Derek passed away peacefully, with family by his side, after a brief illness on Oct. 21, 2024, at Thompson House long-term care home.
He is survived by Hilkka, his wife of 59 years, his children Mark (Amber), Karen (Mike), and Scott (Kim), his grandson Henry and step-grandchildren Lukas and Kaitlyn. He is also survived by his sister Judith. Derek was pre-deceased by his parents, Holdcombe and Jessie Davidson, and his brothers, Bryan and Duncan.
Derek will be remembered for his gentle kindness, his devotion to his family and community, and his never-ending pursuit of education. We will always remember Dad sitting in his library, contentedly reading and listening to music.
Derek was born in Kingston, Jamaica. His love of learning began at an early age and he excelled in his studies as a child. After graduating from St. George’s College secondary school in Jamaica, Derek studied chemistry at Princeton University and medicine at the University of Toronto.
Derek began his long career as a medical doctor in 1963. It was while he was an intern at Toronto Western Hospital that Derek and Hilkka first met; they married in 1965. Derek was a consultant in general internal medicine with a sub-specialty in nephrology. From 1980 to 1985, Derek was the chief of medicine at Humber Memorial Hospital and in 1991 he became the chief of staff.
A deeply spiritual man, Derek returned to his studies and obtained a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy from the University of Toronto, a master of arts in philosophy from York University, and a master of divinity from Trinity College. Derek was ordained as a deacon in the Anglican Church of Canada and served the congregation at St. Mary’s Anglican Church in Richmond Hill, Ont. After Derek and Hilkka moved back to Toronto, Derek served as deacon at the Church of Ascension in Don Mills.
Derek was fascinated by the workings of the human mind. In 2002, he completed his studies in contemporary psychoanalysis and became a psychotherapist. Although he maintained his medical licence, Derek moved entirely over to work as a psychotherapist and continued this work until he reached 80 years of age.
In addition to his career accomplishments, Derek gave back to the community through volunteer work. Derek was active with boards and charities in support of both the Canadian-Jamaican community and those that address issues of homelessness and mental health.
Together, Derek and Hilkka travelled to and worked in numerous developing communities to provide much needed medical support. These included medical clinics in Ecuador, India, Jamaica, Kenya and St. Lucia.
The family would like to express deep gratitude to the staff at Better Living at Thompson House for their compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a donation in Derek’s memory to Yonge Street Mission or LOFT Community Services.