ALBERT ANGUS WATSON

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ALBERT ANGUS WATSON On April 22, 2006 a gentle heart ceased beating. At 93 years, Albert Abb left us to continue his journey with his beloved wife Polly, after their earthly parting in 1998. Albert was born on July 7, 1912, to Edmund and Alice (nee Preston) on the farm in Scotch Bay, where he spent his life. As part of a large family, his youth brought many adventures with his siblings and many fond memories. Having infantile polio left him with a life-long limp. A childhood game of shinny (where a can was hit with a stick), resulted in a piece of bark striking one eye and causing its blindness. Yet, he continued his life without complaint or self-pity. Abb was involved in mixed farming and shared his passion with Pauline Christine Fontaine after their marriage on October 21, 1944. Milking cows, picking frogs, trapping, hunting, plucking ducks, geese and poultry for hunters and neighbours to produce from a huge garden, helped to sustain them and children, Christine, Ted and Linda. He took pride in his Shorthorn herd and later graciously converted to Limousin with son Ted. A life built on a strong work ethic, a keen sense of humour and the determination to make the best of any situation held Grandpa in good stead. His enjoyment of reading, playing cards, numerous word games and puzzles and a good discussion encouraged his sharp mind. He enjoyed time spent with family and friends, farming, going to bingo with Grandma, hockey games, gardening, watching calves frolicking in the spring and a host of other interests. Time spent with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought a special glow to his face. He particularly loved being outside, a trait passed on to other generations. He was often found happily whistling as he set about some task. After a stroke at 89 years, Grandpa lived with Ted and wife Linda. In 2003 when grandson Darryl struggled with an aggressive cancer, Grandpa, too, was hospitalized. A move to the Lundar Personal Care Home (LPCH) left a deep and painful void at home. Yet, Grandpa's nature allowed this transition. He spoke fondly of the staff, appreciating their humour and good natured teasing as well as many arm wrestling bouts. It is our wish that others have learned from this gentle man: To remember there are those who TRULY appreciate the simplest kindness; to accept and adjust to change in a positive light; to enjoy and embrace life with humour and integrity. Grandpa came home to spend his remaining time with his family. He was happy and content again to hear the sound of the tractor, birds singing, the warmth of the sun and daily doses of music, jokes, laughter, readings and lots of love. He truly enjoyed and listened intently to phone conversations with brother-in-law Kris Thorkelson, favourite cousin Gladys Watkinson, daughter Christine and niece Ruth Baxter, as well as messages from many others. He was delighted to be re-united with nephew Leo Yuskin (and family) who came from BC to see him again. Daughter-in-law Linda felt it was a profound honour to be able to spend this remaining time with such a remarkable man. Albert was predeceased by wife Polly; an infant daughter; grandson Darryl; siblings Frederick Edmund (infant), Will, Arthur, Herb, Charlie, Walter, George, Lister, sister Mary Ross, also Reg Snowdon, as well as numerous relatives and friends. Left to cherish his memory, son Ted (Linda), granddaughter Patricia (Robby), great grandchildren Bryce and Halli, granddaughter Cheryl (Mike) and great-grandson Nick; grandson Jason; granddaughter Pam (Andy), great-grandchildren Jared, Blake, Shawn and Keira; daughters, Christine Snowdon and Linda Steele; sister Alice (Kris) Thorkelson; brother-in-law Theodore (Theresa) Fontaine, as well as countless relatives and the many who where endeared to him. Honorary pallbearers are those in attendance. At Albert's request, cremation has taken place.The interment will be held at 11:00 a.m, on Friday, June 2, 2006 at Scotch Bay Cemetery. A celebration of life will follow at 2:00 p.m. that day, at the Eriksdale Recreational Centre with Pastor Bill Watson officiating, with lunch to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations would be gratefully accepted by the Eriksdale Hospital Guild in care of Irene Sigurdson, PO Box 474, Eriksdale, MB R0C 0W0, or Highway 6 Palliative Care, PO Box 327, Ashern, MB R0C 0E0. Arrangements by ARNASON FUNERAL HOMES LTD. Ashern - Lundar 1-204-768-2072

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 06, 2006