Former Rams owner Watson dies aged 45

John Watson, former owner of the Canterbury Rams basketball franchise in the national league, has died in the United States of a brain aneurysm.

Watson, 45, took over control of the Rams in 2000 from the cashstrapped Canterbury Basketball Association but relinquished the running of the franchise when he returned to live in the United States in 2008 to become professor of marketing at St Bonaventure University in New York. The franchise was replaced by the Christchurch Cougars in 2009.

Cougars franchise founders Andrew and Amy Gardiner were shocked by Watson’s death.

‘‘He is the reason why Andrew and I came to Christchurch back in 2001 when Andrew was recruited to play for the Rams. His drive for Canterbury basketball was relentless for many years,’’ Amy Gardiner said.

‘‘His vision surpassed what was possible in this country. We are deeply saddened by this news.’’

Watson had come to New Zealand from the US in 1996 and was a former assistant and associate professor at the University of Canterbury. He filled almost every role in the Rams organisation, from player-coach to mascot.

At Canterbury University, he founded the Business and Sport Management Society and served on the university’s MBA board of directors. Watson was married with four children.