ALFRED LORNE WATTS

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ALFRED LORNE WATTS November 14, 1929 - February 28, 2006 Alf lived a life that made a difference. He was a compassionate man, loyal friend, kind human being, and generous individual. Above all else Alf was about devotion to his family. Anyone who spent any time with Alf recognized immediately his intelligence, dry sense of humour, quick wit and love of life. He could be found on any given afternoon poring over a crossword puzzle, or puttering around his yard while feeding the wildlife. Alf married the love of his life, Freda on January 28, 1950. Their relationship was one of respect, support, adventure and living in the moment. After several moves in the early years of their marriage, they settled in Windsor Park in 1961 where they have remained. After a brief career in the farm implement business, he went on to a sales career in the office equipment field, first with A. Lloyd Clark Company and later he founded Q Data Systems in the late 1970s. Alf was the quintessential entrepreneur, in part, because he preferred giving orders to taking them, but was always acutely aware of his responsibilities to his employees. Alf was passionate about golf, not as good as he wanted to be but passionate nonetheless. He was fortunate enough to have had a hole in one on his favorite golf course, Pine Ridge (the 7th hole); a highlight of any golf career. He was a Winnipeg Jets and Blue Bomber season ticket holder for many years. Alf loved the home town teams when they were winning. Alf also dabbled in the horse racing industry, as a bettor and an owner, and never had much luck with either. But he loved it. After a brief illness and courageous battle, Alf passed away on February 28, 2006 at the St. Boniface Hospital. Alf is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Freda; daughter Carol (Larry) Robinson, grandsons, Christopher (Tomomi) and Matthew (Tara); son, Bryan and granddaughter Marnie and daughter Barbara (Brent) Gamey and grandchildren, Jaclyn and Garret, as well as his only brother Bill and wife Gerry Watts and their children, Bill, Linda, Beverly and Patti. Alf is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family. Alf was predeceased by his mother Dorothy (Hemsworth) and father Herbert. In acknowledgement of Alf's love for animals, the family requests that donations be made to the Winnipeg Humane Society. As per Alf's wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of Alf's life will be held on Sunday March 5 at the Norwood Hotel, 112 Marion St., at 2:00 p.m.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 03, 2006