July 14th, 1927 – February 27th, 2015
After a brief and courageous struggle, surrounded by his loving family, Bob Watson reluctantly left this world
in the early hours of February 27th, 2015. A second generation Calgarian, he was the first son of Alec and Helen Watson and grew up with four siblings (John, Marnie, Sandra and Bill) in the busy, character-rich household of 905 Rideau Road. While pursuing a degree in physics at the University of Alberta, somewhere amid the to and fro of the badminton court, he met his beloved wife and soul mate Nancy (née Johnson). Together they raised four boys: Rob (Kathy), Tim (Doone), Steve (Diane), and Scott (Laurel). Bob and Nancy’s welcoming home remains the gathering place for an extended family spanning four generations.
Bob entered the oil and gas industry during its early years in Alberta, worked his way to supervising geophysicist of the Western District of Texaco Canada, and retired after over four decades in the patch. Respected for his honesty and integrity, he made lasting
friendships at many levels of the industry.
Bob’s true passion was his family and community. He endlessly supported his four boys in all they did. He coached the Dominions baseball team for over a decade of his sons’ play in the Elbow Park Little League. If he wasn’t at the ball field, he was tossing footballs in the front yard, lacing up skates or shouting encouragement over the boards at the local rink. As a PTA executive, he was responsible for installing a Canadian Bill of Rights plaque in Altadore School. Along with Nancy, he taught Sunday school and sat on the executive committee at the local church. He was not deeply religious, but was deeply principled. Honesty, integrity and respect for all were his essential teachings. He, Nancy and his great friend Ron Manz with great persistence developed Larch Point on Windermere Lake. This is a major component of his legacy, and a source of fond, often hilarious, memories and a touchstone for family and friends.
All who knew him enjoyed his great sense of humour and sharp wit. Bob was a talented athlete and his high intelligence was particularly evident in his tremendous facility with mathematics. He was proud of his Scottish heritage. Bob was in his element celebrating with family and friends with a good scotch in his hand. He was a man of strong opinions and had no reluctance expressing them.
Over their 64 years of marriage, Bob and Nancy dedicated themselves to nurturing their boys and grandchildren. His generous heart adored nothing more than welcoming a new baby to the clan. He made special efforts to bond with every member of his family, and this was evident in the outpouring of emotion at his bedside during the final hours of his life. He was much loved, and we will miss him terribly.
Bob’s Life will be Celebrated at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY (Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive S.W. Calgary, AB) on Thursday, March 5th, 2015 at 2 p.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, www.heartandstroke.ca.
In living memory of Robert Watson, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Park Memorial, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Calgary, AB, T2S 2L5, Telephone: 1-800-661-1599.