Obituary of William "Bill" Watt

WATT: It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of William Robert Watt announce his passing on Wednesday, January 17, 2018 at the age of 75 years. He is survived by his loving wife Gayle, daughter Rona and son-in-law Darcy, his three favourite grandsons: Jason (Juanita), Riley (Brianne) and Matthew along with three very precious great-grandchildren: Bailey, Cooper and Alleina. Also surviving is his sister Joanne (Ted Sproule) and brother Ken (Yvonne). Bill was predeceased by his mother Myrtle in December of 1964 and his father Robert in 1981. Bill was born on November 29, 1942 in Morden, MB to Robert and Myrtle Watt. Dad attended school in Hamiota, Vermillion AB, and then Deloraine as his dad was transferred with his job in the lumber business. It was in Deloraine that dad met my mom, Gayle Poole, they married on July 18, 1964. In their early life together, Mom and Dad relocated to Birtle, Portage, Dauphin and Erickson as Dad's career with Monarch Lumber kept them on the move. They then moved to Estevan, SK for a short stint in the "Oil Patch". In 1969, we moved to Brandon as Dad accepted a position with Cook Lumber. It was here that we settled for good and Dad learned and grew in this business, becoming a partner from 1977-1987. Dad thrived in this new venture and while he may have been described as no nonsense businessman, he was very well respected in the community. While hard work and always doing the job right were a must, Mom and Dad also found time to enjoy life and were fortunate to have travelled, to spend very happy times at their cottage at Lake Metigoshe with family and friends, and to have ventured to their home in Florida for several winters, where most days you would find Dad on the tennis court. Dad had so many hobbies: fishing, beach combing, wine making, woodworking, an avid collector, but perhaps, his favourite thing to do was to chase after "the boys", whether it be off to the ball field, a concert or a round of golf. As Dad's health and pace changed so suddenly in 2005, his strong will, his determination and most especially, his devoted side kick, were part of what made it all work. While life was forever changed, they chose to carry on. A Funeral Service was held on Monday, January 22, 2018 at Knox United Church in Brandon, MB, with a private burial at Rosewood Memorial Gardens.