[Garry Richardson]

Received this message through iaido-l. Ted Davis, head instructor at University of Victoria kendo club and also iaido instructor there, passed away last Friday. I'd met him a few times over the years, and he was a dojo-mate of my sensei many years ago at Renbu. He'll be sorely missed.

From Bruce Campbell:

With sadness I pass on this message. Ted Davis was a dedicated martial artist and introduced many people to Iai through his teachings at UBC and then UVic and in the creation of the Canadian Iaido Association under the ZNIR . His influence can be felt by the number of clubs and students he had and the earnestness with which they followed him.

Though we studied the same Iai Ryu (MJER), Ted and I never practiced Iai together - our kihon are radically different - but we always took the time for keiko when we met at kendo events and through those brief encounters we maintained a friendship that lasted more than 20 years. I shall miss him.

Regards
Bruce in Vancouver

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As you know, in early June, Ted had an operation to remove a tumor from his spine. This left him with minimal ability to use his legs. It turned out that this tumour was caused by a very aggressive cancer. After a month in hospital, he came home, where he was comfortable and happy. He worked hard to get more movement back into his legs, with some success.

But the cancer came back and he had to return to hospital. We knew that he had limited time left and brought him home after 10 days. He had two days at home, supported by me, Logan, his daughter, Jeannine, Logan¹s mother, and Sue, his sister.

Yesterday, Friday, he died.

Although Ted lived only 60 years, he lived it to the fullest and accomplished more than most people could imagine. He had a strong influence on the lives of a great many people. He was a teacher right to the end *whether it be iaido, kendo, biology, philosophy, or just sharing his understanding of life as he knew it.

I cannot tell you how much I will miss him, as will all of you. But his spirit lives on in each of us, and each in our own way.

We will be holding a memorial service for him this month* the date is not yet chosen but we will let you know. If you would like to send flowers, please wait till then so many people can enjoy them. We are also planning to set up a Ted Davis Biology Scholarship fund as an alternative to flowers. More later when the date is chosen.

Thank you for all your well wishes during the past few months. Ted received them all and was happy that so many of you cared so deeply.

Sincerely,
Colleen Kasting

[Battwenue]

Damn I hate reading these things.

I'm sure that his life was an inspiration to many and hope that his death was too.

It is easy to forget how fleeting this thing is and how important is is to make the best of every single moment.

My best wishes to his family and friends.

[EspanaCamsInfo]

My best wishes to his family and friends... sounds like a great man.

[GAGNAPPEAPH]

Best wishes to his family and friends too.
It's sad to read this kind of things, but as it is said, it's important to admire what he had accomplished.

[HassFks]

Sad. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Gone in body but present in spirit through others. We should all aspire to such a wonderful legacy.

[Msrwbdas]

I met him and had the chance to train with him at several seminars. He was indeed a great man and a very important person to our dojo in Vancouver.

The Canadian Iaido Association won't be the same and we will miss him.

[Obenuearema]

My condolences to all who knew him.

[Cabinanteerip]

My sincere condolences to the family and friends.
Best wishes.

[joanbertis]

Sad news indeed. My MJER Iaido teacher Wout Verschuren from Eishin-Ryu Belgium spoked in our Dojo with much praise about Mr. Davis. He also said Mr. Davis was an extraordinary Iaidoka, a phenomenal teacher and one of the nicest gentlemen you could ever meet. He was the one that putted my teacher to the right track on MJER and opened the doors for him to the ZNIR and Seitokai etc...

In de Belgian Eishin-Ryu Dojo, we did a very long Mokuso the first training after the said news and he arranged a special mini seminar on saterday 18 august 2007 from 8.30AM until 6.00PM. All the money he collected from the seminar is going straight to the Ted Davis Foundation. At the end of the seminar, all the participants performed one kata in pure silence for Mr. Davis.


I can truly see that it really gets to Wout, he obviously knew him well...

[PersonalLoansBank]

My condolences to everyone who knew him, specially his family