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Don Watt Obituary

DON WATT 1936 - 2009 Don passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at age 73. Totally loved husband of Patricia (nee Martin). Dear father of Peggy (Adam), Greg (Beth), Laura (Craig), Sarah and step-son Robert. Proud grandfather of Katie, Jennifer, David and Lauren. Born in Regina, Saskatchewan, Don attended Luther College there, and moved to Toronto in the mid-1950's to attend the Ontario College of Art & Design. He was predeceased by Patricia Watt (nee Williams) and is survived by his first wife Val Mund. Recognized as an icon in his industry, Don worked with major retailers all over the world. He developed brands that today are still current, and store designs that remain some of the world's most recognizable. The list is very long and includes the following - redesign of the Loblaws stores, No Name and President's Choice; Wal-Mart Super Centres, Great Value and Sam's Choice; Home Depot with its distinctive orange logo and innovative store concept; and more recently the new Metro stores and packaging. While working for Nestle, Don was the first designer to use photo-symbolism on packaging for their instant coffee. He was recognized by the Harvard School of Business and was recently inducted into the Private Label Hall of Fame and into Canada's Marketing Hall of Legends. During Don's early career he worked as an animator for Warner Brothers. He then took a job at an advertising agency, where they asked him to design a cigarette package that would appeal to younger people. He pondered it for a few days and then quit, saying it did not feel right. This should tell you heaps about the man and his principles. He often said, 'just ask yourself what is the right thing to do and you won't go wrong'. He worked as a designer for A.V. Roe, working on the cockpit design for the Avro Arrow airplane, and he also worked on the design of the Canada Pavilion at Expo '67. One of Don's proudest achievements occurred in 1965 when his design was personally chosen by Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson for the new Canadian Flag. Don's design, featured a realistic representation of a red maple leaf, flanked by two solid blue bands representing 'from sea to sea'. Pearson changed the blue bands to red, saying to Don, 'this is a Liberal flag'. Don's design, until recently, was credited to a design committee. However, it is now recognized as his work by leading International and Canadian news and design publications. Don was a visionary with a brilliant mind. He changed how people shopped around the world. He could have lived and worked anywhere in the world, but he preferred to stay in Canada, a country he loved and often said, where he preferred to have his children raised. He was a man who was the epitome of being comfortable in his own skin. He was genuine. He was kind, and he had the most wonderful sense of humour. His feet were firmly planted on the ground and he always had lots of time for everyone, no matter their walk in life. Don was a generous man and a supporter of many charities. However the closest to his heart was the Clarke Institute. He recognized that mental health was an area where it was more difficult to raise money. He was instrumental in raising the $17 million needed to purchase their first P.E.T. machine allowing doctors to more accurately diagnose disorders of the brain. He also helped bring the Courage to Come Back Dinner to Toronto, still one of CAMH's most successful fundraising events today. The Clarke merged with the Queen Street Mental Health Centre in 1998 to become CAMH. He was unselfish with his time and sat on many boards, giving them the advantage of his vast wealth of retail knowledge. Words cannot express how deeply he will be missed by his family, his longtime business partner Geoff Belchetz at DW+Partners and by the many people whose lives he touched. A private family service and burial will take place at Mount Pleasant Cemetery. A memorial service and celebration of Don's wonderful life is planned for a later date. The family graciously declines flowers, but donations may be made to the CAMH Research Centre at http://www.supportcamh.ca/donations.asp A Book of Condolences is available at www.etouch.ca where you can leave a message for the family.

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Published by Toronto Star on Jan. 2, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Don Watt

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33 Entries

April 23, 2010

Dear Pat,
Estelle and I were very happy to see you again today,sadly without Don. We always will remember your company and generosity with the MG Mob on those enjoyable afternoons in Nobleton. Fabulous conversations about everything and anything, with always something new and imaginative. Best Wishes
John and Estelle Oldroyd

Bridget LeGrow

March 2, 2010

My sincere condolences to the entire family of Don. I am one of the many who can call Don a mentor. He was a kind man with a great talent. I hope I can share with others, what I learned from him. He will be greatly missed.

William D M

February 19, 2010

Don was my closest friend in high school(Luther College) His passing brought back many wonderful memories of our times together.

Doug and Pamela Hamilton

February 9, 2010

Our sincere condolences to Greg and the rest of the Watt family. From now on, each time we see our Canadian flag it will be with an additional sense of pride knowing your Dad was a part of it. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Karah Lowry

February 5, 2010

My sincere condolences to Pat and the Watt family. Don was one of the most remarkable men I've had the pleasure to meet and it was an honour to work with him. He was inspirational and supportive, and a wonderful mentor. He and Pat were always warm and welcoming and had a knack for making people feel like family. I will miss him; but I'm glad he left such a valuable and influential legacy, because he was a true gentleman.

Patrick Rodmell

February 1, 2010

Most sincere condolences to Don's family. Don was an inspiration to all he touched; his professional influence on the retail landscape was equaled by his personal character - class, integrity, courtesy, kindness. He will be sadly missed.

Nick Turnbull

January 27, 2010

My sincere condolences to Don's family. From 1971 when we first met I've had a high regard for Don's capabilities and accomplishments. But even more, I appreciated his love and care for his second wife and her family. My prayers are with you.

Sylvia, Gilles, Jay and Suzanne Langlois

January 25, 2010

We were shocked and saddened to learn of this great loss. Don will always be remembered with great fondness. We have lost a true friend who was a remarkable man with a delightful sense of humour. He shall be greatly missed.

Our sincere and deepest sympathies to his family and especially to our very dear friend Pat and her son Robert. We know that you will have many special memories to give you solace at your darkest moments. Our thoughts and prayers are with you,
With love,

Leo Tang

January 13, 2010

My deepest condolences to the Watt family. He will be greatly missed.

Anthony Campea

January 11, 2010

I will greatly miss Don. The advice and time he gave me during my thesis year at OCAD is something I will never forget. He was a true inspiration to me and I considered him a mentor as he helped me to grow as a designer. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones.

This is truly the passing of a Canadian Legend.

Andrew Yeung

January 10, 2010

Condolences to the family.
Don is a true Canadian design gem.

Bob Anderson

January 8, 2010

As a person who was honored to be able to work with and call Don a friend, I will surely miss him. He is a great man, who has a heart that is as big as his talents. His contributions to the industry along with his vision helped to make retailers and manufactures better. Don was a great mentor and teacher to all who wanted to listen to his wisdom. His footprints will forever be on the industry and his passion will live with us who knew him. My thoughts and prayers are with Pat and his family. Please know that there are many in the industry that have the greatest amount of respect for Don, his work, compassion and knowledge.

Lesley Anderson

January 8, 2010

I was so sorry to hear of Don's passing. He really was an inspiration and creative master. We were all lucky to have known him and worked along side him. My sincere condolences to Patricia and the family along with his team at DW+Partners.

David Boyd

January 7, 2010

Remembered as a true gentleman, Don was a man of personal warmth and great consideration to all he came into contact with. His creative vision was broad, his abilities to bring those ideas to fruition magnificent.
Thinking back over so many years, so many memories, I am honoured to have been even a small part of his life.
My sincerest sympathies to Don's children and his wife, Patricia. May you find comfort in Don's accomplishments and the love and appreciation being presented by those who knew him.

Barbara Macdonald

January 7, 2010

A well-known name in Canada.
Our sincerest condolences to the family.

Thanks for sharing the information about the design of the Canadian Flag.
I liked Don's idea better.

sincerely, Macgraphics Inc.

January 7, 2010

Don was one in a million; a true Canadian, a special angel
who was part of one of the finest engineering and design teams ever assembled in Canada… his work on the Avro Arrow cockpit was just the beginning of his many fine accomplishments. Thank you Don, for the flag and your incredible vision & contributions. We will miss you….our heartfelt wishes to your family and colleagues....The Canadian Air & Space Museum, Canadian Aviation Historical Society, and Aerospace Heritage Foundation of Canada, Downsview, Ontario

Eric Hillmer

January 6, 2010

" Don was an inspiration to us all, he would come back to the studio with sketch pads full of directions to all his designers and at nights I would hear him working with his magic markers and every few minutes you would hear a ding as another dry marker went into the garbage can. His rendering & design skill were astounding from roughs to final presentation...he will be truly missed" Eric Hillmer (Toronto)

Carmela Chiodo

January 6, 2010

I started working in design at Watt International over 10 years ago, and was inspired by his creativity and passion for Private Label Branding. HE was a great man who put his employees first all the time! Even having the summer bbq at his beautiful home! My condolences to his entire family and his partner, Geoff.

Donna & Graeme Mund

January 5, 2010

It's truly amazing to read about Don's many accomplishments and realize that many of his designs touch us in our everyday lives. You can be really proud of him.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Brent and Vivian Mund

January 5, 2010

May the love and support of family and friends carry you through this time of sorrow.

Richard Huczek

January 5, 2010

Sara, Laura, Greg, Peggy and Patricia, we're so sorry to hear of your dad/life partners passing. Amy, Bonnie and I will always remember Don, not just as a designer but the most enthusiastic and loving person anyone could ever have touched. Don changed us and made me and I'll always tip a glass of wine December 23rd.

Tomas & Regina da Costa

January 5, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Leiflynn Mund

January 5, 2010

I am very sorry to hear of your loss. He sounds like such a remarkable person. I will be thinking of you all.

Nigel and Cornelia Cassell

January 5, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Patricia and Family. We will always remember the kindness, help and guidance that Don helped us with to get our lives and business on a firm footing. We cherish the friendship we have had with you and Don over these many, many years. Our very best wishes.

Cornelia and Nigel Cassell

Lyle & Margaret Mund

January 4, 2010

Extending sincere and loving sympathies to Don's family. May God be your source of comfort and strength.

Val Mund

January 4, 2010

I knew Don almost forty years ago. He was a positive, wonderfully communicative, generous man and I treasure the time that I had with him. My loving condolences to the Watt children and to Patty. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Marlene Steele

January 4, 2010

A master craftsman! Humble, supportive, and loving to all that he met.

I will miss him and his stories; his life-time achievements are monumental for the little-time he has been with us on earth.

I extend my condolences and sympathies. My heart, ears and hands are near for support.

January 4, 2010

OH what a fine human being Don was! Peter and I treasure our Canadian Thanksgiving with you a few months ago. Don's spirited conversation, incredible knowledge..and great sense of humor filled our table in your home withJOY! We shall miss him.Please come to AZ. and be with your friends here, Pat. Fran and Peter Rosenthal, Scottsdale

Peter Newton

January 4, 2010

Condolences to the family on such an early loss.
Don's many major design campaigns are legend but I have a more modest story.
Over 40 years ago Don re-designed graphics for a small regional business,
Puritan Foods.He even showed me how to pay for his work & 100 new labels(using better inks & discontinuing use of lacquers).His design concept helped take the brand to market leadership,& no-one is calling for new labels.
I will miss him.

Leigha Mund

January 4, 2010

I would like to extend my sincerest sympathies to the family. May the love of those around you give you strength and comfort at this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Janette Ewen

January 2, 2010

My deepest condolences to Pat and the family. Don was the most amazing, talented and giving person I have ever met. He will be missed.

Sherry Martin

January 2, 2010

A true great and one I add to my list of Ad Masters assigned to students at OCAD to study just how to excel in the craft and life. My condolences.

Dianne Hughes

January 2, 2010

Don was a wonderful man and he will be sadly missed. A man of abundant talent, kindness and integrity. My sincere condolences to Patty and family.

Showing 1 - 33 of 33 results

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