Colin J. Davidson

Colin's life began on July 12, 1946, in London, England, the son of John Henry and Lilian Sarah Davidson. At the age of five, his family moved to Ockenton, where he attended primary school and spent most of his youth. Colin enjoyed school and excelled in his studies, an avid reader with a keen interest in world history and math.

When he wasn't buried in a book, you might find Colin on the local football pitch with his mates, or off building dens in the woods near his family home. Summer holidays were spent with his parents and siblings, Lynn and Chris, along the seafront at Southend: ninety-nine ice creams, fish and chips, and sausage rolls shared straight from the paper bag.

At fifteen, he found himself commuting to London for his first job, in the accounting department at Alexander Howden Swan. Colin's intellectual curiosity, tenacity, and gift of gab served him well, and he quickly became a familiar face and respected broker throughout the London market. By nineteen, he held a seat as a broker at Lloyd's of London.

Throughout his career, Colin traveled extensively, establishing lifelong business relationships along the way. He spent several years in Athens, Greece, working with a reinsurance subsidiary, followed by an opportunity to become an associate of Fairway Intermediaries Ltd. in Hamilton, Bermuda.

While on a business trip to Kansas City, Colin found himself at Plaza III the same evening as Julie Ann Peace, and one look across the room was all it took. For once, words failed him, so he leaned over to the stranger seated beside him at the bar and confessed he simply had to meet her. That stranger did what any good wingman would do: he called Julie over and introduced them himself. Forty-three years of marriage followed, all thanks to one bold confession and fate.

What followed was a transatlantic courtship, Julie in Kansas City and Colin wherever his work took him. He made a habit of flying her out to meet him, and the distance never stood a chance. They married and made their first home together in Bermuda. A move to Connecticut followed, where they welcomed their daughter, Chelsea Ann, before the family relocated once more, this time to Kansas City, where their daughter, Brittany May, was born and where they established Davidson and Associates in Overland Park.

Colin's extensive knowledge of the reinsurance industry, and the captive reinsurance business in particular, was widely recognized. He was well respected and regarded as one of the best in his field. His visionary management style was something like an orchestra conductor's, melding talent and strength as the company grew quickly, ultimately becoming Davidson-Babcock, with offices in both Kansas and Nebraska. After fifteen successful years, Colin sold the company and retired at fifty-seven.

His retirement days were rich with travel, golf, car shows, family, and friends. He was a welcomed member of the KC Jaguar Club, serving as President for two years. Fulfilling a childhood dream, he acquired a 1951 Jaguar XK-120, an absolute beauty. His classic vintage Jag was displayed as the centerpiece of Aristocrat Motors' grand opening ceremony in their new Jaguar showroom.

Colin loved life and all those around him. He is remembered as a devoted husband to Julie, and a loving father to Chelsea and Brittany ; they were the light of his life, as were his grandchildren, who knew him fondly as “Papa”.

Despite never losing his English accent, Colin loved integrating into American culture, and one of his favorite holidays became the Fourth of July, which he affectionately called 'British Thanksgiving.' He took the fireworks portion of the celebration seriously, and the family's annual display with family friends, became a yearly tradition. One year his own mother was visiting from England and he set her up a lawn chair in the driveway for a front row seat to the show. When sirens sounded in the distance, everyone scattered: the kids piled into parked cars, the parents fled into the house and pulled the garage door shut; and there sat little English Nanny Lil alone in the dark asking, 'Where did everybody go?', as the local police headlights pulled into view. It became one of the family's favorite stories, and one that still makes everyone laugh.

Colin loved merging his culture and traditions with Julie's American ones. Every Christmas, the family enjoyed a traditional English roast complete with Oxo gravy, Yorkshire pudding, and celebrating with Christmas crackers.

Our dual nationality family has been full of adventure and fun from the beginning: countless laughs and endless love. He lived his life with integrity, courage, and heart, and because of that, our family stands strong.

Colin was preceded in death by John Henry Davidson, Lilian Sarah Davidson, Edward Ehret, Bradley John Davidson and Kerry Louise Adams. He is survived by his wife, Julie Ann Davidson, of the home; Chelsea Ann Davidson-Tripp and John Lee Tripp, Brittany May Lingk and Jason Michael Lingk; nine grandchildren: Thea India Adams, Owen Jack Bowels, Alania Jade Bowels, Saskia Lilly Adams, Rhylie May Adams, Averie Mikayla Lingk, Maisie Ann Tripp, Zoey Madison Lingk and Colin John Tripp; his sister Linda Jean Elves, brother Christopher James Davidson and half brothers Mike Dowling, and David Ehret, and cherished by countless friends and colleagues around the world.

Colin's life carried him across oceans and into so many hearts around the world, and it feels right to honor his memory the same way. In lieu of a formal service, we ask that on he and Julie’s 43rd wedding anniversary, August 16, you light a candle wherever you are, near or far, and take a moment to remember him. Let his light connect us all, just as he always did.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation in Colin's memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, a cause close to his heart. Donations can be made under his name here.

Colin's extraordinary love for our beautiful family, and the beautiful gift of shared memories, will sustain us through this profoundly sad time.

I am forever grateful life led me to you.

— Julie (Ju Ju)

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