David Macnab Watson
(August 25, 1936 – January 28, 2023)
Engineer, inventor, coach, prospector, dreamer, investor, fisherman, storyteller, neighbour, handyman, grandfather, volunteer, brother, husband, father, friend…
David (Dave) was born in Howick, Quebec, to Jean Beatrice Watson (née Whillans) and Wilfred ‘Doc’ Watson. His father was the local vet, and his childhood was adventure-filled. His eyes always sparkled in retelling childhood stories.
After studying civil engineering at the University of New Brunswick he lived and worked in dozens of places. In 1966, during an overland bus journey from India to London, he met Margaret. They went for coffee in Tehran. By 1968 Margaret was in Canada; they married in Victoria in 1969.
He joined the federal public service in 1972 and spent a quarter century working on the roads and bridges of western Canada. In 1979 they moved their young family to Banff, where they developed deep roots, and where they remained until their deaths. Dave loved the park and took great pleasure in regular skiing, hiking and fishing trips. He was a dedicated father and his love for the outdoors was passed on to his children. He built sandboxes, zip lines, and backyard skating rinks, and he always supported their many sporting, academic, and other pursuits. His calm and thoughtful advice was never more than a phone call away.Dave was known for his friendliness and incredible generosity. He made connections easily and found common ground with people from all walks of life. He picked up hitchhikers regularly. They would often be invited home for a meal, or to stay the night. For many people, Margaret and Dave Watson were an indelible part of their Canadian Rockies experience.
His retirement projects were many. He sought gold and started a prospecting business. He even staked some claims. Success was measured not by what he found (usually nothing) but by the adventures he had. He and Margaret travelled regularly– visiting Southern Africa, Malaysia, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, and Germany. As an inventor, he designed and manufactured a simple and effective set of steel clamps for tuning skis. They were ‘made of steel to last forever’ and most are doubtless still in use. He purchased two old Volkswagen camper vans that made it to the far north, and Newfoundland – and back!
Dave was an engineer at heart and loved to fix things. His basement workshop was a repair shop, spare parts storage, and tool museum in equal measure. It was a matter of pride (and considerable Scottish thrift) that he be able to fix things on his own. And he was always willing to help others – never going far without his red toolbox. His volunteerism and commitment to the community ran deep. He coached hockey and helped with the Nordic ski club. He was an executive on the Banff Rowing Club, the Banff Senior’s Centre, Abbeyfield House and the Banff Scout and Guide Hall Association. Thousands of people bought Christmas trees from Dave. He fixed sinks, painted walls, and repaired roofs at the Rundle United Church.
Dave loved animals, and they seemed to love him right back. Perhaps as a veterinarian’s son he had special insight into their lives. He was particularly fond of dogs, and one could usually be found at their Park Avenue home – either a Watson dog or one of many boarders they hosted over the years.
He had a genuine enthusiasm for life, a wonderful sense of humour, and a mischievous side. Ribbing his friends and making small bets was a favourite pastime. He was thoughtful and sensitive, but largely unsentimental: life was full of ups and downs but didn’t have to be complicated. He had his failings, but he excelled at the things that mattered most: embracing life, sharing generously his time and skills, loving unconditionally, and looking out for his family and friends.
He embraced his role as a grandfather, and enjoyed spoiling his grandchildren with ice cream, milkshakes and frozen blueberries. Although not known for his effusion, “I love you too” became reflexive in response to the ubiquitous “I love you Papa” from his grandchildren. From the twinkle in his eyes, you knew he meant it.
Dave loved to solve problems. But for all his determination and formidable problem-solving prowess, in the end neither he, nor the doctors, were able to fix the effects of time and rapidly advancing Parkinson’s. Margaret’s death at the end of November and the increasing loss of his clarity and independence added tremendous weight. Ultimately, he knew that life - unlike his steel clamps, the gold that he chased, and the love that he shared - isn’t immutable.
Dave was predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Margaret, his brother Donald, sister-in-law Monique, and brother-in-law Phil, and is survived by his brothers Ian, and Mack (Rena), sisters-in-law June and Anne, brother-in-law John (Kathy), children Paul (Joanna), Catherine and Michael (Hannah), grandchildren Mackenzie, Parker, Lucy, Hannah, Theodore and Sebastian, many relatives, and countless friends around the world.
Our heartfelt thanks to the many doctors, nurses, homecare workers and other professionals who provided compassionate care and support over the years, and in the final months and weeks.
Dave was a remarkable fellow. His kindness and humility, his humour, his selflessness, his genuine interest in people, and his love and care for his family and friends all allowed him, in simple but profound ways, to enrich the lives of others. He will be deeply missed.
Those wishing to honour Dave’s memory are encouraged to get outdoors, to volunteer in their community, and to make a donation towards research at the Parkinson’s Association of Alberta.
