David Marno Watson

May 21, 1945 - November 11, 2020

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our loving father, Dave Watson, who passed away at the Cornwall Community Hospital, Cornwall, Ontario with his beloved daughters at his side, Jennifer gently cradling his hand and head.

Dad was predeceased by his parents, David and Victoria (nee Parada) Watson, brother Garry Watson and his loyal, beloved, fury friend Ernie.

He leaves to mourn his precious daughters Laurie McCarthy (Soleil Gallego), Jennifer Flanagan (Tom), mother of his daughters Deb Zinnick, sister Hope Watson-Bailey (Jay) brother Royal Watson, sister-in-law Beverly Watson, and five very special nieces Monique (his goddaughter), Nicole, Keehan, Caris, and Ambryl.

Dad was born on May 21, 1945 in Toronto, Ontario. In following his calling, he received a Bachelor of Pedagogy degree from the University of Manitoba and started teaching, fulfilling the profession with passion and love. Dad taught in northern Manitoba, Gimli, and the latest, Swan Lake where he also became Principal and ultimately retired with a love for all his students, whom he referred to as his “kids”. He was a dedicated teacher and principal with a passion for his work and a deep commitment to his students’ success. He devoted many hours on extracurricular activities as he believed that they strengthen the mind in ways that traditional learning often couldn’t. Dad retired after spending many years teaching and living in Swan Lake, Manitoba where he made many lifelong friends. Due to health conditions, Dad moved to Ottawa, Ontario with his daughter Jennifer for his remaining years and they became an inseparable duo, a strong team. While in Ottawa Dad continued to keep in touch with his Manitoba friends and many former students who thought the world of him, even though aphasia made it quite challenging at times.

Back in the day, Dad loved Belgian bowling and hosting his friends for barbeques. He loved his community and was both a Knights of Columbus member and a Lions Club member. He was the Mayor of Swan Lake, an avid golfer and a pool shark.

In the past ten years, forming a team with Jen, Dad loved riding his bike, going for brunches, getting mani/pedis with Jen, FaceTiming with Laurie and Soleil (oh boy!), car rides to feel the sun on his face and the wind in his hair, and he loved it when Jen brushed his hair and scratched his back. Dad loved trying new activities and was excited to go to new places, such as our little spots at the shoreline and drives through Newington and Lunenburg, little towns that reminded him of Swan Lake. Above all, he had an incredible sense of humour and loved to laugh. Everyone he met just adored him. He grew a tremendously grateful heart, by him and Jen giving thanks for little things every day.

The family would like to give a special Thank you to all the staff and nurses at Woodland Villa nursing home who looked after Dad with the utmost care, compassion, and kindness, as an extension of Jen. You were his angels and we will never forget the comfort you provided.

Rest In Peace Dad, the world is so empty without you. Forever missed, forever loved.

Arrangements have been entrusted to LAHAIE AND SULLIVAN CORNWALL FUNERAL HOMES, WEST BRANCH, 20 Seventh St W (613-932-8482). Cremation will be taking place.

As expressions of sympathy memorial donations to the Ottawa Aphasia Centre would be appreciated by the family. Messages of Condolence may be left at www.lahaiesullivan.ca