OBITUARY
Robert Fredrick Watts
May 9, 1932 – March 24, 2021
This wonderful, kind, loving husband and father has gone from this earth. Leaving behind his loving wife of 44 years, Sarah; his family of three children from a previous marriage: daughter Vicki McDowell, son Chris Watts [Debbie], and daughter Debbie Legaree [Joe]; many grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as his sister-in-law, Lena Watts. Also left behind are several friends including his fishing/golf buddy of over 80 years, Gordon McGregor, his cousin Joan Mitten, and Sarah’s family. He was predeceased by his daughter, Robin at a very young age, his good friend and son-in-law, Shaun McDowell, and his brother, Bill Watts.
Through the years he worked at Spencer's (later Eatons) [where he met his first wife, June], then Crown Zellerbach where he met Ben Rosenbaum [with whom he became a decades long business partner in many business ventures including a motel, a mobile home park, an apartment building, an RV park during Expo 86, and the Wild Duck Inn Hotel in Port Coquitlam, BC where he met his current wife, Sarah Andres in 1975]. They married in 1977 having found their soulmates. The life they shared included travelling to many countries, and owning several motorhomes with which they travelled throughout the North American Continent from Alaska to Mexico. Cruising became another favourite form of travelling. There was a lot of love between them through all the years and will be in felt in Sarah’s heart forever.
Looking through the many photo albums full of smiles and laughter at the many parties and travels as a couple and with family, it is obvious his life was lived to the fullest. He loved to snow ski, golf, garden and was a great dancer. Most of all he loved to get together with his kids. They were also his best friends. He was kind, generous, caring, and loved to laugh. He always had a smile and a welcome for everyone. He will be greatly missed.
Bob loved his family and life so much he fought as hard as he could to come back to us from this last illness. It was not to be. He did not want a service and because of COVID there won’t be one. The gathering would entail far too many people who loved him. That said, when it is possible to have a large celebration of life, it will be done. He lived a life to be celebrated. He will live on in all our hearts forever.
Memories
Robert Fredrick Watts
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYJack Garrison
April 9, 2021
Dear Sarah, Debbie, Vickie , Chris and families
Bob was a wonderful person and friend. He is greatly missed.
Our sympathy to All.
Jack and Dolores
Gordon McGregor
April 4, 2021
Bob and I spent most of our lives having fun and doing projects. The first project being an 18 foot boat we built together around 1948 as seen in the picture. I will miss my friend and I hope he is keeping busy while in Heaven. Gordie Mcgregor
Debbie Legaree
April 3, 2021
I just wanted to post a picture of Dad and his 3 kids. We will miss our Christmas celebrations with you so much ❤️
Joe Legaree
April 2, 2021
Robert,,,, Bob,,,, Molly Bob, we will all miss you VERY much!!!
There are not enough words in the English language to describe how I feel for you.... Since we first met at our home in Barriere, l could tell we would get along just fine. You always backed me up and did for me what every Father does for his Son and you always treated me as a Son.
You were the Father that I always wished for, in my mid-life and was lucky enough to receive these past 20 years. You helped Debbie and I so many times not only financially, but emotionally and Most important LOVINGLY. You supported us through many very difficult and trying times, I will never be able to thank you enough.
We have so many great memories from Golfing on the long weekends to the family gatherings for Christmas on the coast with family they will be difficult without you..
You will forever be in my Heart and my Prayers from You Loving Son and “Diamond in the Rough”.. Joe. ❤️❤️❤️🤠
Vicki Mcdowell
April 2, 2021
Our Dad enjoyed restoring carousel horses with his friend Gordie.
They worked on several from Portland and the Burnaby Village Museum, which originated from the PNE. We are fortunate to each have one of the horses our Dad restored.
My Dad was someone who I greatly admired and aspired to be like .
I miss him very much . ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Debbie Legaree
April 2, 2021
I just wanted to add a picture of Dad with his buddy at lunch. Gordy and Dad always loved to go for lunch together. Miss you so much Dad ❤️❤️❤️
Mary Jeanne Andres Seaman
April 2, 2021
RIP our friend, our brother, we so welcomed you into our family... and we all loved you immediately.
Thank you, Bob for your support, encouraging Dale an I to travel sharing, caring , an loving our sister Sarah.
We will miss your welcoming smile, your great hospitality an your delicious rum an coke... you were loved an will be missed..
You fought a good fight, we wanted you to stay, but it time for rest,!
Good bye 👋
Vas Watts
April 1, 2021
I’ve been trying to find the right words to say about a man who was so incredible in so many ways. He taught me so much about work ethic, respect and achievements. Every time I used to say “I’m so lucky” my grandpa was always quick to say “It’s not luck. You worked hard, you’re a good person, stop saying that”. Blunt, passionate and absolutely right. Always making sure I give myself the credit I deserved. I miss you grandpa, this hurts. But I take comfort in knowing I can talk to you anytime I want. Love you. I will continue trying to make you proud, everyday.
Debbie Legaree
April 1, 2021
Dad I miss you very much ❤️ Just thought I would share a few times that you loved to go for lunch and /or dinner with your family and friends. You are so greatly missed everyday. Life without you will never be the same 🥰❤️
Sarah Watts
March 30, 2021
There is so much more I could have said. So many pictures. He was such a great guy, husband, and friend. We had such a wonderful life. It hurts so bad that it has ended but looking at pictures brings back so many smiles.