VERN WATSON

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VERN WATSON It is with sadness that the family of Vernon Grant Watson announces his passing on Friday, July 8, 2016, at the age of 92, after a brief illness. Vern passed peacefully in his sleep at Worthington Pavilion in Abbotsford, BC, where he resided. Predeceased by his wife Vicki; parents, William and Mary Watson; brothers, Arnold, Alvin, Glen; sisters, Edna, Phoebe, Ada. Vern will be lovingly remembered by his children, Grant (Sandy), Kelly (Tara-Dawn) and Scott; grandchildren, Nathan (Amanda), Brandy (Bryan), Shane, Kari (Wes), great-grand-children, Brady, Simon and Gabriel; as well as very close friends, Ron and Deb Barbon. Vern was born in Brandon, MB, on March 22, 1924 and raised in Plumas, MB on the family farm. He joined the armed forces in 1943 and served four years. After leaving the forces he became a stationary engineer in Portage la Prairie, MB where he was employed by the Manitoba and Federal governments until his retirement. Vern also started a roofing company in Portage that became Watson's Roofing. Vern moved to Abbotsford, BC in 1987 where he lived until his passing. He was very proud of his athletic accomplishments that included baseball, fastball, golf, curling and darts. He was known as one of the best fastball pitchers of his era winning multiple local and Manitoba Championships with the Portage Mercurys. One of his fondest memories was out dueling Eddie Feigner's King and His Court team. Vern was inducted into the Manitoba Softball Hall of Fame in 2003. A private memorial service will be held in Portage la Prairie for family members. Memorial donations may be made to the Manitoba Softball Hall of Fame Memorial Fund at 321-145 Pacific Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 2Z6.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 14, 2016