Mr. David "Dave" Watkins

Not that very long ago Sue offered a beautiful eulogy for our beloved mum and memories of our family. I will do my best to compliment her effort; she is going to be a tough act to follow. Kev you are doing mine.

“Dave, I loved you best because you were my first love. We had so many great adventures and made wonderful memories.” These were the words that mum left for dad on her passing. Well dad we loved both of you best and were the lucky recipients sharing in our adventures and our memories.

To our dear nieces and nephews, you lost your Grampa. You were the loves of his life. I am so sorry. Please keep him and Granny in your hearts forever.

Auntie Bobbie and Uncle Bud, you remain as our tie to that generation of brothers and sisters. We could not ask for two more loving and caring people to be part of our lives.

Family are the ones who remain beside you not matter what happens, the outer world loves us when we are involved strong and effective. Good friends also count as family when you take this into consideration. Family stays beside us even in the toughest times, the worst of times even when they know something is very askew, with each other. Families unite, learn and overcome.

Well dad you made it to 88. We always marvelled at Nan’s longevity and her making it to 100. If you take into account all those crazy things you did and added up the toll they put on you, I am sure you could have picked up the additional 12 to beat her record. You lived a remarkable eventful life.

Dad came into the world and home to Schaffer Avenue, where along with Ron, Joyce, Kathy and that baby sister Patricia was raised with Nan staying at home the whole time. School did not particularly interest dad, after a few jobs with relatives and friends he started at Algoma Steel in 1955 as the mail boy. This is where he met mum and he delivered more than mail.

I came into the world eleven months later “I’m good!!!!!” to our apartment on John St., right across from the now Tim Horton’s. Sue arrived in 1957 and we moved to a home on Bay St. The next move was to MacDougall St., you got it right across from what would become another Tim Horton’s. Neighbours of the day were the Soulieres, Delbiancos, Drapers, and Ridgeways. Granny and Grampa Newman lived within a block on Spring St. Our cousins, the Dinsdales and Connellys were within blocks as was Central School where Sue and I attended until grade 3 and 4. We attended All Peoples United Church and I remember a lot of Sunday School. In 1966 we made the move to our brand new purchased home on Lewis Road, in time for Kevin to join us in 1967. You cannot believe it; Tim Horton’s would build a few years later within 2 blocks. Our much appreciated neighbours were the McPhails, Mrauds, Renzonis, Danesis, Paccioccos, Raginskis, Murrays and Bostons.

The Cottage Days, from approximately 1981 to 1993, that fore mentioned carpenter, our dad, purchased an absolute make work project for Kev, Jim, myself and wives Laurie and Sue. I guess he thought we were bored, we killed ourselves in every manner, including as much time under and on top of it as in it and anything else you could imagine to make this a comfortable setting for all. Mum insisted on the traditional Sunday family dinner cooked in the oven, even if it was 85 outside. All kidding aside it was a blast and very much appreciated that dad and mum would provide this for us. It was part of the motivation for Laurie and I many years later to build our retirement home on good old St. Joes. Friends of the day included the Browns, the Smales, the Hawdons, and Youngs.

In 1997, empty nesters Dave and Marie moved to Pointe Aux Pins as a combination home and cottage. God Bless them as a big part of the reason was to be closer to our dear Nan who was by that time requiring more care and eventually moved to the Finnish Resthome. Friends out there included the Rushons and the Essons. In 2004, right out of nowhere they made a move to a three level home, without input from the family. We will just leave it at that. Their move to Collegiate Heights was brought on by their medical needs and increased attention required. Dad was pissed about most of it, especially having to give up driving which was his life. These were sad times for all of us, it breaks my heart. Mum passed away at Collegiate Heights, poor dad was heart broken, most of him passed away that day as well. It was not too long after, that he had to move to the Davey Home where he resided until his passing. Sue, Kev and I never missed a day where one of us wouldn’t see him. God we loved that man.

Our family values always had us respecting the older generation of relatives, friends and acquaintances. Sue and Kev live this and so do I. We all tried to befriend other seniors, people mostly the same age as mum and dad. This would include many residents at Collegiate Heights and at the end dad’s buddies Alfredo and Max. I particularly have and have had a close relationship with many. Ironically as my father passed another fine man named Abe Janzen celebrated his 94th birthday, he gave everyone a present and it was this poem.

Blessed in Aging

Author Unknown

Blessed are they who understand My faltering step and shaking hand

Blessed, who know my ears today Must strain to hear the things they say.

Blessed are those who seem to know My eyes are dim and my mind is slow

Blessed are those who look away When I spilled coffee that weary day.

Blessed are they who with cheery smile Stopped to chat for a little while

Blessed are they who know the way To bring back memories of yesterday.

Blessed are those who never say “You’ve told that story twice today”

Blessed are they who make it known That I am loved, respected and not alone.

And blessed are they who will ease the days Of my journey home, in loving ways.

In dad’s obituary we made mention of him being a friend to all of his children’s friends. We were taught to respect their parents as well, period, no exception, that’s the way it was. This also included our spouse’s families. Mum and dad were friends with Art and Eleanor, Betty, Pete, and Don and Dick and Leona.

Dad’s favourite things to do were travelling, swimming, shooting pool and photography. Our early lives included traditional Sunday picnics at every beach in and around Sault Ste. Marie. The Boston family Christmas parties were so special. Our dear Auntie Eileen and Uncle Bill spent all kinds of time and effort to put this on every year as a way of thanking the Watkins family for what Kate and Ernie meant to and did for them. Everybody had to prepare a skit; you can imagine how that flew with myself and now Laurie, Sue and Jim. Not too cool! Poor Kev, it always involved dressing him up in something.

Birthdays and anniversaries were always to be celebrated. Always with a cake and “Dave get a picture”. Thank you to Sue, it is now “Jim get a picture”. We have thousands of them, and I appreciate every one of them.

Dad and mum had and made friends where ever they were and whatever they did. Some of the couples, at risk of forgetting many I am sure, would include Ida and Gordie, Phyllis and Ray, Verne and Rose, Pat and Eddie, Sharon and Bob, Teddy and Willa, Sonny and Norma, Jimmy and Lila, Wayne and Carol, Arnold, Mary and Daisy to name a few. The legendary Beaver Club brought in about twenty more, the baseball teams probably brought another twenty. This could go on forever. They were the couple that everyone loved.

Trips included going to England to visit Bill and Carol and Pauline and Ken. Las Vegas and Cruise Ships were favourite events culminating in the one to Hawaii where we put them up on a private yacht in San Diego Harbour as part their gift. Amusement Parks with the kids, trips to Florida and a west coast trip with Bud and Hazel were all special. They owned two different places in Florida and finally had to give it up as their age was making it more difficult. We will skip the motor home experiment.

Throughout their changes in homes, the one consistent was keeping enough furniture and stuff to outfit a major hotel. As we had to vacate the last home being Lothian Ave. we were reminded of how stubborn my mum could be and how thrifty my dad wanted to be. This equals a lot of stress and hurt feelings. We have all heard the saying “you can’t take it with you”, I am sure that mum would have rather have had the Soo Van and Storage semi than anything that Arthurs Funeral Home could muster for both her and dad’s final move.

On a lighter note, Dad…thank you for stressing the importance of getting an education. My Grade 12 knocked the hell out of your Grade 9. We both ended up at the Steel Plant. You said get a trade son. I said what should I be? You said a Millwright. I said why? You said because Uncle Bud is one. Great, neither dad nor I ever fixed a damn thing; Algoma Steel faltered and guess what? Bud still teaches me things. You did not want to see my dad’s tool box or garden tools. Kev, Jim and I all cursed his stupid aluminum shovel (black tape).

You know what? I basically re-built a home albeit under the watchful eye of General Contractor Laurie. She is connected to the Potvin organization, Betty and Gary and they know their stuff. I also helped build a successful business. My best building is that of friendships and relationships. My biggest asset was what dad taught me about life, character, and being a man. I am Dave’s boy and would not change a damn thing.

At this point in honouring our father, the day of his funeral I expanded on a number of (probably too many) funny stories including an Oh Dad Section which remain in our memories of him. Dad had no problem poking fun at himself and would have appreciated everything I said. What comes to mind is that I am starting to turn into him. It is definitely time to stop. I hope everyone enjoyed those recollections.

Good Bye

Everything I did in my life was to make dad and mum proud. I will carry on in your footsteps dad. My father gave me the greatest gift he could give, he believed in me.

I have used this one before, “God’s home team just go a lot stronger”. You are going to heaven dad; mum and you are going to be back together. You can carry on enjoying all your favourite things but most importantly each other. There were not to better parents in the world. Grampa and Nana’s little boy will be running toward them, Ron, Joyce, Kathy, and Pat can’t wait to be with you. Art and Eleanor, Leona, Pete, Don and Betty will talk about who has the best kids and grandkids and what they have done. An Angel will appear, our Lindsay will say “come with me grampa, it will be ok”. Take care of her, hug and love each other. We will see you again.

I love you dad, good bye.

WATKINS, David - August 18, 1934 – September 30, 2022 - Passed away in the tender loving arms and hearts of his children at the F. J. Davey Home. Dave has gone to a better place to join his love and soul mate Marie after 65 wonderful years of being married to each other.

Father of Brian (Laurie), Susan St. Jules (Jim) and Kevin (Belinda). Grampa to Nicole, Katie (Erik), Amy (Bob), Scott (Krystyna) and now re-united with his special angel granddaughter, the late Lindsay. He was the great Grampa of Daniel, Jacob, Maggie, Matthew, Joey and Max.

Dave was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario to his father Ernie and his mother Catherine (Kate). He is predeceased by his brother Ron and sisters Joyce, Kathy, and Pat. He is the brother-in-law of Roberta (Auntie Bobbie), uncle of Andrew (Janie) and the late Frank Simon. Dad will be missed by extended families, Bud and Hazel Yakich, the Connolly’s, the Boston’s, the St. Jules, the Potvin's and the McCuaig's. Uncle Bud, we cannot begin to express to you our appreciation for your existence in our lives. We love you so much.

Dad spent his entire working career at Algoma Steel and retired in 1990. Some might say he made friends as much as he worked and used this platform to enhance his social life by becoming an immediate hit and instant good friend to all. He was the classic good guy and the life of the party. His escapades with the Beaver Club were legendary. He loved all you guys and everyone he worked with, you know who you are.

Dave was a good friend to all his children’s friends and acquaintances. These were people he went out of his was to accept and assist in any way. To this day all of our previous neighbours remain close and respected.

An excerpt from Mum’s obituary, “Mum and dad were the true example of working to live. With the family they travelled to many places when the kids were young. They owned our family cottage on St. Joe’s Island and enjoyed many years up to and during their retirement in Florida. Cruise ships and Las Vegas were among their favourite getaways.”

Dad’s words and actions included a firm handshake, look someone in the eye and become the person that could be counted on. He was generous and always punctual. Through the last year or so he remained strong. We knew how much it was killing him inside as we did our best to be comforting, loving and always there, we all shared in his suffering and are relieved he is at peace.

Our family would like to thank and acknowledge the staff at F.J. Davey Home, his buddies Alfredo Caputo and Max Doan, the staff at Collegiate Heights and Sue D., our parents adored you.

Family and friends are invited to the Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. E. 705-759-2522) on Friday, October 7, 2022 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. Memorial service to follow at 1 pm. Mrs. Helen Smith officiating. Inurnment St. Luke's Columbarium. Memorial contributions (payable by cheque or online) to the F.J. Davey Home Foundation or Alzheimer Society would be appreciated. Friends are invited to view the service online starting at 1 pm on Friday, October 7, 2022 and can be viewed anytime up to 90 days. Go to www.funeraweb.tv and select Dave's name to view the service. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the Watkins family.

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WATKINS, David - August 18, 1934 – September 30, 2022 - Passed away in the tender loving arms and hearts of his children at the F. J. Davey Home. Dave has gone to a better place to join his love and soul mate Marie after 65 wonderful years of being married to each other.

Father of Brian (Laurie), Susan St. Jules (Jim) and Kevin (Belinda). Grampa to Nicole, Katie (Erik), Amy (Bob), Scott (Krystyna) and now re-united with his special angel granddaughter, the late Lindsay. He was the great Grampa of Daniel, Jacob, Maggie, Matthew, Joey and Max.

Dave was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario to his father Ernie and his mother Catherine (Kate). He is predeceased by his brother Ron and sisters Joyce, Kathy, and Pat. He is the brother-in-law of Roberta (Auntie Bobbie), uncle of Andrew (Janie) and the late Frank Simon. Dad will be missed by extended families, Bud and Hazel Yakich, the Connolly’s, the Boston’s, the St. Jules, the Potvin's and the McCuaig's. Uncle Bud, we cannot begin to express to you our appreciation for your existence in our lives. We love you so much.

Dad spent his entire working career at Algoma Steel and retired in 1990. Some might say he made friends as much as he worked and used this platform to enhance his social life by becoming an immediate hit and instant good friend to all. He was the classic good guy and the life of the party. His escapades with the Beaver Club were legendary. He loved all you guys and everyone he worked with, you know who you are.

Dave was a good friend to all his children’s friends and acquaintances. These were people he went out of his was to accept and assist in any way. To this day all of our previous neighbours remain close and respected.

An excerpt from Mum’s obituary, “Mum and dad were the true example of working to live. With the family they travelled to many places when the kids were young. They owned our family cottage on St. Joe’s Island and enjoyed many years up to and during their retirement in Florida. Cruise ships and Las Vegas were among their favourite getaways.”

Dad’s words and actions included a firm handshake, look someone in the eye and become the person that could be counted on. He was generous and always punctual. Through the last year or so he remained strong. We knew how much it was killing him inside as we did our best to be comforting, loving and always there, we all shared in his suffering and are relieved he is at peace.

Our family would like to thank and acknowledge the staff at F.J. Davey Home, his buddies Alfredo Caputo and Max Doan, the staff at Collegiate Heights and Sue D., our parents adored you.

Family and friends are invited to the Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. E. 705-759-2522) on Friday, October 7, 2022 from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm. Memorial service to follow at 1 pm. Mrs. Helen Smith officiating. Inurnment St. Luke's Columbarium. Memorial contributions (payable by cheque or online) to the F.J. Davey Home Foundation or Alzheimer Society would be appreciated. Friends are invited to view the service online starting at 1 pm on Friday, October 7, 2022 and can be viewed anytime up to 90 days. Go to www.funeraweb.tv and select Dave's name to view the service. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the Watkins family.