Proud Motherwell ex-pat who held top global post has passed away in Belgium

A Motherwell ex-pat who went on to hold a top post in one of the world’s leading chemical companies has passed away.
Robert DavisRobert Davis
Robert Davis

Robert Crowe Davis passed away in his own home in Belgium on Sunday March 7, following a short illness.

Born in Motherwell in the shadow of the steelworks, he spent his early years in Croydon before returning to Motherwell to finish his schooling. Here he shone at Dalziel High School where he was dux and became the first of his family to attend university.

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In addition to obtaining a Bachelor’s degree and subsequently a PhD from Edinburgh University in 1975, he also captained the University’s Football first eleven.

He began work at Esso Chemical as a salesman thereafter where his talent for business and work ethic shone; rising through the ranks whilst relocating across the globe to become Global Technology Vice President of Exxonmobil.

His working life had taken him to locations as Southampton, the United States with postings in Texas and Louisiana plus Brussels.

Retiring in Belgium he steadfastly continued to support Motherwell and Crystal Palace Football Clubs, often in spite of their results, and enjoyed travelling the world and spending time with an ever-growing family. His son Dr Calum Davis said: “Though his time was cut short his legacy continues through his wife Brigitte, six children and ten grand-children."

The Motherwell Times would like to extend its condolences to the family.

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