GEORGE STEWART WATSON

It is with great sadness that the family announces the sudden passing of their beloved, George Stewart Watson, in the early morning hours of Friday, July 19, 2024 in the Victoria Hospital. He had recently celebrated his 92nd birthday.

George was born in Winnipeg on July 7, 1932. He was the last surviving child of Winnipeg-born Tom Watson and English immigrant Elsie (Wheeler) Watson. He was predeceased by his brothers, Bill (Vi), Tom (Lil), Gordie, Crawford and Ron; and by his sisters, Edith (Harold Little) and Dot (Edward Larose). He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Sheila (Baxter) Watson; his sisters-in-law Kathy (Di Cosimo) Watson; and Betty (O’Brien) Watson.

George is also survived by his son David (Shari); and daughters, Peggy, Laurie, and Wendy (Rick). 

His many grandchildren and great-grandchildren all loved him and knew him well. 

George was raised in Central Winnipeg on Elgin Avenue. He served as an RCAF airframe technician during the Korean War at bases in Ontario and Quebec. He returned to Winnipeg and married Sheila Baxter a year later on June 25, 1955. They bought and expanded a small house in Glenwood before building a new house on St. Michael Rd., where they raised 4 children beside the grain fields of St. Vital. George and Sheila lived in South Winnipeg for almost all of their married life. They were always each other’s best friend.

At times George worked at Winnipeg Supply, the MLCC and Bristol Aerospace before entering the plate glass trade, where he worked the order desk counter at Consolidated, Allan’s and Speedy Glass until his early retirement as a regional manager. After retiring he carefully restored many old houses, firmly setting all of his children upon the property ladder. 

George loved the Bombers, the Jets and the Vikings. He enjoyed watching curling and golf on TV. When anything needed building or fixing at our houses he arrived bright and early along with his toolbox. He took short work breaks, as there was always another project waiting for him at another of his children’s home.

George and Sheila loved to travel and visit their extended families. They spent many happy months visiting the Hill family in Glendale, Crawford’s family in BC and Gordie’s vacation homes in Muskoka and Clearwater, FL. They also visited Portugal, Arizona and Hawaii with friends. 

As a young dad George drove one of his many station wagons to BC, Montreal or California in July to show his kids the world. He travelled 600 miles every day, no matter what. To George the best campground to spend the night always seemed to be the free Chamber of Commerce one next to the railroad tracks. We would hear the trains go by as we laid in our sleeping bags at night. In the morning Mom would cook bacon and eggs on the Coleman stove, and then we would be off for another long day of reading comic books while lying in our bags on the folded-down seats. None of us knew what a seat belt was back then. Growing up in the 1960s was another time.

George was a good son, visiting his mom and his brother Ron almost every day when she was still alive. He was a loving husband to Sheila and a generous provider for his family; we wanted for nothing. Bad times always seemed to be shorter with his guidance. He drove his grandchildren to countless hockey games and practices. He would have gladly done the same for his great-grand-children, if time was a two-way street instead of a one-way street.

George will be lovingly remembered by his family for many, many decades to come. As always, thank you Dad, for everything. Best dad, ever.

The family will hold a private Celebration of Life on July 28th. 

George’s family kindly requests that all of his friends and relatives take a few minutes to honour his memory by sharing photos, memories, and stories, using the comment section on this page.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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