DAVIDSON, Mervyn John (1928-2023)
Courtesy S Ashbolt
Merv was enrolled as a boarder at the College from 1943 to 1945. Here he met and made lifelong friends with Geoffrey Oliver (OGC 1941), John Cameron (OGC 1941) and Havel Rowe (OGC 1941). The four boys continued to socialise both on sporting fields and amongst their growing families.
At school he was a member of the 1st XVIII football team 1944-1945 and received a school football cap, school and Warrinn house colours and honours for his contributions to the team.
Following school, Merv went on to work as an Insurance Investigator for the State Electricity Commission (SEC) for most of his working career. It was a difficult role as he investigated electrical deaths and insurance matters on behalf of the SEC. Latterly, he worked in the Estates Division acquiring, managing and selling properties for the SEC.
His sporting life after College saw him play for Hampton Rovers and Sandringham Football clubs VFL grade. Merv received many medals across VFL: Best and Fairest etc. He was made a Life Member of Hampton Rovers in 2016. He received offers to train with Carlton, St Kilda among others. He later played competition squash and held many offices within the organisation, finally becoming President of The Victorian Squash Racquets Association and he was awarded Life Membership.
In 2000 Merv received an Australian Sports Medal for his contributions to Sport and met Queen Elizabeth, Prince Phillip and Princess Anne on one of their tours of Australia. He was Secretary of the Victorian Men’s Hockey Association and also the Hockey Association for the Deaf.
Merv also was an instigator and founding member in the establishment of the Beaumaris Probus Club.
Merv spent many years playing golf as a member of Victoria Golf Club. He held many positions of office and contributed in many other ways. He played pennants, championships and other levels of golf.
Merv’s love of sports also extended to table tennis (winning trophies) and chess. He ran many chess clubs and played amongst friends.
Merv married Dawn Page in 1956 and they have two daughters, four grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
Merv is remembered for his wonderful life, full of positivity, fun and laughter. He had a strong loyalty to friends and family.
OGC 1941