Bruce Watson

October 16, 1943 – November 5, 2012

After a courageous battle with cancer, it is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and grandfather, Bruce Watson, on November 5, 2012. Edward “Bruce” Watson was born and raised in Calgary and attended William Aberhart High School before completing his Business Degree at the University of Montana in 1966. After graduation he moved to Winnipeg and started his first career in the marketing department of Gulf Oil while beginning to start his family. While employed by Gulf, Bruce transferred to Regina before finally transferring back home to Calgary. In 1980, Bruce decided to sponsor a chuckwagon outfit as part of the Gulf marketing strategy, which began Bruce’s lifelong affiliation with the sport of chuckwagon racing. Bruce became a friend to many of the chuckwagon drivers and their families, as well as a sought after person for advice and strategy. Employing his business background, Bruce lent his expertise to the World Professional Chuckwagon Association, becoming President of the association. While President he represented the association, leading its expansion and development. Bruce maintained his connection to the sport throughout the rest of his life, continuing to offer his support and expertise. Bruce was recently awarded the George Normand Lifetime Builders Award for his devotion to the sport, an honour that pleased him greatly. Bruce eventually left Gulf Oil and went into independent business ventures while simultaneously operating his own marketing and advertising firm, Touchstone Communications. Bruce met the love of his life, Bonnie, in 1991. Together they operated, nurtured, and expanded their business, Alberta Janitorial, which became a successful entity due largely to Bruce’s devotion and energy. Bruce was a positive spirit; an optimist who put the needs of his family first and who was always available to lend a hand or to offer advice to his family and friends. Away from the office, Bruce spent much of his energy constantly renovating his cabin near Sundre. Bruce loved golf, the west, his horses, cowboy culture, and spending time at the cabin. Many of his favourite days were spent with his brother Brian, labouring together at the cabin before ending the day overlooking the Red Deer River valley on the deck with a drink. It is here where we picture him at his happiest: in his favourite place, surrounded by his family and friends – everything that was important to him in life. Throughout his diagnosis and cancer treatment, Bruce maintained his characteristic positive spirit and optimistic outlook. He faced numerous surgeries and considerable pain with proud courage and stubbornness, often refusing to reveal to us or even to the nursing staff the true level of his struggle. To his children, it was clear that Dad was continuing to teach us a last lesson – demonstrating the true nature of courage, dignity, and grace at the end of life. The family would like to extend our warmest and heartfelt thanks to the nurses, doctors, and staff of Unit 54 of the Foothills Hospital where Bruce spent much of his last few months. Their kindness and warmth both to Bruce and to the family cannot be overemphasized. Bruce is survived by his wife Bonnie; his mother Agnes; brother Brian; sons, Bruce and Cortney (Jennifer); daughters, Jennifer (Philip) and Jessica (Aaron); grandchildren, Duncan, Ailsa, and Myah; nephew Cory; niece Monica as well as by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless legions of devoted friends. Bruce was pre-deceased by his father, Bruce Watson Sr, in 1989, and his son Rogan in 2002. A celebration of Bruce’s Life will be held at FOSTER’S GARDEN CHAPEL, 3220 – 4 Street N.W., Calgary (across from Queen’s Park Cemetery), on Wednesday, November 14 at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting the World Professional Chuckwagon Association’s Benevolent Fund (WPCA.com) at #3A, 2828 - 18 Street N.E.

Calgary, AB T2E 7B1. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family via the website www.fostersgardenchapel.ca.

FOSTER'S GARDEN CHAPEL

FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM

Telephone: 403-297-0888

Honoured Provider of Dignity Memorial