The Champany family are very sad to announce Clive Davidson passed away on Friday afternoon, 4 November 2016.
A man of few words, his friendships and opinions were strong and quickly formed, his taste levels were precise and he knew what he liked immediately. Food and wine were his passion.
His knowledge and love of Burgundy and South African wine, combined with Scottish beef and salmon, is why Champany stands here today. His vision, alongside Anne, was to bring the best of Scotland and South Africa to a restaurant.
A palate and nose like few others and an ability to cook a steak to perfection on any grill. Always suspicious of a screw cap wine bottle, he installed in Champany Cellars a sign that stands at the back of the shop, “Screw the cap, long live the cork”. That was the man he was: he believed in tradition; he believed in producing the best.
His dry wit and sense of humour was partnered by his enormous generosity and kindness. His presence was immediately felt as soon as “Mr D” arrived in the building.
For his loyal staff, his friends and family, Clive’s spirit and legacy will always live on at Champany Inn.
For those that met this unique South African gentleman and had the pleasure to encounter the great Clive Davidson, he truly was a proud South African and a Scotsman through and through.
The family will be having a small private funeral. However, a memorial service to which all are welcome will be held to celebrate Clive’s life on Monday 16th January at 12.00 in St Michael’s Parish Church, Linlithgow.
We would be delighted if you wished to leave a public memory of Clive on the form below.
Alternatively you can send a message to the family using the Contact button at the top right hand side of this page.
Clive R. Davidson 
Sorry to hear of your loss.
Thinking of you and the family
Sam & Steve Dailly xx
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So very sad to hear this news. Thinking of Anne, Jason, Anna, Lucy and family. Mr D was so kind and always made me feel very welcome in your home. Love to you all Xxx
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RIP Mr Davidson a lovely man I will always remember my first job washing dishes in the Chop House 28 years ago
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So sad to hear of your loss. I have many very happy memories of Clive and honoured to have known him. Lots of love, Dot xxx
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Our condolences
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Dreadfully sorry to hear this awful news about an exceptional man who brought so much pleasure to so many people as a result of his obsession with excellence. What an inspiration. Thinking of Anne and the family and sending all our love.
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Dear Anne and family, Mary and I and all the entire V&C family send you all our love and deepest condolences on the dreadful loss of dearest Clive. Over the years, when meeting Clive at wine tastings, he was always generous with his knowledge and expertise. He was such a gentleman. He was never afraid to speak his mind but always with humility. He was a culinary visionary and was part of the renaissance of quality restaurant food and wine in Scotland for which we all lovers of good food owe him a debt of gratitude.
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Really shocked to hear the news my thoughts to all the family. A true gentleman who was always very kind and supportive of me. Russell (Glencraig Cars)
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SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO ANNE AND FAMILY
CLIVE WILL BE SORELY MISSED,
DENISE & BOBBY CUNNINGHAM XX
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Sad news and our thoughts are with Anne and family. Clive was a real character, always generous and proud of his family and set standards that so many try to emulate but Clive & Anne have always been in the forefront. We always enjoyed visiting and have happy memories of good times. A friend to many and
a loss to Scotland.
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We’re so sorry to hear of your great loss. We’ve seen each other so long ago, and surely not for any bad reasons. Clive will always be remembered by us as somebody with a big heart and somebody who doesn’t take shortcuts. We will always remember and treasure the unforgettable visits to you in Linlithgow and Majorca, and so often replay these memories to each other.
I was just to late to show him that I’ve move back to corks with all my wines.😂
Big hugs to Anne and the kids.
Lots of love.
Bartho, Suné, Pieter Willem & Shani Eksteen
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My first ever holiday abroad was at the age of 12 and we went to Palma Nova to a hotel which is now a retirement block. In the apartments across the road was the Davidson’s. To this day that was still one of the best holidays I ever had and I still laugh when I see the picture of us down at the harbour. Good times!!
Mr D may be gone but he will not be forgotten.
Much love to all the Davidson clan especially Mrs and all the staff at the Champany during such sad times.
Paul, Laura, Cameron & Evie xxxx
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We have enjoyed being residents at Champanys for many years and always return because of the welcome, high standards, attention to detail, excellent service and wonderful food and wine. We were deeply saddened to hear of Clive’s passing and wish the family to know the high regard we held Clive in when meeting him,albeit briefly,on our visits. Our thoughts and condolences are with you all especially you Anne.
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Dear Mrs Davidson and family
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr Davidson and I send you my deepest sympathy for your loss.
You gave me my first job back in the summer of 1987 and was there until early 1990.
I am left with a great memory of working there with yourself and your husband as well as some great people whom I still thiink off all these years later.
Thanks once again and thinking of you all.
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Desperately sorry to hear of the news and it has been my utmost pleasure to have shared Clive’s company especially on my visits to South Africa and our fun days at Lords. A true gentlemen and I feel blessed to have known him and my heartfelt condolences you Anne and the family.
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Dear Anne
We were shocked and deeply saddened today when we learned of Clive’s sudden passing. After our recent conversation, we had hoped that Clive was on the road to a full recovery. When we think of The Champany, we first and foremost will always fondly remember Clive and Anne…..what a team. Clive’s presence will always be there. He was and remains a special gentleman. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Bill & Sandra C.
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Dear Anne
Our thoughts are with you and your family and with Michael and all of the staff at the Champany Inn.
We are sorry we will not be with you at the Memorial Service on Jan 16, 2017.
Yours Always – David and CC Sinclair, Georgia, USA.
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Dear Anne,
I was shocked to hear about Clive’s passing. He will always be remembered as the South African who introduced the large steaks and red wine to the folk at Wyndales in the 70’s. You both gave me my 1st job in the industry and equipped me with the catering skills and standards I have never forgotten.
Take care
Anne Bishop (Howatson)
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Dear Anne and family
We only found out today and are so sorry to hear about your sad loss.
Clive was an exceptional man, a character, generous, inspirational and above all Clive was a man of integrity. We are proud and to say that Clive was a good friend in both business and personal terms.
We spent over forty years in the industry and never found a better or more knowledgeable caterer, the two of you working together were the best we have ever had the privilege of knowing.
RIP special man.
All our love and hope to see you before long.
Malcolm and Jo Oxley
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Dear Anne, So sorry to hear of Clive’s passing. I’m sure your family have been of great comfort during this sad time. Much love, Jannie.
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