The Ballardong community is mourning the recent passing of Mark (Shadow) Davis. Mark is survived by his wife Pat and his five children Mark Jnr, Victoria, Delphine, Marcia and Jermaine.
His work in bringing people together and leading action towards a healthier community for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people will be sorely missed around Northam and wider Ballardong country.
One of 17 children, whilst not the eldest, he quickly developed an instinct for survival and leadership. He shared stories of his several escapades from authorities taking children from their families.
Sport played a pivotal role throughout his years, taking up boxing under the wise coaching of Monty Scott. Northam PCYC travelled as a boxing troupe taking on opponents from Perth and country areas. Shadow was one Monty’s prized fighters. Fitness was a key for Shadow, deliberately not touching alcohol until he was 33 years old.
He pursued his other passions of AFL and cricket following his boxing exploits, coaching football at a young age in Wundowie before being a key in the development of Railways Football Club in Northam, the club forging a reputation as a welcoming inclusive club. Shadow played roles as a player, Trainer, Coach and Committee man. He is remembered as a tough half-back flanker who participated in the 1984 premiership. His two sons, Junior and Jermaine became wonderful contributors at the club also and fond memories remain of the three Davis men being involved side- by-side.
A recent proud moment was the drafting of his grandson Gordon Narrier to North Melbourne and Shadow treasured the drives to Lathlain Park in Perth to watch Gordy in action.
In the summer, Shadow took a keen interest in cricket and trained and officiated as an Umpire in the Northam Cricket Association. Jermaine and Junior represented the Railways Cricket Club withdistinction.
One of Shadow’s finest achievements was the commencement and development of the Ballardong Cricket Academy. He was still Chairman of the Program on his passing. Boasting 4 teams currently, it has provided hundreds of boys and girls a purposeful activity in Northam over the past 9 years.
Discipline and respect are two virtues instilled in the participants from early on as they develop their cricketing skills. The program welcomes Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal players and committee members and the Committee has always maintained the position of Aboriginal ownership of the program which has ensured the participants have connections with their culture.
Mark was extremely proud of his family and was always thinking what was best for them. Our condolences to the Davis family on the passing of Mark.
