Reid Davidson was killed in a car accident in July 2023, and now friends and family and continuing his memory through a charity golf tournament. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW, Nanaimo United)

By Ian Holmes

Remembering Reid

‘It blew up like crazy:’ golf tournament honouring beloved Nanaimo man sees strong support

Jul 11, 2025 | 5:25 AM

NANAIMO — While the life of a beloved member of the Nanaimo soccer community was tragically cut short, supporters vow to carry on his legacy.

The first of a planned annual Reid Davidson Memorial Golf Tournament tees off on Sunday, July 13 at Fairwinds Golf Club in Nanoose Bay, with proceeds going to Mothers Against Driving (MADD).

Davidson, a Vancouver Island University graduate and valued staff member with the Nanaimo United soccer club, was killed by an alleged wrong-way, impaired driver on the Nanaimo Parkway during a late-evening crash in July 2023.

Friend and former soccer teammate Nick Crossen, in conjunction with his wife Aurora and others, teamed up to organize a memorial golf tournament after consulting with Davidson’s parents and MADD.

Organized just three months in advance, supporters stepped to back the Crossen’s advocacy efforts.

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“Within the last month it blew up like crazy, my phone wouldn’t stop ringing people were just registering,” Crossen told NanaimoNewsNOW. “Some of the people coming personally don’t even actually know Reid, but they love the cause.”

Crossen said 160 people are participating in Sunday’s event, including about 130 golfers in the scramble-style tournament, bolstered by corporate sponsorships.

The day-long event is capped by dinner and speeches, with Crossen crediting Fairwinds Golf Club for being so accommodating.

He said MADD is hopeful this can be an annual event, which Crossen fully intends to make happen.

“That’s the goal, we want to keep raising awareness, not just for Reid but for anyone else in this situation. It’s something that should never end and Reid’s legacy shouldn’t end as well.”

Reflecting on many positive past memories, Crossen said he only knew Davidson for about two years, but said it felt like much longer.

Crossen said Davidson was a selfless person, who was fun to be around.

“He made me feel like a friend that you grew up through school and everything: the generosity, the kindness, just so easy going to talk to, and the way that he would help anyone no matter what you needed, he was a great friend.”

Crossen suggests those not directly involved in the tournament who want to support their cause to donate through MADD’s website linked linked here.

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