Obituary of Claude Randell Davidson

We are sad to announce the passing of Claude Randell Davidson, of Falmouth, affectionately known as “Turkey” and “Grampy.”  He passed away Saturday, October 4, 2025 in the Infirmary Site, QEII, Halifax. Claude was born on April 20, 1949 and was raised in Gaspereau. He was a son of the late Gerald and Marilyn (Atwell) Davidson and one of seven children.

Claude grew up surrounded by four sisters and two brothers: Brenda (Barry) Davidson, Charlotte Davidson-Millett (Lorne Haley), Martina Davidson (Albert Coldwell), Verna (Phil) Kennedy and Curtis (Brenda) Davidson, along with the late Gerald Davidson Jr. Claude would want it noted that his sisters were older, although that wasn’t true, but he always enjoyed introducing them as his “older sisters.” His sisters surrounded him with endless love, laughter and wildly inappropriate stories, filling his final days in the hospital with comfort and care.

Claude was married to the love of his life, Janet (McCulloch) Davidson and they spent their years together in Falmouth. Married just one month shy of 52 years, we’re giving Janet credit for the extra month, she’s earned it. They had three children, Randell Davidson (Tara Ross, companion) and Tara Davidson (children’s mother); Jason Davidson and Jennifer Davidson (Nick Greenough). The greatest loves of Claude’s life were his grandchildren, Ben and Donald Davidson, Barack and Abbey Davidson and Jaxon, Tripp and Jett Greenough. They nicknamed him “Turkey” after years of hearing him call them that, it was only fair the name came full circle. He was the best babysitter his grandkids ever had and the parents certainly appreciated his “pricing” of FREE.99.

Rules were optional at Turkey’s house. The only real rule was don’t tell your mother. Cinnamon Toast Crunch for supper was standard, helmets were optional and swearing was an effective corrective strategy. When it came to Nick’s hockey career, Claude would proudly say, “He could sure take a punch.”

Claude spent his life working in construction and was an incredible woodworker. He loved to make old-fashioned wash stations, dressers, window boxes and footstools. He was known to measure twice and still cut wrong, but the talent always showed up in the finished product.

In the 1980s, Claude served as President of the West Hants Soccer Association, refereed and coached soccer, often while smoking on the sidelines and teaching kids a colourful vocabulary. Claude played for Team Nova Scotia at the 1967 Canada Games at around 18 years old, three years younger than most competitors. Entering the Games as Nova Scotia’s top scorer, Claude helped his team achieve wins against Quebec and Manitoba before facing British Columbia in the semifinals. Though they lost to BC (who went on to win gold), Nova Scotia finished an impressive fourth overall. Claude once said in an interview, “All our games were close, nobody walked all over us, not even BC.”

Claude also played basketball for the Eastern Canadian team, which won the Eastern Canada Championship in the late 1960s under the guidance of his beloved coach and mentor, Connie MacNeil. Their bond lasted a lifetime, turning from coach and player into true friendship. Claude's contributions to Nova Scotia athletics are commemorated with two trophies for basketball, displayed in the Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame.

In the late ’60s and ’70s, Claude was part of the Grand Pré heavyweight tug-of-war team, winning many pulls across the region.

Claude was instantly recognizable for his wild, fiery red hair that matched his personality and his remarkable talent for saying the most inappropriate things at the worst possible times. Every event was a chance for him to turn seriousness into comedy. In typical Claude fashion, he faced even his final moments with laughter, leaving everyone smiling through their tears. When asked what line reminded him most of Turkey, Tripp smiled and said, “Sitting here and looking stupid,” the way Claude always replied when someone asked how he was doing. Jason remembered his classic response to “How are you today?”, “Still on this side of the grass and bothering people.” Ben later had those words tattooed in his Grumpy’s honour, a lasting tribute to Claude’s wit. 

Claude loved adventures with his grandchildren, always starting with the same promise "Do not tell your mother!" Ben wasn’t a hugger, but he always had one for Turkey. As a baby, Donald struggled with colic and Dad spent hour after hour on the lawn mower, gently driving him around to soothe him to sleep. Claude was immensely proud of Barack and found great joy in hearing about his snowboarding accomplishments. Abby, his only granddaughter, held a special place in his heart, he called her “Butterfly.” He took Jaxon on “Ohio buck tree” hikes, sharing his love for the forest. Tripp treasured their post-game phone calls, where Claude would always check in about how he played and with Jett, he shared quiet time in the garden, picking blueberries and taking trips to turtle pond.

The stories about Claude are endless and the shenanigans were many. He lived with chronic pain for years, facing it daily with courage and grit, refusing to let it define him. Even when the pain got heavy, he rarely missed his grandchildren’s events. Claude’s humour, heart and mischief will never be forgotten. His laughter lingers in every story told, every memory shared and every smile he left behind.  

A celebration of life has been planned for Saturday, October 11 from 2:00-4:00 p.m., at the Sadie Belle Farm, 1636 Bishopville Road, Bishopville.  All are welcome to attend. Claude loved to watch sports, so guests are welcome to wear a sports jersey, if they choose. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting: www.demontfamilyfuneralhome.ca