Obituaries

DONALD GEORGE WATTS
APR 12 1941 – JUNE 26 2026

On a beautiful sunny Friday afternoon at the age of 85, Don took his last breaths in the loving presence of his beloved daughter Dona.

Don was predeceased by his mother Jean Davis (née Dope), and siblings Bob and Barbara. Left to cherish his memory, his twin sister Diane and brother Raymond, daughter Dona (Dave), beloved granddaughters Samantha and Hope, many nieces and nephews, including Tony, Karen, Nancy (Mark), and Toni.

Born prematurely in 1941 in Etonia, Saskatchewan, the twins were not expected to survive, but they beat all the odds.

Don spent his early childhood years in Saskatchewan and Toronto. His family then settled in Winnipeg. Don left school early to go work on the family farm in Saskatchewan. It was there he discovered welding with his mentor and father figure Grandpa Watts.

Don became a highly skilled iron worker welder and worked with Dominion Bridge and Local 728. He loved his work and took great pride in the projects he was a part of- most notably the construction of the tallest skyscraper in Winnipeg for many years – The Richardson building, completed in 1969. Don made many friends through work and met his lifelong buddy Danny. They always had each other’s backs professionally and personally. They enjoyed fishing trips and supporting the Wpg Blue Bombers and the Jets together. Danny remained a true friend and constant support to Don to the very end.

A true nature, wildlife and animal lover he lived his best life when outdoors. Fishing with friends was his biggest lifelong passion. Fresh cooked Pickerel and potato salad was his perfect meal – Just add a beer and a game of crib! Camping and travelling with the Boler and horseback riding are some of the best childhood memories with Dad. Don would definitely tell you to take all the road trips and “don’t hit the rhubarb!”

Lake, river, ocean or pool, Don loved being in or on the water and was an excellent swimmer. Grandpa was always a tree climber and put the backyard swing high up in the old elm tree for his granddaughters when he was well into his sixties. He was so fun and spontaneous with kids.

After retirement and a successful open heart surgery, Don always said life began after 60! A fun loving and adventurous spirit, he liked to travel whether near or far and made it to many great destinations in the US, Caribbean, Italy, Greece, Spain, Portugal and Egypt. He enjoyed cruises with new friends later in life and was always up for new experiences.

Don had a smile that could light up the room and he loved to laugh. He had a natural gift for connecting with people and made friends easily. He touched countless lives with his warmth, generosity and unmistakable sense of humour. He didn’t know he was a teacher and a wise soul in his own right, but he shared many beautiful life lessons by just being his authentic and genuine self. We take comfort in knowing his legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the values he instilled and the countless acts of kindness he offered so freely. Dad taught me to live a life rich in friendships, to go play out in the rain and to catch all the rainbows. He offered the opportunity to take chances, make mistakes and move on.

Don was living proof that you can get through anything. You have to keep your head up and just keep going. Over the past several years he faced many health challenges and hospitalizations. He was a true medical miracle proving to be tough and resilient to the very end. He just never gave up. In his declining health he continued to face each day with kindness and optimism.

Thank you to the 3rd floor team of doctors and the amazing nurses and health care aides at Oakview Place for Don’s care and residency this past year. Your work is tireless and difficult.

Don liked to keep it simple. As per his wishes he will be cremated and we will honour his life with a private family gathering.

If it calls to you to spread goodness like Don did, please consider a donation to: Heart and Stroke Foundation,
Diabetes Canada or any animal or wildlife rescues and shelters or a cause close to your own heart.

“Over and out”
You are Forever Loved and Remembered Dad, Grandpa, Don xo