Family's beautiful tribute to Colonel Eric W. Davidson MBE

Colonel Eric died on Thursday, May 12 after fighting a brave battle with cancer, at the age of 84.

The honoured gentleman, known throughout the town is being commemorated and remembered as one of Bury’s "greatest, nicest, gentlest, finest and loyal men".

Following the news, those who knew him, and whose lives he touched, have remembered his work for them, for the town and his smile and sense of humour.

Now his family have issued their own beautiful tribute as they announced the funeral service.

In a statement, the family said: "Our patriarch passed away peacefully on the morning of Thursday 12th May surrounded by his family.

"He fought a brave battle with cancer but he is now at peace and reunited with loved ones who have gone before.

"Eric leaves behind a loving family, he was a devoted to husband to Marjorie a loving father to Glenn, Michelle and Beverley who sadly passed away last May.

"Dearly loved grandad to Natalie, Stacey, Matthew, Daniel and Danika and a very much loved papa to Bradley, Che, Blake, Nevaeh-Effy and Willow.

"Not only was he a legend to us but also to the town and beyond and are immensely proud of the person he was and all his achievements throughout his life and we are sure his legacy will continue.

"The family wish to share Eric’s funeral arrangements for those that wish to pay their respects."

The service will be held Wednesday, June 1 at 12 noon at Bury Parish Church followed by a committal at Radcliffe Crematorium at 13:30.

The wake will be held at Castle Armoury (Drill Hall) at 3pm.

Family flowers only and donations if so desired to The Poppy Appeal or The Christie NHS Foundation Trust care of the funeral director.

All enquires to The Co-Operative Funeralcare 22 Silver Street, Bury, BL9 0EX.

The statement concludes "Finally Eric’s wife Marjorie would personally like to thank all those who have sent cards, letters, flowers and messages of condolence."

Eric settled in Bury in 1963, and began planning Bury’s remembrance parade in 1967 and continued to do so for almost half a century.

He worked as an accident prevention officer for Bury Police, helping to ensure the route was safe and arranging the necessary highway closures, became a member of the Regimental Council in Lancashire, the founder and president of the Band and Corps of Drums of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (Lancashire) and the Deputy Lord Lieutenant in 2002.

In June 2008, he was made an MBE and an Honorary Freeman of Bury in 2015 on his return from Turkey, where he had been with the civic party to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Fusiliers’ landing at Gallipoli.

Colonel Eric Davidson launches the 2018 poppy appeal with Mayor of Bury Cllr Jane Black.

The Fusiliers Museum also shared their tributes saying: “It is with immense sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Colonel Eric Davidson MBE, DL.

“Colonel Eric has been a key supporter and trustee of this museum for the last 25 years.

"We owe so much to him for his continued support, guidance and friendship over the years and he has undoubtedly played a fundamental role in our success.

“He is also well known for his contribution to the Regiment and the Army Cadet Force which during the last five decades he served as an officer in 5RRF and as Deputy Commandant for Lancashire and Merseyside ACF.

"We must also not forget his part in the success of The Band and Corps of Drums of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers (Lancashire) which he founded in 1997.

“We all have so many happy memories of Colonel Eric which we will treasure forever but the museum and the town of Bury will not be the same without you!

“We will all miss you Eric, your smile, your humour, your support but most of all just you. Thank you for everything!"

MP for Bury North, James Daly, also shared a tribute via Facebook, commenting: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Lieutenant Colonel Eric Davidson.

“Colonel Eric has been a stalwart of our town for many decades and is best known for the organising of the annual Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.

“My thoughts and I’m sure of everyone’s in Bury, Ramsbottom and Tottington are with Colonel Eric’s family at this extremely sad time.”

Raising a toast to a true legend, gentleman and Bury's 'champion of the armed forces' Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Eric Davidson MBE, DL who sadly passed away this morning. pic.twitter.com/KpgMx4a14O

— Annabelles Challenge Vascular EDS Charity 💜 (@AJsChallenge) May 12, 2022