Robert Scott Watson

Just when the caterpillar thought the world was over - It became a butterfly

On August 1 Bob was surrounded by many friends from Sechelt and his church, St. Hilda’s Anglican as he passed peacefully at the Sechelt hospital.
The memorial service (celebration of life) will be held at St. Hilda’s in Sechelt on Thursday, August 8th at 3:30 pm.

Robert is the eldest of seven children. He is survived by his brother Hugh Watson (Dianne), nieces Caitlyn (great nephew Ryker), Kylie, Alanys, Cassidy,  
Sister Cheryl O’Connor husband Roger nephew Ryan O’Connor wife Brooke great niece Samantha 
nephew Justin O’Connor (Tracy), brother Brian Watson (Laura), and sister Deb Carwana nieces Sarah and Ashlyn Carwana, brother Ian Watson (Leigh) niece Andie and nephew Brycen.
Robert is predeceased by Louise Hodgins (1994) husband Paul, nephews Chris Hodgins wife Ang, great nephew Mathew, great niece Allieg, great nephew Darcy Hodgins wife Pam, great niece Anna, Sara and great nephew Jacob, mother Betty Watson (2016) and father Hugh Watson (2004).

Robert attended North Middlesex DHS in Parkhill, Ontario as well as Niagara Horticulture School in Niagara Falls, Ontario.  After graduating Robert traveled to Europe working and hitch hiking, visiting Switzerland, Germany, and Holland.  Upon his return to Canada he visited with his family and then traveled west to B.C.... his new home where he eventually he began his own gardening service “ Watson Gardening." where he worked in the lower mainland and Vancouver.  Robert moved to Sechelt on the Sunshine Coast but continued to travel to the mainland for his clients.

Roberts love for gardening was not only in his business as a gardener/landscaper but was also his hobby and he had a beautiful garden.  He found it peaceful and rewarding as well as challenging - shewing off those pesky cats and sometimes black bears. He would spend hours in his garden tending to his plants which were often exotic and finicky however he always found a way to make them grow and flourish.  He created places for the bees to live so that they could help pollinate his garden. He connected with nature and nature connected with him.  

Bob loved baking, especially pies. He often donated his creations to the church bake sale so all could enjoy and his baked goods didn’t last long once people knew Bob’s goodies.  Bob also loved making jams and preserves which allowed him and his friends to enjoy his garden all year long.

Robert also loved to travel... he’s been to Europe many times, Russia, Israel and Mexico to name a few counties. He didn’t just go for a vacation but to learn and understand the history, the culture and the language and of course the food and especially the baked goods. He loved to read and would read about the various cultures of the region that he was be traveling to.

Bob was very involved in his church, St. Hilda’s where he also attended to their gardens for all could enjoy. 

Your friend circle always got bigger with Bob, a wonderful friend, very welcoming, generous to everyone he met.

He recently suffered from prostate cancer and had his great friend to care and watch over him, he was always in their thoughts and prayers. Thanks Morri and Carol.

Bob also helped support a recent Syrian refuge fleeing from the war in their home country, he delivered to them potted vegetables to enjoy.

“A garden is a love song between the created and the creator, the seeds are planted forever”

Robert had a great sense of the spirit of friendship, he would always send a note, drop by for tea and treats, offer his services or just lend his ear and listen.  He also had a very good sense of humour, playing practical jokes on his friends and family.  “At our age, we can hide our own Easter eggs, wait half an hour, and have no clue where we left them” ....typical Bob!

The family would like to thank the awesome staff at the Sechelt hospital, his physician Dr. Mentz, and all his friends at the church who, thanks to his friend Kevin, created a 24 hr visiting schedule while Bob was in the hospital allowing Bob to know he was surrounded by friends and love during his last days on earth.

Please make any donations on behalf of Robert Watson to the Canadian Cancer society and his church St. Hilda’s.

WONDERFUL FRIENDS

When I think of the ways that I've grown
I know I couldn't a' made it alone
I owe a lot to the sharing, caring, daring
Wonderful friends that I've known
I owe a lot to the sharing, caring, daring
Wonderful friends that I've known

Here we are all in one place, all gathered together
We've helped each other down this road whatever the weather
We have no need for pots of gold, for friends are a treasure
So hold hands, and sing it again

Oh, when I think of the ways that I've grown
I know I couldn't a' made it alone
I owe a lot to the sharing, caring, daring
Wonderful friends that I've known
I owe a lot to the sharing, caring, daring
Wonderful friends that I've known

Many years ago when I was feeling discouraged
I found that singing with my friends would fill me with courage
It's a rough and rocky road we're on, so when we get worried
With old friends, we'll sing it again

Oh, when I think of the ways that I've grown
I know I couldn't a' made it alone
I owe a lot to the sharing, caring, daring
Wonderful friends that I've known
I owe a lot to the sharing, caring, daring
Wonderful friends that I've known

It looks like we might sing all night, but looks are deceiving
That old clock upon the wall says, soon I've got to be leaving
And though we go our separate ways, there's no need for grieving
Just hold hands, and sing it again

Oh, when I think of the ways that I've grown
I know I couldn't a' made it alone
I owe a lot to the sharing, caring, daring
Wonderful friends that I've known
I owe a lot to the sharing, caring, daring
Wonderful friends that I've known

I owe a lot to the sharing, caring, daring
Wonderful friends that I've known
I owe a lot to the sharing, caring, daring
Wonderful friends that I've known

- Pete Seeger
 

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