Obituaries

GEORGE RICHARD WATTERS
JANUARY 27, 1946 – DECEMBER 30, 2024

George was born of humble beginnings which formed the strong foundations that made him the gentle, caring, fun loving special son, brother, husband, dad, grandpa and loyal friend that we came to know and love.

He was one of six children born to Richard and Pearl Watters on January 27, 1946 in Miniota, Manitoba. HIs parents and three older sisters Gwen, Kay and Evelyn lived in “the shack” consisting of two tiny bedrooms and one main living area in Ravine, MB until 1952 when a new farm was built. A brother Keith and sister Audrey were born to complete the family. Ravine district was about 7 miles from Lenore and about 20 miles from Virden.

George attended Ravine School from grades 1 – 8, most times riding on horseback or by sleigh and cutter in winter or walking as a last resort. He then attended Randall School and Virden Collegiate in high school and then enrolled at Assiniboine College in Brandon for barber college. He lived in Carman after graduation and then onto Winnipeg where he worked with Bob Stark in St. Vital who later sold the shop to George and eventually became “Superb Barber Styling” where he remained for 40 years.

He met Janice, his wife, in 1971 and was married on August 4, 1973. They raised six children; Krystal, Kristian, Kyle, Rebecca and Sebastian and helped as guardians to grandsons Dakota and Devlin. Family and friends were very important to him and was happiest when the house was full, and everyone was having a good time. He loved a good joke and always had one ready.

Although a very quiet, reserved person he would always have a quick comeback to a joke surprising everyone which became his trademark.
George loved to read, do word search books and watch game shows. Together George and Janice acted as Registrar for “The Worldwide Engaged Couples” weekend at St. Benedicts Centre for marriage preparation. He was “Rusty” a beaver leader with the St. Ignatius group and loved doing the camps and crafts with the children. He loved flowers, the country, the lake and campfires where many good times were had.

George had multiple health issues over the years, starting when he was 16 with a ruptured appendix and rheumatic fever. While at Barber School, diabetes, meningitis, pneumonia, spinal surgery and congestive heart to name a few. Up until now he came through them all at his own pace leaving him weaker each time but very grateful for another chance. We kidded him about having more than a cat’s nine lives. Somehow, we thought he could do it one last time, but his Irish luck had run out.

George is survived by his wife of 51 years, Janice, their children; Krystal (John), Kristian (Melissa), Kyle, Rebecca and Sebastian, his grandchildren; Liam, Avery, Ty, Dakota, and Devlin, his sisters; Gwen, Evelyn and Audrey and many nieces and nephews.

George was predeceased by his parents Richard and Pearl Watters, sister Kay Rainka, brother Keith, brothers in law Bill Charney and Don Odell, sisters in law Susan Watters and Marlene Heck and niece Jodi Rainka.

Thank you to the staff at Deer Lodge 7th floor for their compassion and support.

Cremation has taken place, and a Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, January 18 at 12:00 p.m. at St. Ignatius Church located at 255 Stafford Street.