John Lawson Watts

WATTS, John Lawson, age 89, died at Saanich Peninsula Hospital on Friday, July 29, 2016 following a short illness. John was born June 16, 1927, in Calgary, Alberta and completed his education there and in Banff. He worked with Parks Canada in Banff, Kootenay and Pacific Rim National Parks before joining the regional office in Calgary. John completed his career at Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites. His legacy includes a leadership role in the creation of the West Coast Trail. From an early age John developed a keen interest in motoring and during his life enjoyed owning a wide variety of interesting cars. From sailing on Two Jack Lake in Banff to travels through Europe and on the sands of Hawaii, John enjoyed life and the many friendships he made along the way.
John was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Fran (Harris), his sister, Frances (Beresford) and wife Tricia Ruitenbeek, the love who brought the spark back to his life. He is survived by his nephews John and Chris Beresford, grand-nephew James, grand-niece Bryony Beresford and grandson Nicolas Ruitenbeek, by Annette Ruitenbeek, Jack Ruitenbeek, Cindy Cartier and many wonderful friends who cared about and for him, including Marjorie Payne, Jack and Janet Holroyd and Bruce and Joan Payne. The family would like to thank the staff and volunteers at Saanich Peninsula Hospital for the compassion that John was shown while in their care. A Memorial Service will take place at First Memorial Chapel, 4725 Falaise Drive, Victoria, BC, on Saturday, August 13, 2016, at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, donations in John's memory made be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, http://www.cancer.ca/en/donate/?region=bc, or the Saanich Peninsula Hospital, http://sphf.ca/contribution/ or to a charity of your choice.

Celebration of Life