Tribute to the nicest gentleman I ever knew

This week I’m mourning the passing of one of the nicest gentleman . . . that I never actually really knew!

But then again, I guess that’s what made my friendship with William Wilson Corrigan Davidson so special.

He never told me he was the only baby born at Ayr Racecourse – or that his post- war milk round grew so big, he sub- contracted four other milk boys to work under him! And I never told him I’d run the New York marathon – or arm- wrestled Oliver Reed.

I suppose we just skipped all that getting- to- know- you stuff . . . and went straight to being good pals.

‘ Old Wullie’ lost his beloved wife Catherine 18 years ago – and got himself a bit lost for a few years after that.

A prostate cancer diagnosis didn’t help. Then one day he turned up at the Twa Dugs – and found music, laughter and friendship at our Tuesday afternoon sessions.

He grew to love the pub and the people as much as they loved him.

He insisted on telling me every week that the Twa Dugs saved his life.

My version is that this humble, likeable and generous man touched the lives of everyone he met.

When poor health gradually returned – he started to miss a few sessions.

“Wullie, you know the rules here,” I joked with him. “Miss three weeks in a row – and we’ll hold a wake for you!”.

Sadly, those three weeks came to pass . . . and his wake will be next Tuesday.

He slipped away at Ayr Hospice last week, surrounded by loving daughter Nicola and husband Jim, and grandsons Fraser, Grant and Aron. He was 81.

Willie Davidson will be remembered at Ayr Crematorium next Tuesday March 10 at 2pm.

A bus will leave the Twa Dugs at 1.30pm and any old friends from his days at Miles Electrical, Wallacetown Engineering, Scotrail or Newton Burns Club are welcome.

The bus will return to the pub around 3.00pm for an afternoon of memories, laughter and Willie’s favourite songs.

To help with bus numbers, you can book your seat by calling the Twa Dugs on 01292 618142.