John Osborne Davis

John Osborne Davis died peacefully in his sleep on January 17, 2026, with his wife of 60 years by his side.

Born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, on April 4, 1940, to parents Clifford “Hully” Sifton Davis and Margaret Janet Davis (née Saunders), John was predeceased by his brother Hugh and survived by siblings Patrick and Janet.

He leaves behind his loving bride, Pauline Marie Davis (née Arch), children Lara, Richard, and Oona, as well as his grandson Arlo, many beloved family members, and countless friends. He also leaves behind his sweet cat, Mikey.

John had a great sense of humour and a thirst for adventure. He was a scratch golfer, pool shark, dirt biker, snowmobiler, and canoeist. He loved to play cards, read National Geographic, and watch hockey. He reveled in history and geography and made connections with people everywhere he went.

He often reminisced of his days as a youth at Lake Waskesiu, and as a young man dreamed of a life spent travelling the world. Following his sense of adventure, in 1963 he joined the Swedish Merchant Marines and spent the years travelling to, among other places, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. While on a one-week stop in France, he fell in love with a beautiful French girl and refused to leave until she agreed to marry him. It took a year.

John returned to Canada to study law but pivoted into oil and gas and, with his unique skills, became a pioneer in this field. John operated his businesses—Western Land Services, Western Oilfield Environmental Services, and Mineral Consulting Services—in Calgary, where he had a profound influence on many.

John was a protector and a great provider. He taught his children to be kind, generous, and non-judgmental. He instilled in them his sense of adventure, his love of the outdoors, and his—not always appropriate—sense of humour.

He had promised Pauline they would one day return to her homeland. In 2001, they retired to Canmore and simultaneously built their dream home in Ornans, France, where they went on to host many friends and family and continued to create beautiful memories together.

Twenty years ago, John suffered from a series of debilitating strokes. He had to learn to talk and walk again and, for a couple of years afterward, was able to golf with one arm.

For those who knew John, you knew that he was tough as nails. He was loyal, and he loved his friends and family dearly. A man of his word, a fighter, and a force of nature, he stood up for what he believed in and was never afraid to speak his mind. He was a self-described “uncontradicted authority in all matters,” as hilariously noted in his 1959 Campion College yearbook.

John took up the room with his stories and laughter (and size). He never complained about his failing health and remained stoic and caring until the end.

We invite you to join us for his celebration of life on March 8, between 1 pm and 4 pm, at the Canmore Golf and Curling Club. In lieu of flowers, please bring pictures or stories.