John Wilfred Watson
Passed away Aug. 25, 2003
at his home in Alice Arm, B.C.
The funeral mass was held at 10:30 a.m. Sept. 2, 2003 at St. Joseph’s Church in Smithers, B.C. with Father Gordon Cook officiating.
Wilfred was laid to rest next to his loving parents and brother in the Smithers cemetery.
Wilfred was born Aug. 6, 1915 to Fredrick Stubbs and Catherine Mary Watson in Smithers, B.C. Wilfred married Stella Alberta and lived in Smithers, B.C.
In 1973 he began working for Amax of Canada in Kitsault, B.C. He was very active in both communities.
In his earlier years, he was on track to play for the Vancouver Lions Hockey Club. As well as boxing, tennis, baseball, hunting, fly-fishing, curling and photography, he was very community minded being active in politics, the Rod and Gun Club, and the Chamber of Commerce to name a few.
On the death of his father, Fredrick, his plans to attend McGill University for electrical engineering had to be changed, as he was the oldest son and felt he should take the responsibility to look after his family and the Watson’s Grocery Store.
His next business endeavor was the Hudson Hotel and next the Lakeside Motel at Lake Kathlyn.
In Kitsault he had many duties, some being mail delivery, maintenance and public relations, but he is fondly remembered for his culinary abilities and the cookhouse was called “home of the big Wilf” (mac).
For leisure time he enjoyed people, fishing and cribbage.
A natural home for a fisherman is Alice Arm, directly across from Kitsault. During his years in Kitsault he purchased property from the mine and fell in love with Alice Arm, where he spent all his free time. When he retired he would go from May to October, faithfully each year to enjoy the ocean, his boat, gardening and fruit trees, and the bears. His two biggest fish were a 51 lb. spring salmon and a 220 lb. halibut caught on light tackle with his son, Stubby.
As he healed from hip replacements, he became an avid writer, recalling his memories of a very full life with adventures galore.
Wilfred will be sadly missed by daughter Patricia, sons Stubbs and John, and daughter Colleen.
Grandchildren Carlie, Shawna Nigel, Sara, Jordie, Chad, Camille, Cassidy, Jerrad, Katie, Kiesha, Cody and Rachel.
Great-grandchildren Justin and Ross.
Many other family members and numerous friends. He was predeceased by his wife Stella.
Special thanks to his friend and doctor, Michael Kawerninski for care above and beyond. Also thanks go out for overwhelming support for his family at our time of loss.
The family would like to acknowledge everyone who has expressed their condolences with flowers, cards and kind words, and donations to the Cancer Society.