Woodstock pg 10 6-14-12
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- Category: Past Issues
By Ron P. Coderre
Tiny Woodstock Golf Course will never be the same after June 8, 2012, following the death of its “perennial champion” Richard “Dav” Davignon at age 71.
“Dav” could best be described as a regular guy, but in his own inimitable fashion you always knew he was around. In a group, primarily at the golf course, he easily became the center of attention. Undisputedly he was the top golfer at Woodstock. By the same token he was also the top “jokester” and “prankster” at the fabled nine-hole layout that been around for more than 100 years.
Troubled by a myriad of medical issues, which were basically untreatable because of the way they were interrelated, Davignon persisted in his love of golf and life. In fact, he was a member of a foursome comprised of Tom Kenyon, Bill Zamagni and Rich Murray, at 12:30 p.m. on June 7, the day prior to his death. The group played nine holes with Davignon posting the low score.
“Dav was a terrific guy, totally uninhibited. He didn’t let his illnesses get in the way of his life. And if you didn’t know him and met him for the first time, you’d think he didn’t have a care in the world. His presence will be dearly missed by our group, which gathers at the first tee every morning for our daily golf ritual,” said Bill Zamagni.
Until he was taken down by his medical conditions in 1998 Davignon had a 20-year career at the former Wycoff Steel in Putnam and then worked for many years at Cranston Print in Webster.
“Dav was a straight shooter and you always knew where you stood with him. His heart was made of gold and he would do anything to help anybody. He loved Woodstock Golf Course like he owned it and enjoyed the company of the many friends he had there. He will be missed,” said Woodstock golf professional Eric Sarette.
In a tribute to “Dav” the group of golfers he regularly played with at Woodstock Golf Club gathered on the first tee on Saturday morning, the day following his death. Prior to teeing up their first drives, they came together forming a circle, while holding hands and observed a moment of silence in memory of their “champion.”