ARTHUR CHARLES WATTS

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

ARTHUR CHARLES WATTS December 9, 1919 - January 21, 2003 Peacefully, at home in Donwood Manor Personal Care Home, Arthur left this world. Born to Charles and Rebecca Watts on Transconas South Side, Art was a "Transcona Boy" who lived in the community for over 80 years. Art completed his senior matriculation at Central School and went on to study auto mechanics at Winnipegs Technical Vocational School but chose instead to pursue an office career. He worked with the Cordite Plant as paymaster before joining the R.C.A.F. as an electrician and serving from 1942 to 1945 in the Yorkshire area of England. It was here that he met a blond, beautiful, Yorkshire lass, Mary Collis, who was to become the center of the rest of his life. They were married August 18, 1945 before Art returned home. Mary followed almost a year later as a war bride. Art and Mary have three sons, Raymond (Betty Ann), Keith and Barry (Diane). He is also survived by grand-children, Aynsley, Russell, and Dorian; and great-grandchildren, Evelyn and Caitlin. He will be sadly missed by Harry and Dorothy Collis and Richard and Celia Jones in England. Art was predeceased by his parents, sister Jessie and daughter-in-law Erna. Art cherished time at the family cottage that he built with his father at West Hawk Lake. When the boys were young often took them on adventure tours down the back roads never knowing where or when the road would end. Although he never left Transcona, Art loved to travel. He and Mary enjoyed several trips to England as well as trips to Hawaii and Florida. Before travel became too difficult for Mary they were beginning to enjoy European adventures as well, especially their visit to Venice, and whenever relatives from England arrived it was time for a trip out West. In his youth Art became a regular at the Pirates Community Club where his love of sport, especially hockey, was nurtured. He returned to the club with his sons and neighbourhood child-ren often waking early to clear the ice or to drive players to an away game. It was here too that he honed his cheerleading skill - a skill that served him well at Jets, Moose and Bomber games and in front of the TV. After the war Art worked briefly at the Cordite Plant before joining the Town of Transcona as Building Inspector/Assessor. With the coming of Unicity he moved to the City of Winnipeg business assessment branch where he was employed until his retirement in 1985. In his early 50s he took up the challenge of earning his ACI designation, transforming his years of practical assessment experience to become an Accredited Appraiser. He was a founding member of the St. Boniface Hospital Pain Clinic and for many years served as a Neighbourhood Watch block captain. The latter was well suited to his outgoing personality. Art liked nothing better than an opportunity to chat with neighbours, friends and even strangers wherever he went. The former reflects his devotion to Mary and his desire to do whatever possible to ensure her well being. Even as his own health began to fail he continued as Marys primary care giver and when both moved to Donwood he would often seek assurances that someone was getting her tea, making lunch, and generally making sure she was well cared for. His face always brightened with a smile when she entered the room. Art you are loved and will be missed. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of Arts life will be held Friday, January 24 at 11:00 a.m. at Transcona Memorial United Church, 209 Yale Ave. W., with the Rev. Carol Fletcher leading the service. If friends so desire, donations in Arts memory may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, Donwood Manor Personal Care Home or the charity of their choice. Arrangements entrusted to Knysh Funeral Chapel, 1020 Main St., 582-0973.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 23, 2003