W. Thomas WATSON

WATSON, W. Thomas 1934 - 2002 Our beloved Tom took his final flight into heaven on June 6, 2002. He left us while living his passion, surrounded by three of his dearest friends. He leaves behind to celebrate his life, his wife Elizabeth (Betty); daughters, Joanne (Werner) Gerl, Lorraine Watson and Cathleen (David) Bloxham; step-daughter, Rea (Brent) Cymbol; as well as grandchildren, Christopher, Bradley, and David Gerl and Jack and Alison Bloxham, all from Calgary. Also celebrating his life are siblings, Rae (Paul) Laval, John (Linda) Watson, and Walter Watson, all from Manitoba and a father-in-law Walter F. Turner of Lloydminster. Seven nieces, two nephews, and countless other relatives and friends will miss Tom dearly. Tom was predeceased by his father Tom (1943), wife Arlene (1988), and mother Marjorie (1993). Tom was born July 6, 1934 in Winnipeg, MB, the oldest of 4 children. He spent his youth in Pilot Mount, MB. He left to attend the U of M, studying architecture for one year. Tom then moved to Edmonton where he met and married Arlene Turner in 1959. Tom received his degree in Petroleum Engineering from the U of A in 1960. After graduation, they moved to Fort St. John, BC; Tulsa, OK; and Bakersfield, CA before returning to Calgary in 1965. Tom worked for the next 37 years in the oil patch specializing in heavy oil. He realized his life-long dream when he took his first solo flight in 1982. Tom's flying adventures took him to Scotland, Mexico, Alaska, the Bahamas, and across North America. When he was not in the air, Tom enjoyed life by spending time at the Springbank Airport working with his friends on his homebuilt bi-plane and was an active participant in many aviation clubs. Tom was blessed once again, marrying Betty in 1993. Tom loved square dancing with Betty and their friends as members of the Highland Swingers. Other interests included a 35 year involvement with Toastmasters and after 60 years as a hockey player, he was still active playing three times a week in a Senior's League. Tom will be lovingly remembered for his quiet, humorous demeanor. He was respected for his integrity, compassion, generosity, leadership and countless contributions to all those who knew him. If you wish to commemorate Tom's life, donations can be made in lieu of flowers to a charity of your choice.A celebration of Tom's life will be held at McDougall United Church, (8516 Athabasca Street SE.) on Thursday, June 13, 2002 at 10:00 A.M. with the Rev. Bryan D. Derksen officiating. To e-mail expressions of sympathy: condolences@mcinnisandholloway.com Subject Heading: Tom Watson. In living memory of Tom Watson, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, "Park Memorial Chapel", 5008 Elbow Drive S.W., Calgary, Telephone: (403) 243-8200.