Arthur W. Davidson Obituary (1922 - 2015)

Arthur W. Davidson, 92, of Dublin, OH died Monday, September 7, 2015. The kindest, gentlest of men, he is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Betty Berney Davidson, son James Davidson, daughter-in-law Janis Bauer Davidson, daughter Lynne Davidson, five beloved grandchildren, Lauren, Robbie, and Andrea Davidson, and Mikey and Davey Jarrell, sister Rita Davidson Levine, brother-in-law Eagle Levine, and many wonderful nieces and nephews. Arthur was born in Rochester, NY, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School, and attended Harvard Business School and the US Naval Reserve Midshipmen’s School at Columbia University. Arthur proudly served in the US Navy during WWII as Lieutenant Commander on the USS Gosselin, one of the first ships into Tokyo Bay in August 1945, where he and the crew helped to evacuate 8,000 prisoners of war. Arthur was a member of Congregation Beth Tikvah, Worthington, OH, and was honored to serve his community as a president of Congregation B’nai Israel, Jackson, TN. A successful business executive (president of Davidson Steel Corporation, general manager of American Engineered Products, president of Midland Forge, and general manager of CM Chain), Arthur was a “turn-around” expert. He also served on the board of the Forging Industry Association. After retiring in 1991 as an owner of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation, he used his skills and love for business to help others by volunteering for the Small Business Administration’s Service Corps of Retired Executives in Columbus, OH, where he also served as chairman for two terms, and for the International Executive Service Corps, assisting companies throughout Eastern Europe as they joined the market economy after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Of his many career highlights, he participated with other leaders of the Columbus McKinnon Co in a management buy-out of the firm. Several years after his 1991 retirement, the firm was successfully taken public, and exists today as an industry leader. Yet nothing made Arthur prouder or happier than his family. While some will remember him for his distinguished military service or as a successful businessman, most will remember him as a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather who spoke exuberantly about his family members at every opportunity. To say that he will be missed does not begin to express the impact he had on so many people who love him dearly. Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, September 9 at CONGREGATION BETH TIKVAH, 6121 Olentangy River Rd. with Rabbi Rick Kellner officiating. Private interment at Green Lawn Cemetery. Shiva will be observed at the home of Jim and Janis Davidson on Wednesday from 7-9pm. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that you make a donation to the charity of your choice in Arthur’s memory.