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WO (ret’d) D. E. WATSON MMM, CD2

Whip has been called to the RSM’s Office one last time

Sadly on February 01, Donald Edward passed away peacefully in the comfort of his own home with his wife and best friend holding his hand.

Don was born in Geraldton, Ontario May 8, 1939, the only son of David and Margaret Watson. The family moved to Thunder Bay in his early years and Don attended Francis Street School and Fort William Collegiate Institute until he was “convinced” that serving his country as a member of the Canadian Armed Forces was the best life choice for him. He spent 35 years as a proud member of the Canadian Guards, The Royal Canadian Regiment and the Canadian Airborne Regiment.


Of all his accomplishments in life including the military and athletics, that which gave him the most pride was watching his son Shawn grow up to become an outstanding family and business man. Don could not contain himself when Shawn asked him to be the best man at his wedding. Family was and will always be the most important thing to him. The “Kinfolk” always had his back.


Don thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of life including golfing, fishing, telling stories in the garage over a “jug”, but especially the yearly ritual of the Hunt Camp with the Five Star Lodge gang. Last year’s hunt was most special for him as it was the first for his young grandson Ryder. Always thinking of others, Don never hesitated to come to the rescue – whether it be getting a loan to supply prizes for a long running golf tournament or helping out stranded and distressed Southern Ontario hunters. He loved to make people smile and laugh.

Staying behind to cherish his memory are his wife of over 25 years, Barbara, son Shawn and his wife Jodie and grandchildren Ryder, Beckett, Sawyer and brand new baby girl Scout, his daughter Sherri (Peter) and grandchildren Brandon and Kaelyn and many special nieces, nephews, cousins and other Kinfolk.

Following Don’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date when his ashes will be spread at one of his favourite places and we will all raise a double rye and pepsi, small glass, no ice. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, a donation in Don’s name to the TBRHSC or to an animal rescue site of your choice, would be appreciated.

A special thank-you goes out to ALL the Staff at the TBRHSC, Nurse Practitioner Crystal Kaukinen, Dr. K. Simpson and her palliative care team, CCAC, paramedics from Superior North EMS, the Neebing First Response Team and the nurses of the VON for always treating Don with the highest level of care and compassion. An extra special thank-you to Nurse Practitioner Aaron Medd and CCAC Community Care Coordinator Lynda Roussel for making the home visits and video conference “fun” even in the most difficult of circumstances. And of course to Rob and Debbie for always being there when we need you most.




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