Andrew WATSON

Andrew was born in Ottawa, in 1930; and died April 4, 2024. His father Daniel was the Chief Actuary for the federal government and his mother Amy an active volunteer in the community. He grew up in Rockcliffe Park, attending Rockcliffe Public School, then Lisgar Collegiate before following his mother's path to Trinity College which would become his academic home. A Rhodes Scholarship took Andrew to Oxford University and then to the L'universite de Paris. Following which he went to the University of Cairo to master Arabic which served him well in his future research and travels. As a historical economist, the scope of his work reached back to medieval times. The majority of his research and writings were centred on the Middle East. He loved the Arab world, its culture and arts and most important its economic history. His passion was the regreening of the desert. He travelled extensively throughout Arabia. Andrew lived in Cairo for three years working as the Senior Programme Officer for the International Development Research Centre of Canada. An inveterate traveller, his fluency in seven languages and ability to get by with the basics of several others, made it easy for Andrew to make himself at home where ever he travelled. He had a keen interest in textiles and pottery and looked for local examples of each in his travels. When Andrew completed his last contribution to The Cambridge History of Islam at age 80 he decided it was time to say good bye to academia and joyously devote himself solely to travel, adventure, and the enjoyment of the good company of his friends spread round the world. Which he did and did well. Amongst his many adventures in his 80's, he explored ancient grave sites in the Gobi Desert, and acted as guide for tours along the Silk Road. For over thirty years he spent the better part of his winters, at an old palace in Bali, where the staff treated him as an honoured Uncle. Andrew will be remembered as a man of great dignity and charm. He was a marvelous host who loved entertaining in style, and was always generous with his guests and friends. He was always interesting and interested in those he met. He freely shared his time and resources with those that he found could use his help He leaves his nieces Janet Bell (Ottawa) and Gail Lampinen (Sacramento) and their families, and countless friends who have loved him. In recent years as his health declined he was cared for by a devoted cadre of Filipinos; they too became part of his family. His dear friends the late Mary Wigle, and Stephen Anderson, have overseen his care through very challenging times, for which both Andrew and his family are very grateful For those who knew Andrew well, be assured that he maintained his wonderful smile, throughout his final days. A celebration of Andrew's life will be held at a later date.