1914 - 2016
We are sad to say “good bye” to a wonderful man who made it to his 102nd birthday while still living on his own. Wat was born February 12, 1914 in Hazel Bluff, Alberta and died April 26, 2016 in Comox, BC. We would like to thank the caring staff at St Joseph’s hospital, on both the third floor and the transitional unit on the second floor for being so kind to him during his short stay. Wat was predeceased by his parents, four brothers and two sisters, two wives and a daughter -in-law. He leaves to mourn his son Gerald (Marilyn) Stanton and his step daughter Beverley (Marcel) Lamouche, three grand children, five great grandchildren and many step grandchildren, great step grandchildren and great-great step grandchildren. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, cousins and one brother-in-law.
Wat became interested in music at the age of 12 when he took up the fiddle in rural Alberta. At the age of 15 he began playing at country hall dances and continued that interest for the rest of his life. He played in many groups during his lifetime including the Old Time Fiddlers and Fiddlejam. He was still playing with the Valley Echoes, entertaining at the senior homes just weeks before his 102nd birthday.
Wat was a qualified electrician and upon retiring he started making beautiful violins and other stringed instruments, As well as the violin, he also played banjo, piano and harmonica. He wrote some of his own music and was the author of several great stories. He always wanted to keep busy and had a very positive outlook on life. Everyone who knew him loved him. He will be dearly missed and never forgotten.
There will be an announcement in the near future for a celebration of Wat’s life.