WATSON, William Blair Charles "Bill"
Following a brief but courageous battle with cancer, Bill passed away peacefully at his home in Milford, on May 10, 2022, surrounded by loved ones.
Born in Harvey, N.B., on June 10, 1956, he was the son of Blair and Lillian (Lister) Watson.
Bill's strong will and fervent desire to succeed enabled him to overcome numerous challenges throughout his life. After graduating from Harvey Regional High School, he attended his first year of Science at UNB Fredericton. In 1978, Bill earned a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree at Dalhousie University and began his career at Devon Pharmacy under the mentorship of the late Paul Briggs, who became a lifelong friend. In 1987, Bill moved to Nova Scotia to pursue an opportunity with the "Associated Maritime Pharmacies.” He was a successful businessman and continued to work as a pharmacist until his recent retirement in December 2021.
During the course of his career, Bill served as a Council Member of the Pharmaceutical Society of New Brunswick and a member of the Board of the Canadian Pharmaceutical Association. Bill was very supportive of his community and devoted much time and energy to various organizations.
Bill cherished his sons William "Billy" and David. He loved and supported them unconditionally. He was proud of their academic and personal achievements. His happiest moments were spent having conversations with Billy while resting idle in their Old Town kayaks and cheering for David "Bubba" from the softball bleachers. Together they enjoyed kayaking, tubing, downhill skiing, swimming, fishing, biking, and golfing.
Through his outdoor enthusiast group, Bill forged many valued friendships, including Anita, who became his devoted partner. In recent years, encouraged by Anita, he enjoyed hiking, climbing mountains, cross-country skiing and sailboarding. Watson's Lodge on Oromocto Lake was very dear to Bill's heart. He referred to it as the place where family connections were rekindled year after year. Bill was intent on ensuring the lodge, originally built by his grandfather in 1955, be preserved to be enjoyed by future generations.
In addition to his parents, Bill is survived by his devoted partner, Anita Matheson, Bible Hill; sons, Billy and David, Milford, their mother, Sandra Watson, Milford; stepdaughters, Gillian Vantol, Shubenacadie; Leslie Vantol, Milford; Erin (Tyler) Lively, Lantz; step grandchildren, Colton and Sophia Lively, Lantz; siblings, Joanne (David) Fletcher, Harvey, N.B.; Rick (Brenda), Harvey, N.B.; Barry (Ann), Hampton, N.B.; Shari Watson, Harvey, N.B.; David (Lorrie), Hampton, N.B.; several uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family extends deep appreciation to Dr. Robyn Macfarlane, Dr. Don Rowe, Dr. Cortney Smith, Dawn Ross, RN, the VON and the staff at the Colchester East Hants Health Centre's Emergency Room and Palliative Care Unit. Special thanks from the family to his partner, Anita, for all of her loving care. The family also wishes to acknowledge and give thanks to the people of the community, neighbours, friends, and Bill’s work colleagues for the kindness and generosity shown to them throughout this challenging time.
Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life gathering will be held from 1-3 p.m. Wednesday, May 18th, in Ettinger Funeral Home, 2812 Hwy. 2, Shubenacadie. A Celebration will be held in Harvey, N.B., at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Shumilacke Food Bank, Shubenacadie, the Lakeland Food Bank, Harvey & Mcadam, N.B., or QEII Health Sciences Foundation for Cancer Care.
Tributes, words of comfort and memories of Bill may be shared with the family at: www.ettingerfuneralhome.com
"The journey doesn't end here. Death is just another path, one that we all must take."