“Photography is a love affair with life.” – Burk Uzzle

Cindy had many moments in her life where she would pause, or stop the car on the side of the road, or gather people’s attention and then she would take a picture. It was a pastime that she enjoyed and to be honest, she was good at it. Not only did she like to take pictures but she also made sure she was in them as well, often asking a stranger for their assistance. Every picture had a story. Thankfully, these pictures will continue to facilitate many stories for Cindy’s friends and family in the years to come.

Cynthia Gail McNair was born on July 12, 1962 in Lethbridge, Alberta. She, along with her younger sister Jan, were raised solely by their mother Christena (Chris) McNair. The three of them remained in the Lethbridge area until Cindy reached grade six whereby they moved to Meaford. In her own words she was “Good Alberta Stock!” Sadly, Cindy’s mother suffered from the mental disorder, Schizophrenia and life at home was not always easy for the girls. In 1978 Cindy was taken in by foster parents Gilbert and Anita Bouchard in Walkerton. She quickly became one of the family, joining the Bouchard children, Dennis, Darryl and Jocelyn. Although her time there was short, only spanning a couple years, she remained close with the family for her entire life. After leaving Walkerton she finished high school in Port Elgin, at Saugeen, and graduated in 1982. She then enrolled in the nursing program at Georgian College in Owen Sound before later transfering to Administration.

Cindy soon settled in Paisley as she began working at the Royal Bank. Her athletic gifts allowed her to easily immerse herself in the community. She soon became involved in the Ladies Fastball league and also enjoyed curling. While working, she was introduced to one James Henry Davey and in perfect Cindy fashion she blurted out, “aahhh, you smell good!” As fate would have it, their paths continued to cross and they eventually began to date in 1992. The couple were married by Rev. Rounding at Knox United Church, Paisley on September 17, 1994. Their witnesses were Les Ribey and Robin Campbell.

By this time Cindy had switched jobs and she was now a secretary for Ontario Hydro. In later years it became Bruce Power and her role became Administration Assistant. She retired in April of 2016 after 28 years.

Once married the couple resided on James’ farm on Sideroad 30 in Bruce Township. Here they began their life together and their family. Devin soon joined them on November 30, 1996 with Spencer following on May 16, 2000. Life on the farm was busy, but Cindy continued to get out curling a couple nights a week and became a Beaver/Scout/Air Cadet leader as the boys grew. Apparently one condition of their marriage was that James had to take one week off in the summer. This often meant the family packed up and headed north to cottage country. Wigamog was a popular destination, but as long as it had a lake, a loon, food and water, Cindy was happy! The Daveys also occasionally headed south in the winters, often enjoying the Caribbean. Family trips to Disney in 2008 and Cancun in 2014 were favourites of hers as she enjoyed sharing it with her entire family AND she was able to swim with the dolphins! All of these moments were captured on film, as well as many others, including abandoned silos (just ask the boys) with literally thousands of pictures taken and collected over the years.

To be honest, Cindy’s family was her world! Whether it was spending time with James, the boys, her nieces and nephews, the Bouchards or in-laws, family came first! She was particularly close with James’ father, Alvin. He became a father figure in her life and wasn’t afraid to give her advice. One that came to mind was, “don’t ever learn how to drive a tractor,” apparently Cindy listened. She made a point to try and keep in touch and see everyone. She was social, approachable and loved conversation. She could make friends with anyone and often encouraged those around her with comments like, “those are the friends we haven’t met yet.” As James maybe put it best, “she could cut quite a swath” when conversing with others. Being outgoing, she was always putting others before herself.

It has been said that redheads might have a temper and Cindy was no exception. The boys often jokingly referred to her as “The Boss Lady” a term she apparently did not like! She was also known for her heavy foot, with a co-worker giving her the nickname Cindy Andretti. In her free time she enjoyed gardening, particularly her lilacs, and puttering around the house. She loved the colour green and appreciated everything Fall had to offer, especially the colours and scenery. Apparently she could mix a mean Caesar but also wasn’t afraid to enjoy a few of them herself as well! When it came to TV, it was usually a drama, which she would usually binge watch. She enjoyed listening to anything bagpipes but also heavier music as well, with George Thorogood’s “Bad to Bone” being a favourite.

Cindy tried to lead by example, particularly with her children and more recently her grandson. In her eyes if you were going to do something, do it right the first time and always mind your manners. She also recently celebrated eight years of sobriety and was very proud of her involvement with the AA organization locally. Retirement also allowed for further learning and opportunities. She became a certified foot reflexology practitioner in 2017. This meant welcoming clients into her own home, but also getting out to visit some of them as well. She also sold DoTerra Essential Oils. Retirement also meant more time for her great-nieces and nephews and her grandson Ethan. She treasured the time she was able to spend with all of them and always looked forward to her next visit.

Sadly, Cindy’s life was cut short and she passed away suddenly on Thursday, June 28, 2018 at the young age of 55.

Beloved wife of James. Loving mother of Devin (Kristin Stewart) and Spencer. Cindy absolutely cherished her young grandson Ethan. Sister of Jan Engel of Owen Sound and special aunt to Jen, Travis, Jessica and their families. She will be missed by James’ siblings Elroy, Sheila (Jerry) Burrows, Nancy Steinbach (Jim McLiwain), Thomas (Theresa), Delbert (Kim) and Brent. Cindy will be forever remembered by the entire Bouchard family as well as her extended family and close friends. She was predeceased by her mother Christena McNair, foster father Gilbert Bouchard, in-laws Alvin and Margaret Davey, foster brother Darryl Bouchard, and sister-in-law Wanda (Larry) Machan.

Visitation will be held at Knox United Church, Paisley (399 Goldie St.) on Wednesday from 6 – 9 p.m. and again on Thursday from 6 – 9 p.m. A funeral service celebrating Cindy’s life will be held at the Paisley Curling Club (391 Queen St. N.) on Friday, July 6, 2018 beginning at 2 p.m. At Cindy’s request an “Irish Wake” will follow until 7 p.m. Cremation will follow.

Memorial donations to The Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.