Ernest George Watson

On January 4, 2022, Ernest George Watson passed away after a short illness in Victoria, BC. Known by many as “Big Ern” or “Big Ernie Watson,” he indeed was larger-than-life both in stature and presence. His keen sense of humour, ready laugh, beautiful singing voice and big opinions (were his constant companions along with his love, devotion and support to his family and friends.

Ernie was born and raised in Regina, SK with many glorious childhood summers spent at Saskatchewan Beach, which included May-long weekend swims in icy lake waters and across-the-lake swimming competitions. He attended Sheldon Williams Collegiate before moving on to receive a Bachelor Degree from the University of Regina. With his usual sense of curiosity and adventure, he then joined CUSO (Canadian University Services Overseas) and spent several years in Lagos, Nigeria as a schoolteacher.

Returning to Canada, he joined General Motors in Regina and met his future wife, Donna, in the GM office. He was famously late for their first date and then proceeded to burn the chili he tried to make to impress her. Nonetheless, he won her over with his humour and kindness, and they were married in May 1970. The newly married couple moved to Yorkton, SK when Ernie was promoted to GM regional sales manager, with daughter Christine and son Daniel joining the family in the following years. Seeing an opportunity to buy his own dealership, the family moved in 1976 to Cupar, Saskatchewan and Cupar Motor Products became his pride and joy. With his usual extroverted gusto, he joined the Old Timers hockey team, the Lions Club and loved chatting with the local farmers.

In 1981, the family moved back to Yorkton, SK with the opportunity to buy a larger dealership which became Watson Chev Olds. Ernie, once again, generated a large social network through his enthusiastic participation in Kinsman (he loved playing in their annual Perogy Cup!), the local Masonic Lodge, regular bridge games, and attending his children’s various music and other activities. He also became a local celebrity through his morning radio spot, where he would chat about the deals at Watson Chev Olds and then offer a tidbit of wisdom or (sometimes cringe-worthy) joke.

Ernie and Donna had often talked about their desire to move to Victoria, BC and, in 1990, Ernie took on a role as General Manager for two dealerships in Victoria. Once again, he wasted no time in his new city and quickly became an active member of the Gyro Club of Victoria (a friendship fraternity), eventually becoming President of the Club. He loved being a Gyro and took great pride in the friendships he made through his involvement.

Always up for an adventure, Ernie made another career move and left the car business to become a Chevron franchisee. He thrived in the retail business, as it gave him an opportunity to be the smiling face behind the counter for his regulars (who he often knew by name), and he was always very proud of the “secret shopper” top ratings for his stores. Joining Chevron also led him to take on mentorship and leadership roles with other retailers, as he was often called upon to help new franchisees or serve as an interim manager for Chevron locations in transition between owners.

Having had a proud career in the business field, Ernie retired to take on new interests, including his love of music. He proudly joined the Victoria Police Choir and spoke often about his enjoyment of rehearsals and performances. He joked that they gave him a Tenor 2 part because he could not read music very well and the Tenor 2 part often had the melody. His retirement also included travelling (often to see his kids and grandchildren as they moved from place to place), his beloved coffee meetings with friends, and many hands of bridge.

He is pre-deceased by his wife, Donna Patricia Watson (nee Ball), and his parents, Frederick Stanley Watson and Muriel Francis Watson (nee Warriner). Left to tell stories of his childhood adventures are his siblings, Judy Nurse (Murray) and Gerry Watson (Dolly). His children, Christine Watson (Alisa) and Daniel Watson (Sara-Jane) as well as his grandchildren – Michael, Sienna, Matthew and Alexandra – will carry on his interests in business, music and political TV dramas.

A celebration of life will be planned at a later date. If you wish to honour Big Ern’s legacy, please consider a donation to the Victoria Police Choir or a charity of your choice. You are also invited to raise a glass and sing your favourite song in honour of his life and legacy.