Charles Mitchell Watt

Age 90, passed away peacefully Wednesday, April 17, 2019 in Arbourstone Enhanced Care Facility, Halifax. Son of Charles M.P. Watt and Lizbeth Schmidt, he was predeceased by his loving wife of 55 years, Louise Watt (Forand) and is survived by daughters: Leesa Watt, Vancouver, B.C.; Caroline Watt and her daughter, Cambria Alford, Whitehorse, Y.T.; Monique Watt (Paul Heintzman), Chelsea, Que., and their daughter Jessie; sister, Catherine (late Edward Caunter), Lennoxville, Que.; nephew, Scott Caunter and niece, Lynn Caunter; and "adopted family" Mausi Reinbold and Chris Garner, Halifax; Koichi and Atsuko Numata, Yokohama, Japan; David Melia (Lilli), Mississauga, Ont.; Raymond and Pamela Armah, Mississauga, Ont.

Charles earned advanced chemistry certificates at Montreal Technical Institute and worked in Montreal as a clerk, a metalurgical laboratory technician and as a partner with his father in Watt Landscape Contracting. In 1956, he joined national insurance brokerage, Dale and Company Ltd. as an underwriter/broker. In 1968, Charles was appointed manager of the Halifax branch and later became a director, officer and senior vice-president of the Atlantic Region until his retirement in 1992. Charles was honoured to serve on various boards including Mount Saint Vincent University and the Sir Andrew McPhail Foundation (Orwell, P.E.I.). He volunteered at the IWK Hospital for Children and was a long-time member and periodic President of both the Halifax and Charlottetown chapters of Gyro International where he cultivated many cherished friendships.

Chuck and Louise maintained a seasonal home in Orwell, P.E.I. for 17 years and were especially proud to host a "Forand family reunion" in 1998 attended by 50 of Louise's relatives. Chuck enjoyed downhill skiing, golf, gardening, camping and ocean sailing with good friend Paul Ruggles. Bridge Club and Crib were a big part of his life involving many of the same friends for over 40 years. Chuck loved reading, learning, debating and new experiences. He and Louise welcomed and befriended people from around the world and gladly invited all to their dinner table. As a father he was loving, wise, considerate, and generous with his time and support. He will be remembered by many as a gentleman who handled adversity with grace especially as his health declined during his last eight months. Chuck was most proud of his loving family: three daughters, two granddaughters, and his beautiful soulmate, Louise, with whom he happily shared dreams and adventures.

Chuck's family are grateful to Mausi and Chris for all the love and care they gave to Chuck for many years. Their friendship brought great joy to Chuck and Louise and provided much comfort to his daughters who lived so far away. They would also like to thank all who provided excellent homecare support during Chuck's last year in particular Shannon, Lee, Cathy, Kathan, and the wonderful staff at Melville Heights Retirement Residence where Chuck lived happily for five and a half years. They also appreciated the care given by the staff of Northwood and Arbourstone nursing homes in his last two months.

Visitation will be held Thursday, August 1st in J.A. Snow Funeral Home, Lacewood Drive, Halifax from 7-9 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held August 3rd from 2-4 p.m. in Melville Heights Retirement Residence, 24 Ramsgate Lane, Halifax. Cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice.