Arthur Harley Davidson was born March 28, 1914 and died April 16, 2011.  He is predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Clara Davidson; his sister, Margaret; his brother, James; his son, John McClay Davidson; his wives, Janet Harris, Francesca (Peter) Eschweiler, and Gertrude Barrett.  He is survived by his daughter, Mary L. Davidson; eight grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and his very special caregivers, Vickie and Leslie Antonneau.

One of Mr. Davidson’s treasured memories is of his childhood summers spent at Lake Ripley with his sister, Margaret and his cousins, Tiger and Johnny Marx.  In his recollection, “We really lived the Mark Twain experience.”

Mr. Davidson attended Washington High School and graduated from Milwaukee University School (now the University School) and Dartmouth College.  In 1941, he and William Wenthe started a company called Wenthe-Davidson Engineering Company that celebrates seventy years in business this year.

Mr. Davidson had a lifelong love affair with golf.  He was an excellent golfer from a young age and was still shooting his age when he was in his 80’s.  And, he loved all things Scottish:  golf, Robert Burns, bagpipes, and the Davidson tartan.

Mr. Davidson was active in the Milwaukee community, serving on numerous boards, and supporting organizations, especially the Milwaukee Boys Club, the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra (founded by his wife, Peter, as Music for Youth), Alverno College, and Milwaukee Hospital.

In 1973, he and his wife, Peter, built a home in the US Virgin Islands that became one of the loves of his life.  He spent many happy times there, fishing, swimming, sailing, and generally living the simple life.  And, he and Peter were active supporters of the St. John School of the Arts.

Mr. Davidson was a warm, friendly, and fair man who chose to do business on a handshake.  He believed that business and personal relationships should be based on trust, and his were.   He will be greatly missed by those he leaves behind.

Funeral arrangements:  Visitation Wednesday, April 27, 2011 from 4-7 PM; Thursday, April 28 at 10 AM; funeral at 11 AM, First Congregational Church of Oconomowoc.  Arrangements by Schmidt and Bartelt, Inc, Oconomowoc.

Those who choose to attend his funeral are requested to wear a touch of red, his favorite color.  And, those who have a special memory to share are asked to write it down and bring it to the church for the grandchildren’s scrapbook.

Memorials to the Milwaukee Boys Club, the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra, and the St. John School of the Arts are preferred.