Mr. John (Jack) Watterson

John (Jack) Watterson

John (Jack) Watterson, a resident of Kenora, passed away on December 1, 2010 at home at the age of 88 years.

He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years Gloria, his children Bruce (Audrey) and Joan (Harry) and his grandson Ryne as well as one brother, Terry (Joanna), sisters-in-law Lil, Alma and Annette and several nieces and nephews.

Jack was predeceased by his parents Mae and David, brother Douglas, twin sister Mary, parents-in-law Karl & Klara Kuhn and brothers-in-law Phil Kurtz and Waldemar Kuhn.

Jack was born in Johannesburg, South Africa and moved with his family to Windsor, Ontario at the age of four. Right out of high school Jack joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and served his country for five years during World War II. After the war Jack came to Northwestern Ontario to visit an air force buddy and fell in love with the area settling in Kenora in the early 1950’s. He started a career in Kenora with Zeal & Gold Department store which inspired him to open Jack Watterson Ltd. selling fine men’s clothing. In subsequent years he was a Transportation Officer and Purchasing Agent for the Kenora Public School Board followed by several years as the Manager of the Kenora District Housing Authority.

Jack was very dedicated to his family and his community. He served many years in a variety of positions on the Public School Board and as a Kenora Town Councilor. He was involved in several service clubs including Kenora Legion Branch 12, the Jaycees and Rotary.

He was also an avid sports fan. Growing up in Windsor he became a life long fan of the neighboring Detroit sports teams, especially the Red Wing and the Tigers. During his Air Force years he played on the RCAF basketball team. He also spent many summers umpiring local baseball games and playing baseball. In the winter his love of hockey drew him to serving on the executive of the Kenora Thistles for several years and more recently he could often be seen cheering on his grandson at the rink. Jack was introduced to curling when he moved to Kenora and he had a real love of the game. In later years he also took up golf and loved to spend time on the course with the Senior Men’s league.

As a child Jack loved nothing better than swimming in the Detroit River. His swimming skills were put to good use as he developed a great love for Lake of the Woods and spent many enjoyable days on the lake with family and friends swimming, fishing and camping.

A Celebration of John (Jack) Watterson’s life is scheduled for 11 a.m., Tuesday December 7, 2010 at Bethesda Lutheran Church, Kenora, led by the Reverend Cathy Giroux. A luncheon reception will follow. A private family interment will take place at Lake of the Woods Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation, or a charity of your choice, would be greatly appreciated by the family.

Online condolences may be made at www.BrownFuneralHomeKenora.com

Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre entrusted with arrangements.