The commentator introduced Diana Davison to the crowd and, with a short speech that belied the fact that her husband had died just two months earlier, she announced a permanent trophy in Lex Davison's memory to be presented each Easter meeting at Bathurst.
I was so impressed by her presentation that day that I immediately accepted her as the 'First Lady' of Australian Motor Sport. Her gracious manner captivated me, I suppose; but also her bravery so soon after being widowed and her selflessness in giving a trophy aimed at fostering young talent in openwheelers. Just seven weeks after Rocky Tresise had died.
In subsequent times I have met and spoken with the 'First Lady' many times. It has never been a disappointment to be in her presence.
Diana married Tony Gaze some time later and lived with him at Ngambie, about 100 miles north of Melbourne. She watched as two of her sons carried on the family tradition of racing, then as grandsons succeeded in the sport as well.
Today I received the following text message from Jon Davison:
Our dear and esteemed mother, Diana Gaze/Davison passed away last night peacefully at her home, she was 86 years of age. A private family cremation will be held followed by an open service at St Peters, Toorak, later in the week. Details to follow.
Our family mourn the passing of a wonderful mother whose contribution, influence and charm was acknowledged by all.
Mum, we salute you.
Regards,
Jon.
I'm quite sure this will be a blow to Tony, who is at least somewhat frail these days, while many who knew her will recognise her passing as an end to the suffering she's had with cancer over the past year or two. The sad inevitability of this conclusion to the life of this great lady is perhaps made worse by the knowledge that there can be no true successor to her well-deserved title of 'First Lady'.
Remembering back to those black days between Lex's death and Rocky's, the Melbourne newspapers showed just how much of a 'mother' she was. From memory there were eight children, including one pair of twins. The eldest, if I recall correctly, was Anthony, who was there helping in the pits when Jon and Richard were racing. Anthony unfortunately died a number of years ago, something that I have no doubt at all was difficult for Diana.
To the surviving family members and to Tony I offer my condolences. We on the outside cannot fully know what a great role Diana played in your lives, but if what we saw of her was any indication you will be finding this to be a moment of great sadness.
Edited by Ray Bell, 06 August 2012 - 12:26.