(August 30, 1914 — April 20, 2004)
Passed away peacefully at Chilliwack General Hospital with beloved wife Edie and daughters Karen and Ellen at his side.
Predeceased by sister Peg and brother Ken.
He is survived by his loving wife of 62 _ years, Edith Mae Watts, son Jim (Esther), daughters Karen Hopkinson (Ken) and Ellen Kilpatrick (Mike), and brothers Don (Gretta) and Bob (Anne). All of his loving grandchildren will miss him dearly — Jeff and Colin Kilpatrick, Kevin, Tara and Dana Hopkinson, Bill (Colleen) and Ken (Shasta) Watts, David McMillan, Andrew Watts, and great grandchildren Presley & Taisha Watts.
Dad was born in Virden, Manitoba and grew up in Brandon where he met Mom. He came to Vancouver in 1938 and Mom joined him when they were married in 1941.
Among other places, Dad worked at the Canadian White Pine lumber mill. His career then shifted to the Worker’s Compensation Board where he worked as a Safety Inspector for the next 20 years. He was also a handyman and carpenter and was busier than ever in retirement, always fixing or building something in his workshop.
Mom and Dad enjoyed many happy years living at Lindell Beach, moving there in 1975. Dad had such love for his family, and his sense of humour, his love for the great outdoors, in particular the game of golf, his ability to tackle challenges and figure things out, and his strong sense of fairness and justice will remain with us all.
A celebration of Dad’s long and wonderful life will be held at Chilliwack United Church on Friday, April 30th at 2:00 pm. Reception to follow in the Church hall.
Donations to the charity of your choice in Dad’s memory gratefully appreciated.