John William Watson

April 14, 1947 - January 4, 2019
John William Watson passed away peacefully on Friday, January 4, 2019 at North Island Hospital with his family by his side. John was born on April 14, 1947 in Scotch Bay, Manitoba and was adopted at 3 months old by his loving parents, Herbert and Myrtle Watson.
John and his family moved to the Comox Valley in 1959 where he was raised on the farm and spoke of fond memories of horse drawn sleigh rides to school and helping his brothers and father in the hay fields. John married Linda Sutherland in June 1970 and fathered his 4 children over their 18-year marriage. Throughout this time John operated heavy duty machinery and often worked away in camps. He loved camping and fishing with his family when he was not working. He also enjoyed muscle cars, the race track and sponsored race cars at the Saratoga Speedway.
John began his own contracting company, J.W. Equipment Contracting in 1983 and spent the balance of his working years running many different machines and also worked for the Cumberland Landfill during this time. CAT and John Deere were always his favorite machines to operate.
John retired in 2003 due to becoming ill after a heart attack and struggled with heart disease, kidney disease, lung disease and diabetes over his next years. John loved music and was a self-taught organ and accordion player. John is best remembered as someone who always thought of others before himself and never hesitated to help anyone that needed it.
John is predeceased by his father-Herbert William Watson, mother-Myrtle Watson, brother-Herbert Watson and sister-Ena Peterson. He is remembered lovingly by his brother Mac (Karen) Watson, son-Steven Watson and daughters- Cindy (Jim) and Christine Watson, Tracy (Chris) Marshall, "other" daughter Cindy Rechlo, Grandchildren: Joel and Justin Thomson, Ayesha Evans, Jessica Tait and Liberty, Tahlon, Brinlee and soon to be baby boy Marshall, Great granddaughter: Maya Thomson and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
John was a beloved father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great grandfather and friend and will be remembered dearly by all those that had the privilege to know him.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date with family and friends.
Flowers gratefully declined. Donations sent to the Kidney Foundation or Children's Hospital would be greatly appreciated.
Celebrating the life of John William Watson. June 30, 2019 - 1 pm 3792 Royston Road, Courtenay.