John Arthur Watson

Jack was born December 18, 1927, the middle son of Frances Shepard (Harrington) & Arthur Watson, both immigrants from Cumbria, England. He had an older sister, Mary, and a younger brother, Stanley. He grew up helping on the family dairyfarm, Cumberland Dairy, in St. James, just south of Ellice Ave on Marjorey St. His mom always made sure to keep him busy so at three, on a visit to his aunt’s farm in Alberta, she got him to fill a stoneboat with rocks and he gladly did so, happy to be “working.” Another time, at 10, he was to take a wagonload of hay from one pasture to the other quite a distance from home. The horses spooked, he fell off, and had to chase them for about four miles! By twelve, he was a full-time delivery man. He always said school was just a stopover for him but always encouraged learning and was very proud of those in his family who earned degrees, especially his son, Robert.

Jack and Mabel eloped very young, “just because they wanted to.” Just before their first anniversary, Bill was born, followed by Robert two years later. Shirley was born a few years after, completing the family. Jack started his own business called Watson’s Cartage for a time but soon the young couple moved to Gimli. Jack worked for the Greenberg family at Gimli Transfer for a number of years. This was the start of a lifetime friendship with the Greenbergs, especially Benny & Sidney, along with several workmates, especially Walter (Siggy) Sigurdson. When they returmed to Winnipeg, he worked for Eaton’s as a delivery man continuing for eleven years. He returned to work for the Greenbergs, this time with Beaver Moving & Storage.

He was promoted to Warehouse Manager & Dispatcher and continued until the business was sold to MacCosham’s remaining with them for a few more years. It was a joke amongst the employees that no one wanted to work with the Watson kids. Why? They always got the dirtiest jobs! Dad would never be accused of favouritism!

He worked for a time with Portage Moving, and as with all jobs, he made friends that he kept until his passing.

In 1984 he finally realized his dream of having his own business, Eager Beaver Moving. By the time he retired, he had several trucks, all painted yellow with red lettering & trim. He kept his half ton, and everyone knows the red & yellow pickup throughout St. James.

Jack’s marriage did not last but they remained friends until mom’s passing. Dad met Joyce about 1975 and Dad was there for her until her passing in 2000. He continued to meet Nancy, his stepdaughter monthly for dinner as well as Pierette whom he met through Joyce. Joyce’s sister, Illa, called Dad every Friday without fail to keep in touch.

He was proud of his children, each having had their own businesses. Bill started Eager Beaver Moving, Edmonton, and recently turned it over to his sons, John & Tom. Robert had Robert Watson Photography which he ran with his wife and Shirley has her own bookkeeping business, Small Business Assistant.

He leaves to mourn his passing, his (3) children, (10) grandchildren and (9) great-grandchildren: Bill (Maureen): Laura (Adam); John, (Micaela); Karen (Adam); Tom (Tara) in Edmonton; Robert (Pauline) in Lethbridge: Brent (Tanya); Darin (Shawna); Brian, David (Mel); Shirley (Lloyd): Carly (Dan), Darrell (Jasmine) in Winnipeg. Whether he saw them yesterday or years ago, he did love them all in his way.

He had a great many friends from 2 to 96 years of age. His wee friend, grandson of Bryan & Wendy Furst, who were always there to help Dad with odd repairs, fixits, visits, Brady runs, doctor visits & random supper deliveries; Ian, who was there to help as well, especially as the rototiller, spring & fall, but also visited Dad every few days, having coffee and a good talk. Pierette, who Dad met through Joyce and kept the friendship all these years also helping him weed his garden. His neighbour, Dan’s granddaughter, who loved the raspberries Jack planted for her to help herself. His neighbours all knew Jack, most over 50 years, and if you didn’t see him at his favourite Sals for coffee in the mornings, you saw him “out back” sitting in his chair having a coffee. You could sit and visit with him on a warm sunny day and enjoy the view of his pride & joy, the lush garden, full of vegetables, zinnias, berries of one sort or another, to be enjoyed by all. He will be missed by many friends, too numerous to mention, but a few remain, Walter, (Siggy) & Fred, and many more including all his “second sons & daughters” from the days they worked for Dad. Of recent years, one of his most memorable moments was to give away the bride at his friends’ wedding, Terry & Dion.

If friends so wish, donations may be made to L’Arche Café, 119 Regent Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R2C 0C1. Jack would like that, in memory of his niece, Nancy.