THe Essence of Bob Davis

Kind ~ Generous ~ Flexible

Thoughtful ~ Imperfect ~ Open-minded

Bob’s mother was a client of mine; we met at a client event. Interestingly, we discovered many similarities when we compared notes about our lives. We both went to Sheridan. We use our skills for charitable causes we believe in and want to support. When we realize how similar our journeys have been, we chuckle about several other, more private things.

Bob is also one of the first people I go to when I need technical support, especially if it is an Apple-related issue—iPhone, iPad, or watch. He is my first go-to person for advice, so much so that I have a nickname for him: “MacMan.”

He is a fount of information on many subjects. His knowledge of music never ceases to amaze me, whether it is about music theory, creating, playing numerous instruments, or recording, which is Bob's passion.

You should see how excited he becomes when you talk to him about another of his passion topics, Public transportation. It is delightful.

We have collaborated on several creative projects. We recorded a presentation called “In the Footsteps of the Romans.” It was about the Roman Empire at its most significant time—occupying the land mass around the Mediterranean Sea. He has always been my video editor of choice, and it was delightful to watch him in action. Very few people can take something I envisioned and make it a reality.

Bob is also very charitable. He volunteers his time and supports Dancing with Parkinson’s (DWP) as a Participant, board member, and marketing guru. He often creates marketing materials for the cause.

Bob was instrumental in volunteering me to participate as a photographer for numerous DWP activities. I have photographed several DWP events with Bob and donated my now-popular Algonquin Park Photo workshop.

No introduction of Bob would be complete without mentioning his wife, Cheryl. She is a rock and the keystone in the Davis household.

We also need to acknowledge Bob’s journey with Parkinson’s and how he and Cheryl have faced this disease head-on. They are champions. Their determination to deal with their challenges is a testament to them. There is no giving up in this household!

What has been your biggest challenge, and how did you overcome it?

In 2008, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. PD is a neurodegenerative disease which gradually slows you down, making normal movement difficult as the years progress. I have exhibited symptoms since 2004. There are numerous non-motor symptoms as well.

I decided to try not to let the disease get me down. I initially took one day a week off. That grew to a few months and, in 2010, long-term disability until retirement this past July. I accepted and cooperated with my neurologists’ medical diagnoses. I volunteered for studies which were attempting to find a cure. I also joined the Board of Directors of Dancing with Parkinson’s. (www.dancingwithparkinsons.com) I used my photographic and musical skills and experience to pursue a serious hobby, creating audio and video recordings.

In 2017, my neurologist suggested Deep Brain Stimulation surgery, which placed electrodes in my brain and a battery pack in my right chest. I know that I would not be able to function normally without it.

I’ll never defeat PD, but I always start my day thinking, “Never Give Up.”

At some point, you reached a fork in the road. At that moment, it didn’t feel like it, but looking back, you realize it was a significant moment. One that changed your life. Describe yours.

I didn’t know what I wanted to do when I graduated high school. I took a one-year art course at Ryerson (Now TMU) and realized I wanted to do something else. I’d always enjoyed photography (my father was a senior manager at Kodak Canada; at that level, film and processing were free) and found a two-year program at Sheridan College in Oakville. I enjoyed my time at Sheridan and became proficient in photography, having been exposed to cameras of different sizes from 4x5, 120 and 35mm and to a full range of photographic techniques. I processed my film and had a grand old time.

I graduated from Sheridan in 1981 and immediately set out to get work assisting photographers in their professional areas, shooting food shots, fashion, product promotion, and other forms. I thought I had made strides in working regularly for one photographer, but when I arrived at work one day, he pulled me aside and asked if I wanted to buy any of his equipment. And yes, he was shutting down his studio.

I was shocked and tried many other photographers for whom I had worked in the past; none were hiring assistants anymore to adapt to the oncoming recession adequately. I took a job at Direct Film selling film and taking in people’s holiday rolls to make money, but it was not satisfying.

I started a Sociology course through CJRT FM Open College (Now Jazz-FM) and Ryerson (TMU) to fill in time. A lecture was broadcast over the radio every Sunday morning, and if you enrolled, they would mail you readings and tests.

At the time, I didn’t consider the usefulness of one feature of the course: completing it allowed me to earn credit toward a program or degree at Ryerson (TMU) or York University.

As Direct Film dragged on, my father approached me and made an offer that genuinely changed my life. If I wanted to go to university, he would pay the difference between the cost and what I had in the bank. I looked at courses offered at York University and enrolled in a double major program in sociology/urban studies with a minor in music.

I loved university. The breadth of its requirements exposed me to other parts of the academic world, taught me how to express myself better in writing, and taught me critical thinking and creative response. I learned that York University was a decent school with marvellous professors and wide-ranging course offerings.

Another fork in the road was such a life changer in that I was set up for employment – I ended up being hired by Metro Works – the works department in Metropolitan Toronto (The regional government precursor to the current City of Toronto, post amalgamation) When I asked why they liked my interview, they indicated that, in addition to their good impression of me, it was also the course and profs that had helped prepare the way. And, of course, Donald Arthur Davis. Thanks, Dad.

How I met my wife (take an opportunity when it comes along). I played string bass in public school starting in grade 6. When high school came along, I joined the Etobicoke Youth Orchestra. Our conductor was the amazing Barry Gosse, who in the spring of 1979, arranged a trip to Montreal’s St Joseph Oratory to perform in the vast cathedral. Little did I know that a) the string bass section would be placed on the choir bus because there was not enough room on the orchestra bus, and b) one of my fellow bass players would have a thing for choir girls. And therefore, c) Cheryl, my future wife, would flee the seating area where my bass-playing colleague was being an idiot. Cheryl and I spent 6 hours chatting on the bus home. Later, I found out her phone number from another bass player (not all bass players are bad) who knew the conductor of her choir. Our first date was on June 15, 1979 – and we were married on June 15, 1985. 2025 is our 40th!

What is one gem you learned on your journey that you would love to share?

I’ve always been self-critical about what I do, whether it is for work or personal activities. I’d tell a younger me to be less critical about my work and individual staff and to sit back and enjoy the ride. I’ve learned from people I have worked with that I am considered a leader in my field and bring skill and professionalism to all my activities. I’d have to work hard to convince the younger me that this is true.

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