ALBERT VERNON WATSON

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ALBERT VERNON WATSON It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden and peaceful passing of Albert Vernon Watson, at his residence in Gladstone, MB on March 11, 2006. Vernon was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Catherine Watson; wife Mary nee (Stewart); sister Donna Gesell; sisters-in-law, Kae Watson and Grace Dilley; brothers-in-law, Jake Emisch, Arthur Stewart, and Glen Stewart. He is lovingly remembered by his wife Georgina; his son Ian (Lee) Watson of Gladstone and granddaughter Paula of Vernon, BC; daughter Janis Watson of Ottawa; son Neil Watson of Calgary; son Ken (Kelly) Watson and granddaughter Katie of Calgary; stepson Garry (Barb) Hill and granddaughters, Kylynn, Alyssa and Erin of Langruth; stepdaughter Jo Ann (David) Egilson and grandsons, Kris, Kelly, Alan and granddaughter Jayme of Langruth; stepdaughter Karen (Chris) Mackie and granddaughter Keira of Winnipeg; his brother Alan Watson and sister Ruth Emisch; brother-in-law Harvey Gesell; brother-in-law Stan Stewart; and sister-in-law Isabel Harman, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Albert Vernon Watson was born May 11, 1919 the eldest son of Albert and Catherine Watson in the Deseronto district near Plumas, MB. He received his elementary education there and continued his high school at Gordon Bell High School in Winnipeg. He returned home to the farm for a few years and then enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1941. He served overseas and toured with 138 Special Duties Squadron flying supplies to the underground in Norway, Denmark, Holland, Belgium and France. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and received his discharge in 1945. Vernon married Mary Evelyn Stewart in 1946 and they farmed across the road from the home farm where they raised their family. Mary passed away in 1976. Vernon was always interested in and proud of his children's achievements. He was a dedicated farmer and happy to assist his eldest son on the farm, well past retirement age. He farmed for more than 60 years, retiring in 2004. Vernon married Georgina Hill in 1989. He was proud of his grandchildren and their accomplishments. Vernon was a charter and life member of the Plumas Legion #189. He recently joined Airtime Pilot's and Observer's Association in 2005. Vernon had a keen interest in curling and baseball as well as other sports. In accordance with his wishes, a family memorial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, if friends wish, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba or a charity of ones choice. High Flight Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings; Sunward I've climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds, - and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of-wheeled and soared and swung High in the sunlit silence. Hov'ring there, I've chased the shouting wind along, and flung My eager craft through footless halls of air... Up, up the long delirious, burning blue, I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace Where never lark nor ever eagle flew- And while with silent lifting mind I've trod The high untrespassed sanctity of space, Put out my hand, and touched the face of God Pilot Officer John Gillespie Magee Clarke's Funeral Home of Gladstone in care of arrangements. Messages of condolence may be sent by visiting our website at www.clarkesfuneralhome.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 14, 2006