Obituary of Norman Watson

Rev. Norman Lorne Watson, BA, BD, MA, MDiv, MTS Minister Emeritus, First United Church, Waterloo 1924 - 2011 Passed away peacefully at St. Mary's Hospital on Thursday, 20 October 2011 in Kitchener, Ontario at the age of 86. Beloved husband of the late Yvonne Watson (3 January 2011). Dear father of six children: Mrs. Judy Munro (Lloyd Spalding); Dr. Bill Watson (Lynn); Dr. Ken Watson (Mary); Mrs. Janet Kranz (Reinhard); Mr. Robb Watson; and Dr. Jim Watson (Trudy). Will be sadly missed by his 15 grandchildren: Alison Munro (Ryan); Jeff Munro (Jessica); Shannon Wijnker (Emil); Spencer Watson (Jennifer); Preston Watson (Hema); Taylor Watson; Eileen Watson; Beverly Watson; Doreen Watson; Jennifer Kranz; Kathy Kranz; Eric Watson; Scott Watson; Emily Watson; Ben Watson; and 5 great grandchildren: Callum; Cooper; Lily; Ruby and Colton with another on the way. Predeceased by his sister, Mrs. Velma Beck, and brother, Rev. Arthur Watson. Mr. Watson served congregations in Saskatchewan and Manitoba prior to being enrolled in the RCAF as a Chaplain. He served at RCAF Centralia and North Bay, #1 Air Division Headquarters in Metz, France, and as Senior Chaplain at St. Jean, Quebec. After leaving the RCAF, he served congregations at Stoney Creek, Kapuskasing, Midland and Kitchener, Ontario Mr. Watson spent many years working in the area of candidates for ordained ministry. He also served as Chairman of the Cochrane, Huronia and Waterloo presbyteries. While in Stoney Creek, he served for 10 years on the fire department as firefighter and chaplain. He served on the high school board and oversaw the building of a new church edifice. In Kapuskasing, Mr. Watson was a charter member of NEE-GI-NAN half way home. He also spearheaded the movement to create the new Manitou Conference. While in Midland, he served on the local hospital board. While serving in Forest Hill, he oversaw the erection of a new wing and served as On Call Chaplain at Grand River Hospital for 10 years. Rev. & Mrs. Watson were heavily involved in World Wide Marriage Encounter. They participated leading 22 weekends in southern Ontario and 2 in Vancouver. They served as Clergy Couple in Ontario/Quebec and the National Executive. They were square dancers and travelled the world extensively. Cremation has taken place and the memorial service to celebrate Rev. Watson's life and faith will take place Saturday, 22 October 2011 at 3:30 pm in the Sanctuary at First United Church, corner of William & King Streets in Waterloo. Following the service, the Watson family will receive friends during a reception at the church. Condolences for the family and donations to the Mission and Service Fund of the United Church may be arranged through the Erb & Good Family Funeral Home, 171 King Street South, Waterloo www.erbgood.com or by calling 519-745-8445.