BASIL DAVENPORT

April 2, 2021

Basil Davenport, formerly of Kincardine, died at Tiverton Park Manor, Friday, April 2, 2021, in his 83rd year. Born in 1938 at Wimpole Home Farm, United Kingdom, he was the youngest of seven children. An explorer from a young age, at 21, he joined the Royal Air Force and travelled the world. During these travels, he met the love of his life, Sheila. They were married within the year in Cyprus. Following the birth of their eldest son, Andrew, they moved to a farm in Wales where their family grew, as first, Sarah then Robert joined the crew. Outgrowing their Welsh homestead, Basil travelled to Canada to scope out a new farm for his family. In November 1975, just prior to a Bruce County winter, the family moved to the Lake Huron shore, first settling in Kincardine, where Basil worked with Clarence Ackert and was introduced to the challenges of farming through a Canadian winter. The family eventually moved up the shoreline to Saugeen Township, then Derby Township, where Basil continued to farm and work at Morrison’s Home Hardware as a trusted source of handyman advice. In his early 60s, Basil was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. He kept farming until the challenges of the disease made strenuous physical activity too difficult. He and Sheila retired in Owen Sound where, together, they grew beautiful flower gardens and Basil tended his vegetable garden. Over the past few years, Basil has fought the ravages of this disease: working hard to maintain his dignity, modifying his lifestyle and environment, so he could continue to live a full and active life. In September, 2020, he and Sheila moved full circle, returning to Kincardine Township (Tiverton Park Manor) where he died at the Huron Shores Hospice, Friday April 2, 2021. The last of his siblings, he is survived by his partner in life, Sheila; three children, Andrew, Sarah (Matthew Harvey), Robert (Tracy Kubesheskie); and his much-loved granddaughter, Bronwynne Harvey (Dylan Thompson). Basil was predeceased by his six siblings, but is survived by their descendants, his many nephews and nieces, their children and grandchildren. A gentle, quiet soul, he taught us to work hard with purpose, explore, care for all living creatures, and stay close to nature; as well as the value of a simple life, to make delicious soups, and 101 ways to use a piece of baler twine. In lieu of flowers, and in memory of Basil’s courageous battle with Parkinson’s Disease, donations to the Parkinson Canada Research Program or to the Huron Shores Hospice, would be appreciated. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the Brian E. Wood Funeral Home. Interment, Mount Pleasant Cemetery, Owen Sound. Private family service to be held Monday, April 5, 2021, at 1 p.m. Visit Basil’s on-line memorial at www.woodfuneralhome.ca.