DONALD WILLIAM (BILL) WATTS

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

DONALD WILLIAM (BILL) WATTS Donald William (Bill) Watts passed away suddenly at his home in Regina, SK on June 20, 2003. Survived by wife Anna, son Jim and his wife Cathy Plowman, of Toronto, and brother Alan Watts and his wife Toni, of Winnipeg. Bill was predeceased by his parents, George and Harriet Watts of Winnipeg. Bill was born in Winnipeg on July 13, 1927. He attended Isaac Brock and Daniel Mac high schools during the war years, graduating in 1944. It was during his youth that he absorbed his life-long passion for warships and military aviation. In later years, in Regina, he was a founding member of the Roland Groome Chapter of the Canadian Aviation Historical Society. His massive collection of airplane literature has been given to members of the club, with whom he spent many happy hours. In Winnipeg, Bill worked as an estimator for Pilkington Glass. He married Anna Penny in Winnipeg in 1957 and son Jim was born in 1961. They moved to Regina in the early 60s, but Bill never lost his Winnipeg connection. He caught up with Winnipeg events every weekend through the pages of the Winnipeg Free Press. Bill, Anna, and young Jim travelled to Winnipeg twice yearly to see family and, as Bill would say, "to visit bookstores." Bill enjoyed the company of his many nieces and nephews and was a beloved figure in their lives. Nephew Robert (Bob) Andrews, of Winnipeg, delivered a moving eulogy at the funeral. Later, friends and family, many from Winnipeg, were all invited to take home part of Bills extensive library. Bill spent his boyhood summers with brother Alan at their grandparents home in Deloraine, MB. Bill often told funny stories about those happy days. Bill was a community-minded person. He was a member of the Sons of Scotland, Camp Balmoral, no. 177, and active for many years as engagement manager of the Fraser Pipe Band of Regina. He was also a supporter of the Saskatchewan Parkinsons Disease Foundation. Bill was a dear husband, father, father-in-law, uncle, friend and a helper to many. If so wishing, friends may make donations in memoriam to a charity of their choice. The funeral was held at Speers Funeral Chapel in Regina on June 26, 2003.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 14, 2003