Keith Watson

Left to mourn are his wife, Ellen of 66 years, children- daughter Doris (Rene) Pelletier, son Grant (Emily) Watson, daughter Gwenn (Dan) Amorde, and daughter Johanna (Bill) Renn.

9 Grandchildren, Lianne and George Castellan, Tanya (Niko) Apostolopoulos,Carrie (Derek) Clark, Amanda (Ray Indian) Watson, Andrew (Leslie Bell) Watson,step grand daughters, Allison(David) Blake, & Jennifer (Colin) LeBlanc, Jonas Watson. 13 great Grandchildren and 3 great great Grandchildren, and one remaining sibling Patricia Ash, numerous nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by his parents Gilbert and Elinora Watson, his 5 brothers Gilbert,Leslie,Clarence,Melvin and Gordon, 2 sisters Hazel Pheiffer and Mildred Moran, daughter Diane Pettit and grand daughter Nicolle Pelletier.

Keith was born and raised in Fort Frances, Ontario. After graduating from School, he found work herding farm animals as "cow hand" by use of horse, cowboy style which left a lasting impression and a fondness for all things cowboy.

Prior to enlisting in the army, he worked in the shipyards at Collingwood, Ont. as welder and blacksmith. He held various jobs including Bridgeman, metal worker in CNR.

Enlisted in the army June 1942 with the Royal Canadian Engineers as Corporal and served in Second World War for the United Kingdom, in Germany, France and Holland until he was discharged January 21,1945. The Engineers were responsible for the demolition or recontructing "Bailey"Bridges, to thwart the enemy. He received 1939- 1945 Star, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, France and Germany Star, Clasp. Upon arriving in England by boat, he developed a sever case of scarlet fever, which left him with a hearing loss.

Keith and Ellen were married in 1946, where they put down roots and started their family and lives together. His first jobs were varied, from a blacksmith for Wallace Wolseley, to a truck driver, and a welder for Maffey's as a boat builder. His experiences working as a welder, landed him a job at Fort Frances Pulp and Paper Mill from 1947 - 1975, when he retired due to many back surgeries over the years.

His many interests as a young father were coaching baseball, and hockey. His love of music, especially Bluegrass, was the epitome of his life when he met Bill Monroe while on a trip to Nashville, with Ellen and daughter Gwenn. He loved the outdoors, fished and hunted. His later years would find him standing in his garden at 6 a.m., hoe propped under his arm, waving to the townspeople on their way to work,then back out to garden at 5 p.m. to wave them on home.

He will always be remembered for his love of laughter,jokes and stories and his sense of humor and the ability to have a positive attitude. The cribbage games every morning with Ellen to start the day.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to Dr. B. Johnstone and the nursing staff at LaVerendyre Hospital, especially the palliative care he received with compassion and dignity.

There will be a Celebration of Life held for Keith at the Fort Frances Royal Canadian Legion, 250 Church St. with Color Guard and Taps, from 2 pm - 4 pm. Friday, June 14th, 2013.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice, c/o Green Funeral Home, Box 427, Fort Frances, ON, P9A 3M8

Online condolences may be made in care of www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com.