The death has occurred of:
Papa DAVIDSON
In Papa’s last awake moments, he worried that no one would come to his funeral. To walk into a chapel filled to capacity was something truly special — something I know would have meant the world to him.
Papa would want to thank everyone who attended his service, the cemetery, and the Everglades afterwards. It was a true reflection of how well thought of he was, and we are so proud of him.
We also want to thank Louise, Malkie, Lawrence and Oisin, who travelled all the way to be with Papa in his final days. Making that journey meant more than we can ever fully express. It is a true testament to the love and regard you held for him, and the love he held for you. Your presence brought great comfort to us all.
To Wayne and the team at Adair & Neely Funeral Directors, thank you for guiding us through such a difficult time with care and professionalism. No request was too big or too small. You brought comfort, compassion, and dignity to every step of the journey.
To the McGinleys SPAR staff, thank you for forming a guard of honour as we walked behind Papa on the way to his service. It meant the world to us that you thought so highly of him and his cheerful morning disposition. Thank you for looking after him each and every morning.
To the staff of Foyle Hospice — especially Mairead and Caroline — thank you for supporting our family through this time. You ensured not only that Papa was comfortable, but that our whole family was supported every step of the way. The kindness you showed us will never be forgotten.
To the urgent care doctors and nurses who came out in their droves, thank you for keeping Papa pain free and for bringing laughter into his final days.
To Quayside Medical, thank you for the constant care and attention you gave Papa throughout his illness. You never made us feel like a burden, always accommodating him — often at very short notice — and guiding us with reassurance and patience. Your support helped us navigate difficult decisions with confidence, and for that we are deeply grateful.
To Siobhan H, Donna M, Siobhan McI, Susan, Siun, Seanan, Jordan, and Oisin, thank you for taking over at the wake and making sure everyone had a cup of tea and something to eat.
To Michael and Martin, there truly are no words. Making an eight-hour round trip — not once but twice — to bring my girls home and then return them, simply so they could be with Papa in his final week, is something we will never forget. Your kindness and selflessness meant our family was complete when it mattered most. That is a gift beyond measure.
To Fr Joe Gormley, thank you for your kindness, for visiting and blessing Papa, and for such a beautiful service. It was the send-off he would have loved.
To Emily Carlin and Damien McAdams, thank you for the heartfelt and beautiful way you honoured Papa during the service. Your chosen songs were delivered with such grace and sincerity, bringing real comfort to our family. The chapel felt full of love, and your voice made it all the more special.
To Jim O'Hagan, thank you for the dignity and emotion you brought to Papa’s final journey. Walking him to the cemetery to Loch Lomond and laying him to rest to Flower of Scotland was nothing short of powerful. The sound of the pipes carried across the cemetery and gave him a send-off full of pride and class — a moment we will never forget.
This past month has been a long one. To everyone who supported myself, my wife, and our children — through the wake, the funeral, lifts, childcare, kind words, and quiet acts of love — please know it has not gone unnoticed.
It truly takes a village, and ours is very special.
Thank you again. And in the famous closing words Papa always used… Toodle-ooo
Papa’s month mind mass will be celebrated this Thursday 19th February 2026 in Holy Family, Ballymagroarty at 5pm. Everyone welcome.