DR. ALAN R. WATKINS

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DR. ALAN R. WATKINS Dr. Alan R. Watkins of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia passed away peacefully in his 87th year on Monday, January 23, 2012 at Veteran's Place at the Yarmouth Regional Hospital after a long struggle with Alzheimer's disease. Born in Brandon, Manitoba on August 3, 1924, he was the son of the late Herbert and Winnifred (Burnett) Watkins. Alan was an excellent cyclist, skier, swimmer and platform diver while growing up. He joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1941, was stationed out of Halifax and St. John, and served until the end of the war. He met and married his wife, Edith, in St. John, NB and they returned to Brandon after the war so Alan could continue his education. Their son Terry was born during their time in Brandon. Alan then entered the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College and Graduated as a Doctor of Chiropractic in 1950. Upon graduation he returned to the West and established his successful practice of 42 years in Winnipeg Manitoba. Alan is survived by his beloved wife Edith, his son Dr. Terry Watkins, his daughter-in-law Maureen, four grandchildren, Kristen (Kit), Bradley, Paul and Colleen, a sister, Joyce Almond of Oshawa and his Aunt Irene Simpson of Ottawa. He was predeceased by an infant son, Barry, a brother, Raymond, and a sister, Frances Old. Alan was active in his profession serving as Registrar and Board Member of the Manitoba Chiropractors' Association, and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Chiropractic Association and of the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College. He was considered to be an outstanding chiropractor who continues to be remembered by those he helped over his years in practice. Alan received many awards in practice including a life membership in the Manitoba and Canadian Chiropractic Associations. He had a great love of golf, curling and opera. He and Edith were members of the Southwood Golf and Country Club of Winnipeg for 50 years. After Alzheimer's began to take over his life, Edith and Alan decided to move to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia to join their son Terry and his wife Maureen. He spent one year at the Villa Acadienne in Meteghan. Alan and his family were so grateful for the wonderful caring staff at the Villa. Alan spent the next four years at Veteran's Place in Yarmouth. All who encountered Alan got to know a man with a great sense of humour, great dignity and a caring soul. The family would like to express their appreciation to the nurses and staff of Veteran's Place for the special loving care they provided for Alan and for the kindness they showed to the family. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Sweeny's Funeral Home and Crematorium. There will be no funeral service. At a later date Alan will be laid to rest in Brandon, MB beside his infant son. Donations in memory of Dr. Alan's life may be made to the Alzheimer's Society of Nova Scotia, to the Canadian Chiropractic Research Foundation or to a charity of your choice. On-line condolences may be sent to: sweenysfh@eastlink.ca or you may sign the guestbook on-line at: www.sweenysfuneralhome.net

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 28, 2012