction for Glendale and then Refinery construction. He spent the remainder of his employment years working carpentry. He was passionate about the work he did, often returning to the houses he helped build to admire the homes and families who were enjoying them.

He spent his free time playing guitar (mostly country music) and working on carpentry projects around his home or in his shop. His daily trips to Tim Hortons were the highlight of his days in his later years. He loved to chat especially about hockey. He was a passionate Boston Bruins fan. He delighted in nothing more than his family and would often marvel at the life a boy from humble beginnings could create.

Hazen passed away at the age of 87 on Thursday, December 13, 2018 at the Sussex Health Center after battling a lung-related illness. He leaves behind a legacy and a family who will hold his memory dear to their hearts including his children: Mark Davidson and his wife Kathleen of Sussex, NB, Brian Davidson and his wife Liz of Norton, NB, and his daughter Christine Davidson and her husband Jim Phillips of Toronto, ON; six grandchildren: Kelly-Jo Romard and husband Mike, Allison Maxwell and husband Max, Jenny Davidson and partner James Keirstead, Sarah Davidson and partner Scott Teakles, Perry Davidson, and Graeme Davidson; three great grandchildren: Cohen, Jago and AJ; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the compassionate care of Wallace Funeral Home, 34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex, (506-433-1176) where visitation will be held on Monday, December 17, from 6 to 8pm.

If you are considering making a memorial donation, the family recommends the charity of your choice. Condolences and donations in Hazen's memory may be made through WallaceFuneralHome.com