Neil Gendzwill
10th August 2007, 03:50 AM
Received this message through iaido-l. Ted Davis, head instructor at University of Victoria kendo club and also iaido instructor there, passed away last Friday. I'd met him a few times over the years, and he was a dojo-mate of my sensei many years ago at Renbu. He'll be sorely missed.
From Bruce Campbell:
With sadness I pass on this message. Ted Davis was a dedicated martial artist and introduced many people to Iai through his teachings at UBC and then UVic and in the creation of the Canadian Iaido Association under the ZNIR . His influence can be felt by the number of clubs and students he had and the earnestness with which they followed him.
Though we studied the same Iai Ryu (MJER), Ted and I never practiced Iai together - our kihon are radically different - but we always took the time for keiko when we met at kendo events and through those brief encounters we maintained a friendship that lasted more than 20 years. I shall miss him.
Regards
Bruce in Vancouver
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forwarded message
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As you know, in early June, Ted had an operation to remove a tumor from his spine. This left him with minimal ability to use his legs. It turned out that this tumour was caused by a very aggressive cancer. After a month in hospital, he came home, where he was comfortable and happy. He worked hard to get more movement back into his legs, with some success.
But the cancer came back and he had to return to hospital. We knew that he had limited time left and brought him home after 10 days. He had two days at home, supported by me, Logan, his daughter, Jeannine, Loganšs mother, and Sue, his sister.
Yesterday, Friday, he died.
Although Ted lived only 60 years, he lived it to the fullest and accomplished more than most people could imagine. He had a strong influence on the lives of a great many people. He was a teacher right to the end *whether it be iaido, kendo, biology, philosophy, or just sharing his understanding of life as he knew it.
I cannot tell you how much I will miss him, as will all of you. But his spirit lives on in each of us, and each in our own way.
We will be holding a memorial service for him this month* the date is not yet chosen but we will let you know. If you would like to send flowers, please wait till then so many people can enjoy them. We are also planning to set up a Ted Davis Biology Scholarship fund as an alternative to flowers. More later when the date is chosen.
Thank you for all your well wishes during the past few months. Ted received them all and was happy that so many of you cared so deeply.
Sincerely,
Colleen Kasting
From Bruce Campbell:
With sadness I pass on this message. Ted Davis was a dedicated martial artist and introduced many people to Iai through his teachings at UBC and then UVic and in the creation of the Canadian Iaido Association under the ZNIR . His influence can be felt by the number of clubs and students he had and the earnestness with which they followed him.
Though we studied the same Iai Ryu (MJER), Ted and I never practiced Iai together - our kihon are radically different - but we always took the time for keiko when we met at kendo events and through those brief encounters we maintained a friendship that lasted more than 20 years. I shall miss him.
Regards
Bruce in Vancouver
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forwarded message
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As you know, in early June, Ted had an operation to remove a tumor from his spine. This left him with minimal ability to use his legs. It turned out that this tumour was caused by a very aggressive cancer. After a month in hospital, he came home, where he was comfortable and happy. He worked hard to get more movement back into his legs, with some success.
But the cancer came back and he had to return to hospital. We knew that he had limited time left and brought him home after 10 days. He had two days at home, supported by me, Logan, his daughter, Jeannine, Loganšs mother, and Sue, his sister.
Yesterday, Friday, he died.
Although Ted lived only 60 years, he lived it to the fullest and accomplished more than most people could imagine. He had a strong influence on the lives of a great many people. He was a teacher right to the end *whether it be iaido, kendo, biology, philosophy, or just sharing his understanding of life as he knew it.
I cannot tell you how much I will miss him, as will all of you. But his spirit lives on in each of us, and each in our own way.
We will be holding a memorial service for him this month* the date is not yet chosen but we will let you know. If you would like to send flowers, please wait till then so many people can enjoy them. We are also planning to set up a Ted Davis Biology Scholarship fund as an alternative to flowers. More later when the date is chosen.
Thank you for all your well wishes during the past few months. Ted received them all and was happy that so many of you cared so deeply.
Sincerely,
Colleen Kasting