2019-08-07 AUSTRALIA

Thomas More

Br Tom died peacefully and gently this Sunday morning at 5:55 am.

John Rudolph Davidson was born on 2nd July 1928. His father, Ralph, was a tram driver and his mother, Theresa, was a full-time wife and mother to Tom and his five brothers and sisters. Only two are still living – Robert and Barbara. His family lived in Mosman so, it was natural that he would attend the local Catholic school, conducted by the Brothers. From there he continued his schooling and completed it at the Mittagong Juniorate.

Entering the Novitiate in 1948, he took first vows on 2nd July 1949. Others in his group include: Gerald Burns, Bill Dillon, Bernie Hatfield, Des Hornsby and Hugh Reilly. He made his perpetual profession at St Joseph’s in 1955 and took the Vow of Stability in 1966.

There was no scholasticate for Tom and the day after profession he found himself at Villa Maria, teaching Primary classes. He stayed there for another five years. He continued Primary teaching at Penshurst, Bondi Junction, Dundas, Queanbeyan, and was Superior and Principal at all of these. He was always, effective, reliable and friendly.

A new phase of Tom’s ministry began in 1974 when he became the Director of St Vincent’s Boys Home Westmead. While challenging, it was a role that by temperament he was admirably suited to. He became a real father figure to the lost boys who inhabited the home at this time. His natural warmth, friendliness and calmness, coupled with his simple, practical ways brought the boys the stability and security that they so needed. During this period, he created lasting friendships, with Brothers, staff and boys.

The 1980s saw phase three of Tom’s Marist life. At a time when there was flux in Formation personnel in the old Sydney Province. Alman Dwyer saw Tom as a steady and reliable influence; and this he was. With John Venard, he formed the vocations team and acted as recruiter. He was Master of Postulants for six years until the end of 1989. His was a simple, solid faith and he shared it with many young people, and through this made a lasting impression.

Tom’s Drummoyne years (1990-2008) was another significant phase. As Superior and then House Manager he was always welcoming and hospitable, greeting visitors and workers with his characteristic smile, laugh and good humour. He was a great support to successive Sydney Provincials – Alexis, Michael, John and Jeff.

Randwick was Tom’s last community, and he helped make it a home for everyone there – Brothers, staff and visitors. As his health failed and strength diminished he never lost his cheerfulness and interest in others.

Tom was many things to many people. But above all, he was a good and loving man, and a faithful Marist Brother.

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