DONALD HARRISON WATTS

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DONALD HARRISON WATTS Peacefully, with his family by his side, Donald Watts, beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother, passed away at Riverview Health Centre on April 2, 2010. Don will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his wife of 45 years, Elaine, his three daughters and their families, Nancy, Julian and Ethan Burgess; Sandra, Don, Dustin and Brennan Sydor; Allison, Mike, Braden, Carson and Anderson Fischer; his sister and brother-in-law, Peggy and Hugh McIntyre; and his nieces and nephews. Don was born on October 6, 1931 to Josephine and James Watts in Stonewall, Manitoba where he spent much of his youth. He attended Bobby Bend School in Stonewall and entered the School of Pharmacy at the University of Manitoba in 1950. Upon graduation in 1955, Don worked for Marshall Pharmacy in Winnipeg and then moved to British Colombia where he worked as a pharmaceutical sales rep for Eli Lilly. He later returned home, and in 1964, he opened his own business, St. Norbert Pharmacy, where he served the community for 25 years. In 1989, Don sold his business and then began to work for Shoppers Drug Mart in Fort Richmond where he worked for 18 years and retired in 2007. Don's career was important to him and he was honoured to receive an award for his 50th anniversary in Pharmacy. Don was a family man. He married the love of his life, Elaine Shewfelt, in 1965 and resided in St. Norbert where they raised their three daughters. In later days, Don loved spending time with his seven grandsons, attending their sporting events, school concerts and celebrating birthdays in a big way. He expressed his love freely and was always there for his family when they needed him. Don showed a keen interest in all those he met and had a unique way of making people feel special. His warm smile, positive outlook and kind and gentle nature touched the hearts of those who knew him. Don's one of a kind sense of humour entertained us all. Don participated in many special interest groups and had a lifelong love of learning. He was a man of faith and was actively involved in his church. Don was a long-time member of the Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship and acted as an advisor for the Aglow Eastgate Lighthouse. He volunteered for Pharmacists-At-Risk, raised funds for charities and enjoyed his seniors' Toastmasters group. Don took many courses throughout his lifetime and continued to do so through Creative Retirement in later years. He enjoyed exercising at the reh-fit, gardening, summers at Rock Lake and keeping various journals. Don was known to always have a camera on hand and managed to capture so many of life's precious moments. The family would like to express their thanks to the staff at Riverview Health Centre and CancerCare Manitoba for their excellent care and support. A celebration service of Don's life will be held on Tuesday, April 6 at 1:00 p.m. at Springs Church, 595 Lagimodiere Blvd. A private family interment, at Stonewall, Manitoba, will be held on Wednesday, April 7, 2010. If friends so desire, donations may be made in Don's memory to The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba or CancerCare Manitoba. Arrangements by Rock Fontaine (204) 223-2576

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 05, 2010