Robert Montgomerie Watson
January 6th, 2022
WATSON, Robert Montgomerie
Feb 2, 1934 - Jan 6, 2022
Calgary, AB – Red Deer, AB
The family is grateful for the kindness and compassion of so many: 911 operators & responders; Katriona; RD Regional Hospital ER team; Dr Swainson; Unit 31 staff & Ian: Dr. Swarts and numerous healthcare support people, family & friends.
Bob was raised in Calgary with Sister Carol. Parents, William (Bill) Kerr Watson from Lethbridge and Ester Mae (Tess) Caldwell from Warner, exposed the two to many family gatherings and life lessons that helped shape their lives. Nothing came easy, but hard work and determination would pay off. He liked visiting his Uncle Roy's farm. Dad boxed and skied in his youth. Dad's hero was his Father, who survived WWI, providing for his family in spite of his injuries.
Dad graduated from the UofA in 1956 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He celebrated his 65th virtual reunion in 2021. He held various positions throughout his career: Westinghouse; City of Calgary; City of Red Deer and his own consulting business in Calgary & Red Deer. He was active with APEGA. Dad had many industry and alumni friendships over the years he was grateful for.
Dad met Margaret Jane Louisa Stevenson in Hamilton, Ontario & they got married on September 7, 1957.
The newlyweds moved to Calgary and began their family. His 1926 Model T made a trek to Banff with his Dad on occasion. We skied as a family in Banff and tented throughout the mountains and into BC during family vacations. We spent many weekends skating at Bowness Park.
A move to Red Deer area was next. Dad loved rural living and his property and farming as much as he loved engineering. He raised 6 active kids; chickens; turkeys and cattle. He was fond of gardening, growing vegetables & flowers and harvesting berries on his land. He volunteered with the Balmoral Community and many more groups. So many solid friendships with the rural community were formed. Thank you to all. Dad remained at home for as long as his heart would allow.
Dad enjoyed family gatherings - organizing Mom's Bday/New Year's meal out; special occasions with family. He was proud of all of us & loved his family. He had an endless list of stories to share. He cared and worried and offered suggestions when asked. Dad was a generous and proud man. He instilled a strong work ethic in all of us as nothing in life came without hard work. Quitting wasn't an option.
A keen interest in Genealogy led to excursions to England, Scotland, India and Cyprus with Mom. He wore his kilt proudly, danced in Scottish Country Dance events and attended Robbie Burns Day celebrations when he could. Dad was a member of the Willow Valley Presbyterian Church and formed some strong friendships there.
To the EL&P Old Timers Coffee Club, you were his brothers. He spoke so fondly of all of you.
Dad is survived by wife, Margaret of 64 years; Children, William (Rhonda), Steven (Shelley), Jane (Rod), Andrew (Carol), Craig & Michelle (Duncan); grandchildren, Janelle (Kris), Chad (Jodi), Torin (Ashley), Troy (Lauren), Kalynna, Natalya, Julija & Livya; great-grandchildren, Jaiyda, Tatum and Olive; Sister, Carol (Bob) Liddle and family, Tom - Ellis & Watts; Mike (Nathalie); Sherri (Mike) - Alex; Teagan & Caylee; Bryce (Bonnie) - Sawyer & Jade; Sister-in-law, Jill Sorenson & her daughters Linda & family & Karen & family; Brother-in-law, David (Jacky) Jarvie and family; as well as friend & Cousin, Casey (Arlene) Jones & family. Many more relatives from the Watson/Caldwell and Stevenson/Jarvie clan in BC; AB; ON; US and England.
Dad was predeceased by infant daughter, Grace Louisa; parents, Bill & Tess Watson; Mom's parents, James & Violet Stevenson and Bob & Gladys Jarvie; Mom's sisters and spouses, Jean (Alan) Burrell, Betty (Charles) Botton; Mom's brother and spouse, Jack & Iris Stevenson; and others.
Due to current conditions, a Service will not be held. A family event is planned for the Spring/Fall of 2022. In lieu of flowers, a donation to your Charity of choice or the Heart & Stroke Foundation.
Messages:
Our sincere condolences to you and your family. I spoke to Bob a few months ago when I saw him out front of his home and he shared about having six children like we do and the memories of raising cows on the land and running his engineering business with Craig. He raved about how well Craig cooked for them with the best meals. You could just tell what a nice man he was anytime he was around. When we first moved to the community, he was the one putting on the community Christmas dinner and arranging carols to be sung and grace to be spoken before the meal. Thinking of you all during this loss.
Dear Watson Family, we are saddened by your Dad’s sudden passing. Bob was a constant. One could always expect calm, measured and well articulated responses from your father. He had a quiet way of balancing any discussion - he was a gentle soul. You will all miss his encouragement and direction. The memories that have been created will sustain you as you mourn his passing. Our sympathies to you All. John & Allison
Gary and I send our condolences on the loss of such a great man and a true friend, Bob will be missed in every way, church, family and friends. God Bless you all.
I am so sorry for your loss, Margaret and family. I knew Bob through his APEGA involvements. He and I served on the Central Alberta branch executive for several years. I would remember Bob for his ever present Mona Lisa smile - it was like he knew something amusing that the rest of us were missing. And every once in a while he would come up with a bon mot that would slay. Ever professional, he was always well turned out. I’ll miss him. My heart felt sympathies. Arun Mishra