RONALD FREDERICK WATSON

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RONALD FREDERICK WATSON Died unexpectedly at Victoria General Hospital on December 30, 2003. Ron was born in Winnipeg on October 13, 1914, son of Frederick Watson and Clara (nee Cook). They resided in St. James, except for a five year period (1923 to 1928) when they lived in Chicago. After Ron graduated from the old Linwood High School, he learned carpentry from his father by helping him build houses. He also joined his father singing in the St. James Anglican choir. There he met Winifred Sandell and they married in 1941. They had two children, Mavis Whicker (Allan) and Edna. Ron was the much loved "Poppa" of granddaughters Pam Gordon (Ken) and Jennifer Engbrecht (Kurt) and great grandsons, Ewan and Kieran. He was predeceased by great grandson, Alexander. During his marriage to Winifred, they established a family summer home at Victoria Beach. They spent many happy holidays there and passed on their love of this area to their family. Ron had taken business training at Success Business College, and obtained full-time employment in 1936 at Pritchard Engineering Co. In 1941 he enlisted in the RCAF and was a Sergeant at the time of his 1946 discharge. With his father, he built a home for his family in St. James, and he returned to his original employer until retirement in 1982. While employed, Ron sold hydraulics and, as a result, became a training expert in the mechanical field of hydraulics. He developed and began teaching an evening course in 1972 and continued for ten years. For the last eight years, Red River College asked him to teach it as a night course. Many present mechanics remember training with him. Ron was predeceased by his beloved wife, Winifred, in 1981. In 1982 Ron rejoined St. James Choir, and met choir member Elizabeth Tanner (Tod), whom he married in 1983. They moved to Grant Park, and Ron now had a second family whom he grew to love. Bettys son Dr. John Tanner (Evie) and their children, Susan Calverley (Nat), David (Jill), Jane Preston (Jim), Laurie Ireland (Davy), great-grandchildren Jane , Zoe and Josephine, Sam and Jaden, Claire, Laurie and Tanner, and Frank; Bettys daughter Frances Lindquist and husband Allan and their children, Jennifer and Richard. Ron volunteered for a time at Creative Retirement Manitoba as a computer teacher for seniors. He also joined Operation Eyesight Universal to help them in gathering used eyeglasses for use in India. Ron and Betty shared a common love of music, attending numerous concerts together. They sang in the choir for 14 years, retiring for health reasons. Much of their happy life together was spent at Bettys summer home at Spruce Sands. Ron was predeceased by his beloved wife, Betty, in August 2003. Ron will be greatly missed by all his family. Were grateful to the staff of Victoria General Hospital Emergency department, especially Dr. Elizabeth Peters and Chaplain Kurt Schwarz, and to Laura Boldt of Lindenwood Manor. Cremation has taken place. A memorial service in Rons memory will be held at St. Aidans Anglican Church, Kingsway and Campbell at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday January 7, 2004, with Rev. Dr. Brett Cane officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Operation Eyesight Universal, 4 Parkdale Cresc. NW. Calgary, AB. T2N 3T8, Creative Retirement Manitoba, 270 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg. R3C 2B9 or a charity of your choice. THOMSON Funeral Chapels 669 Broadway 783-7211.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 03, 2004