In Memoriam: Michael S. Davidson, CHP, CHMM

1958-2012

by Claude Wiblin, CHP

On 8 October 2012 Michael Stephen Davidson, a member of the Health Physics Society (HPS) and the Baltimore-Washington Chapter, the National Registry Radiation Protection Technologists (NRRPT), and the American Nuclear Society, died unexpectedly in his home in Severna Park, Maryland. I think I speak for all who knew Mike that he was a true and trusted friend, professional associate, and inspiration. Mike was both a certified health physicist and a certified hazardous material manager.

Mike was born on 14 December 1958 in Middletown, New York, the oldest son of Janet (McCool) and Richard (Dick) Davidson. He graduated from Severna Park High School in 1976. He studied offshore operations and marine biology at the Florida Institute of Technology, earned a BS degree in vocational education from Southern Illinois University, and earned a master of science in management from Johns Hopkins University. He was the vice president of Radiological Services for Tidewater, Inc., an environmental and nuclear consulting company.

In 2010 Mike was awarded The Charles D. (Bama) McKnight Award, which is presented to persons who have given outstanding efforts in the radiation protection training field leading to increased knowledge and professionalism among radiation protection technologists. Mike was a member of the NRRPT since 1987 and had been a strong supporter of the NRRPT in his efforts to support training for the exam. Mike's contribution to training came in the form of an NRRPT preparation course. Over 1,000 candidates have taken Mike's training course (with over 80 percent passing the exam). Mike had a degree in vocational education; therefore, his teaching style and training was advantageous to the adult population taking the NRRPT exam. Mike also served as chair of the Professional Development Committee of the American Academy of Health Physics.

Mike was a truly happy person who always lived life to the fullest. He loved the outdoors, particularly sailing on the Chesapeake Bay, and held a U.S. Coast Guard Captains License. He enjoyed many athletic pursuits, including biking, boating, scuba diving, hiking, and snow skiing. He was a talented musician who loved to play guitar, bass, and piano and often serenaded his friends and family. He was instrumental in organizing the famous "Open Mic Night" at the annual HPS meetings where he and several HPS musicians would entertain us for hours.

Mike was extremely loving and proud of his two daughters, Emily, who is currently a senior at Villanova University, and Caroline, a junior at Towson University. He is also survived by the love of his life, Diane Brown; his brother Rick and his wife Tina and their son Justin; his brother Andy and his wife Margot and their children, Sarah, Courtney, and Fraser; his parents, Janet and Dick Davidson of Annapolis, Maryland; and his many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends.