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University of Oregon

Ronald WATTS Obituary

Published by Edmonton Journal on Jan. 18, 2013.

WATTS, Ronald Francis
August 21, 1918 - January 16, 2013
In Edmonton after a short illness. Born in Calgary, only son of Avis (Greer) and AFC (Frank) Watts of the RCMP. In his first year the family moved to Vancouver where Ron attended elementary and junior high school. Reestablishment of the RCMP as Alberta's police led to the family's move to Edmonton's RCMP barracks at the top of Grierson Hill, where Ron attended Alex Taylor School and was confirmed in Christ Church (Anglican). Having learned Morse as an amateur radio operator, Ron worked a few months with the Marine Division (RCMP ship Macdonald) out of Halifax before returning to Edmonton to complete high school. Here his amateur radio and the invitation of a friend led him to Macdonald Baptist Church where he joined a radio operators' group, was baptized and mentored by Rev. Harold Stibbards and made the decision to enter Christian ministry. He attended St. Stephen's College, Edmonton, for his BA degree and the first year of theological (BD) studies. During this time he served as student pastor at Shiloh Baptist Church and later at Bonnie Doon Baptist Church where he met his future life partner Fanshun Taddy who led the Canadian Girls in Training (CGIT) group. Ron and Fanshun moved to Hamilton Ontario for two years at McMaster University where Fanshun worked in the University Library and Ron completed his BD degree while serving as Assistant (student) pastor at James Street Baptist Church. In 1944 they accepted the call to Calvary Baptist Church, Weyburn, Sask, Ron's only full pastoral charge, before moving to Calgary to found and lead the Baptist Leadership Training School in 1949. Three sons were born: David in Weyburn, and Jonathan and Peter in Calgary. In 1960 McMaster University conferred an honorary Doctorate of Divinity (DD) degree on Ronald in recognition of the work at BLTS. In 1971 Ron and Fanshun moved to Ontario and settled in Oakville. Ron served as General Secretary of the Baptist Convention of Ontario and Quebec while Fanshun served as National Secretary of CGIT. Ron retired from BCOQ in 1984 but remained active in his local Central Baptist Church in Oakville where he was named a Pastor Emeritus. He was also a local Vice President and member of Amnesty International. Predeceased by his parents Frank and Avis, by his spouse Fanshun and by his son Jonathan, he is survived by sons David of Edmonton and Peter (spouse Caitlin) of Toronto. An open house will be held at David's home in Edmonton on Saturday, January 19. Please contact [email protected] in Edmonton to request details. A memorial service will be held later in Oakville.

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Recent Activity

February 21, 2013

Rev Darrow Woods posted to the memorial.

February 20, 2013

Marlene Albertson posted to the memorial.

February 14, 2013

Deanne McIndoe posted to the memorial.

19 Entries

Rev Darrow Woods

February 21, 2013

Yesterday, at our monthly communion service at the Queens Avenue Seniors Residence, we took time to share memories about Rev. Ron. He is remembered as a friend, as well as for his grace, his wisdom as a Bible teacher, and for his wonderful music.

Marlene Albertson

February 20, 2013

May memories of your loved one bring peace to your heart. He was a great of man of God. I will not forget him. I attended B.L.T.S. in 1968-69. May the Lord bless and keep you all.

Deanne McIndoe

February 14, 2013

Dr. Watts was our respected principal of BLTS as well as our learned teacher and leader. He always had time to listen to us making us feel that our every concern was important to him. He never made us feel that we were taking up too much of his precious time.
My year at BLTS confirmed my belief in Our Lord Jesus Christ through my studies of the Old and New Testament. I will be forever thankful for the memories of his wonderful guidance. My condolences to David, Peter and The Watts family. BLTS '67/'68

Thelma Wright

February 4, 2013

My sympathy to Peter and David at the passing of a godly man and father.
David has become part of my extended family through my daughter and son-in- law and it is always a great day when we get together. We will continue to keep in touch with friendship and love.
My father and his father served the Weyburn community in the mid forties,Anglican and Baptist churches were well served by both, as well as was our country served by such great personalities.

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Ed Golem

January 26, 2013

It is difficult to know the full influence that Dr. Watts had on the young people who were priviledged to have studied at BLTS during his many years there. Strong, kind and gentle are words that come to mind when I think of him.

'Well done good and faithful servant'. Sincerest condolences to David and Peter.

Ed Golem (BLTS '67-'68)

January 22, 2013

I along with my husband, Jerry, want to express our sincere sympathy to the members of the Watts family. I first met Dr. & Mrs. Watts when I worked in the office of the Baptist Training Institute in Brantford, ON. Later he became General Secretary of the Baptist Convention of Ontario & Quebec and as Clerk of the Oxford-Brant Association I work more closely with him then. I always admired him for his thoughtfulness and the way that he would help with anything that needed to be looked after. I feel I have lost a good friend with his passing but at 94 he has lived a good life and I know that he is rejoicing in heaven with his family members as well as collegues who have gone on before him. We are remembering his family in prayer at this time praying that each member will know God's peace and comfort as they travel this journey. Blessings,
Ellen Tree

January 22, 2013

Dr. Watts' legacy through BLTS may never be measured as it continues through the decades. BLTS was a high point of my life as well. My sympathy to David and Peter.
Nelson Gietz (BLTS '63-'64)

Fran Schneidmiller

January 22, 2013

My sympathies to the family. Dr. & Mrs. Watts were wonderful, hospitable people who led and encouraged us at BLTS. Dr. Watts' insights and teaching have stuck with me. He followed my Dad to heaven by just two days.
Blessings, Fran (Farr) Schneidmiller

Lunch together in Oakville, May 31, 2012

Reginald Bibby

January 21, 2013

I cannot begin to say how much my life was touched by "Doc" Watts. His imprint was gigantic - something I had the great privilege of being able to convey to him over the past two or three years, both in person and in print.

I will never forget the wonderful extended visit we had in Oakville at the end of last May - exactly 50 years after our memorable year together at BLTS.

Thanks be to God for his life...and his profound influence on so many of us!

Frank Eady

January 21, 2013

Dr. Watts was a positive influence on so many of our lives. I was privileged to get to know him at BLTS and to have been able to keep up some contact with him during the past 20 years. My sympathies to his family.

January 21, 2013

Dr. Watts ,colleague and McMaster alumnus along with my father, Dick Standerwick ,was a family friend, valued mentor in my own experience at BLTS in62/63 ,gifted musician, scholar, warm, genuine and unpretentious but always in my memories DR . Watts. I have fond memories of travelling B.C and Alberta in the spring of 63 with the BLTS tour team with Dr. Watts at the wheel of the International harvester van.A brave man!!! Ken Standerwick.

Dave and Ann Laing

January 21, 2013

It is hard to imagine our church in Oakville without Ron's presence. Ron exemplified that "Christ-like" quality throughout his life. He was a kind and thoughtful friend, an amazing teacher, a gifted speaker and true servant of God. All who knew him were blessed in some way. We will continue to think of David and Peter in the months to come.

Darrow Woods

January 20, 2013

I have had the pleasure of knowing Ron for the last four and a half years. He has helped with the monthly ecumenical communion services at the Queens Avenue Retirement Residence in Oakville, Ontario. I have appreciated his kind and faithful presence, and the words he used when sharing the bread with the people. I know that his fellow residents at Queens will miss his goodhearted manner, his thoughtful Bible studies, and his wonderful piano music. He used to play for the other residents for 15 minutes before supper, every evening. He has inspired me as a minister who remained open to opportunities to serve, and to share the Good News. On behalf of the pastoral care team of Trinity Church, and myself, I extend our condolences, and prayers to Ron's family, friends, and colleagues in ministry. Peace, Rev. Darrow Woods, Oakville, Ontario

Philip Karpetz

January 20, 2013

I would express my condoences to the family of the late Ron Watts. I had the privilge of being a colleague when he was the General Scretary of the Baptist Convention of Ontario and Quebec, as well as being a partner in camp activities such as Camp Katepwa, and associated in other ways. He was a loyal friiend, a dedicated servant of the Lord, and was known for his intellect and fairness.May God richly bless the family even as He will bless the legacy of Ron's.

Fran DeZeeuw

January 20, 2013

Another amazing man gone from our midst. We love you Dr Watts. BLTS was one of the hilights of my life . Thank you. David and Peter, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Vivian (Shears) King

January 20, 2013

Dr. Watts will be sorely missed by so many of us. He is someone who years later I am still quoting. He was a man of compassion and ahead of his years in dealing with classes of teenagers. He will be remembered by all of us who attended BLTS. Blessings to his family during this difficult time.

January 19, 2013

Ron was a kind and gracious man. I had the honour of serving on a church committee with him recently and we all learned much from his wisdom, experience and love for the Lord. He will be missed by many.

January 19, 2013

Ron was a lovely and gracious man who I had the privilege of serving alongside on a church committee recently. We all benefited from his wisdom, experience and love for the Lord. He will be greatly missed by many.

Paul & Ellen Kaye

January 18, 2013

As a member of Central Baptist Church, Ron was an inspiration to all who knew him. Our chats were warm and kind and always gave me a sense that God was indeed with him. Ron we will miss you.

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