March 30, 1930 – May 28, 2013
At Mackenzie Health Hospital, Richmond Hill on Tuesday, May 28, 2013, Norman Oscar Watson, in his 84th year, predeceased by his beloved wife of 51 years, Olive Marina Arlow. Loving father of Marina Wright, Sausalito, California; Norma and Brian Curtis, Kleinburg; Janet and John Lawson, Calgary, Alberta; Karen and Michael Lonsway, Oak Ridges. Cherished Pop of Chris and Leslie, Heather, Claire, Mark and Katie. Dear brother of Alan and Audrey Watson, Bracebridge; Duncan and Dorothy Watson, Harriston; Ruth and Frank Flack, Phoenix, Arizona; Andrew and Kathy Watson, Chatham and the late Russell and Joyce Watson, Tara. Dear brother-in-law of Eva Wallace and Dave Bloomer, and the late Gerald Wallace and Robert Arlow. Fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Born and raised on Lot 7, Conc. 6 in Woodbridge, after graduating from the Ontario Agricultural College (BSA ’52), Norman spent 35 years with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food in Kent, Oxford and Haldimand counties and leadership roles in Toronto with the Farm Products Marketing Board, Extension Branch, Agricultural Representatives Branch, Rural Development Branch and Ontario Farm Assistance Programs. Upon retirement, he was an interpreter at the Kortright Centre for Conservation for 18 years. He was an active volunteer with numerous community and professional organizations, including: KleinburgUnitedChurch, Kleinburg/Nobleton/Schomberg Rotary Club (Paul Harris Fellow recipient), Kleinburg Binder Twine Festival (founding executive and treasurer), Toronto Beekeepers Association; Vaughan Library Board, United Way, Ontario Institute of Agrologists, Canadian Society of Extension, Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame and the Canadian Executive Service Overseas.
The family will receive their friends at the Egan Funeral Home, 203 Queen Street S. (Hwy. 50), Bolton (905-857-2213) Sunday afternoon 1 – 4 and evening 7 – 9 o’clock. Funeral service will be held in the chapel on Monday morning, June 3 at 11 o’clock. Interment Laurel Hill Cemetery, Bolton. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Norman’s memory to the following organizations: Canadian Foodgrains Bank, P.O. Box 767, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 2L4, or Mackenzie Health Foundation, 10 Trench Street, Richmond Hill L4C 4Z3, or Living City Foundation (part of the Metro Toronto & Region Conservation Authority), Linda Craib, 5 Shoreham Drive, Downsview M3N 1S4 or the charity of your choice. Condolences for the family may be offered at www.EganFuneralHome.com
Dr. Damini Mehta Woodbridge Medical Centre
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
From Dr. Damini Mehta and the Woodbridge Medical Centre Staff.
Joy Treadwell
My thoughts are with each and everyone of your family. Norm was
a true Christian gentleman that we will miss very much.
The Peters Family
Out thoughts are with you all. Losing a parent leaves a big hole in your heart, but good memories help the hole to heal.
Filomena Tavares
Our deepest condolences to the whole family,especially to Karen and Michael Lonsway.
Marie Bellman & John Turnbull
John and I are sorry to hear of the death of your father. He was an outstanding individual whose selfless contributions to the community at large were exemplary. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
David and Lea Rutherford
Norma and Family,
We were so sad to hear the news. What a wonderful husband , father and Pop he was. You will miss him so much but your memories of the past and the stories you hear over the next while will help you through. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all
David and Lea
Carol (Watson) and Brian Stewart
So many fond memories of Uncle Norman . . . from Christmas gatherings in Kleinburg to camping across Canada. Our thoughts and prayers are will you.
Ray and Isabelle Bottoms
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Watson family. We have fond memories of watching Norm cane chairs at Woodbridge
Fair, and always enjoyed his honey each year. He had an interest in so many things- a fine gentleman. He will be missed- but fond memories will help you through. Ray and Isabelle Bottoms
Ian Watson
Uncle Norman will be greatly missed. I remember him for his kind, wise, generous and gentle spirit. His hand-crafted antique mirror, given to Shari and I as a wedding gift, hangs in our front entrance as a proud reminder. Our thoughts and prayers from Calgary.
Love,
Ian, Shari, Julia and Anna
Ruth Macdonald
Norman has lived a long and fruitful life and has left a great legacy before him. His time on earth has expired but eternal life is just beginning and it will be a whole new life together with the Lord Almighty. He is happier than ever.
Terry Kingsmill, P.Ag.
On behalf of the Board of Directors and staff of the Ontario Institute of Agrologists please know how saddened we are to hear the news. Norm was an OIA member since 1962 and his commitment to excellence is a standard that new agriculture practitioners should strive to achieve.
Carole and Paul Reinhardt
Norm will always be remembered for his kindness and humility. He also impressed as a talented writer and keen observer-see his account of his travels in Siberia. His traits will live on in his wonderful family. We will never forget Norm
Bea Parkes
My condolences, Norma, on the loss of your father. Norm, and Olive, were so much a part of Kleinburg that it now seems as though a whole era has passed. Vivid memories of them in pioneer dress at Binder Twine, as they exhibited their handicrafts, stay in our minds. Examples to all of us in their dedication to family, church and community, they are sadly missed, but by none as much as you yourself Norma, Brian, Chris, and all your family. May God grant you comfort in your happy memories.
Bea Parkes
Matthew and Jane
Our sincere condolences to the Watson family. OAC ’52 lost a very active and dedicative member on the executive of year 1952 of the Ontario Agricultural College. For many years he was also the organizer for the Agricultural Hall of Fame to round up 29 volunteers every year. He will be sadly missed.
Terry Sullivan
My thoughts are with Norman’s family. I was a co worker with Norman and always appreciated his wisdom and advice. I also recall Norman’s friendly phone calls to ask if I could volunteer at the Hall of Fame at the Royal Winter Fair. A great man. Norman will be missed.
John King
Condolences to the Watson and Arlow families. Ontario Agriculture and his community have lost a great supporter.
The family of the late Robert and Evelyn King, Elders Mills
Donna and Bob Berebrick, Goderich
John and Wanda King, Seaforth
David and Joyce George
Please accept our deepest sympathy. David and Joyce George
Joyce Weylie
Sincere sympathy to the Watson Familly. I worked with Mr. Watson at the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food and he also got me involved with the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame. Mr. Watson was a true gentleman! May your happy memories comfort you.
Joyce Weylie
Jane Valk
Just a note from me in addition to our joint condolences above. Norm used to phone once a year to book Matt for the RAWFair Hall of Fame and invariably he was not home! (typical Aggie!) So I would take the message and ended up having a very nice and interesting chat with Norm on all matters agricultural . I’m anAggie from the rival college – Macdonald College = the ag college of McGill) . Then a fter having shingles in Feb 2006 I was able to finally socalize again = at the Klinberg reunion at Olive & Norm’s – a very enjoyable occasion. in September.Good thing for all those wonderful memories with great friends. This is a tiny piece of your parents past. Jane Valk
Gail Ingrid Brown
Norman and my father were very much alike. They were both highly skilled, very easy to get along with, ethical, and generous –and neither turned bitter when they were struck with Parkinson’s.
After my parents died and I went through cancer, I felt very isolated. When I came to the Watson’s for chair caning lessons, they made me feel at home. They let me look at the wonderful crafts they created, and they inspired me to again be creative. I always felt refreshed after an afternoon with them. I miss them both.
Mordey and Judy Shuhendler
Karen, Mike, Mark and Katie, we have been thinking about you with love and empathy. Take time to look after yourselves and to enjoy the special memories you shared. Please call on your ‘village’ of family and friends for support and comfort.
Agnew Foster, Marlene Harris
We we sorry that we could not make it to your Dad’s visitation or funeral but we want you to know that we were thinking of you and wishing you our condolences. Mom has such fond memories of your family and especially you girls in the 4H club. You Dad-and Mom too will be missed by your whole family but keep your memories alive as they will comfort you. I am sure that your Dad is happy to be with your Mom again and together they can watch over all of you.
God Bless,
Agnes and Marlene
The Thomson Family
Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your father.
Susan Coates
Hi Marina – Sorry about your Dad. I will always remember when he rescued my Mum and I from our bees. They decided to stage a revolution and swarmed one of the trees in our backyard. My Dad had just left on a business trip and we didn’t know what to do. My Mum called your Dad. He came down from Kleinburg, like a white knight in his bee suit, and calmly took the bees in hand (a stick actually) and took them away. I’m pretty sure that was the end of my parent’s beekeeping adventures! I am thinking of you and your sisters at this sad time. Sue
Jan and Pat Seyfried
We were so sorry to hear of Norm’s passing. We had many happy conversations with him reminiscing about OAC. His sage advice about plants was something we looked forward to at the Kleinburg spring sale. Norm will be missed by many. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Ann Wood
My condolences to all your family.
Ann Wood
Mary-Anne Holmes
To the Watson family
I had the priviledge of meeting your parents through craft shows, Over the years I have accumulated numerous pieces of your Moms dried flower arrangements neatly packaged in the antiques collected by your Dad,not to mention the wonderful homemade jams and mustards she made for Christmas. I think the most tresured crafts I have are the bees wax figures made by your Dad that are brought out every Christmas and hung on our tree. It is blanketed by little bears, santas, and stars and I think of what kind and warm people both your parents were. Your family are truly lucky to have had such nice peolpe in your lives. My deepest sympathy. Mary-Anne Holmes
Chuck Baresich
Very saddened to hear of Mr. Watsons passing. He was an avid supporter and very loyal Past President of the College Royal Society at the University of Guelph. I and the other Presidents always looked forward to seeing him each March, and missed him this year. My deepest sympathy.
Chuck Baresich and family.
Phyllis MacMaster
Norm was one of our mentors when I joined the Ag Rep Branch back in 1979. He was a great extension worker and was a great example to the new recruits. He contributed a lot to the improvement and advancement of agriculture during his 35 years with the Ministry. My sympathy to your family on his passing. Phyllis MacMaster