Edward Albert Watson

It is with sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Bert (Edward) Watson on October 8th, 2024, at the Wingham and District Hospital in his 88th year.

Loving husband to Louise (Duran) of the Hague, Netherlands for 62 years, dad to Marina (Ilias), grandpa to Athan (Nathalie), brother to Joe (Barb), and brother-in-law to Josie Watson and Hilda Duran.

Predeceased by parents Georgina (Galbraith) of Howick township and Reginald of Morris Township, brothers Jim (Amanda) and Barry.

Bert will be fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews in Canada, the U.S. and the Netherlands and by his many friends.

Born on March 26th1937 in Howick township, Bert followed his passion and curiosity of the wider world to travel firstly to Toronto and on to Montreal to pursue a lifelong career in insurance and travel across the Atlantic to build a solid reputation as a trusted specialist in wholesale insurance and went on to own and operate insurance businesses including consulting and auditing services for the industry. His passion for travel led him to England, Europe, Africa, India, Australia and more remote corners of the world making many dear and lifelong friends along the way with his sociable nature.

He campaigned for causes he believed in and was a generous giver of his time and experience to anyone who asked, always willing to lend an ear and a helping hand. He had a natural ear for languages and was fluent in French and Dutch with a penchant for maps, atlases and the ‘Teach Yourself’ series including Icelandic, as well as for cryptic crosswords and satirical comics.

His greatest passion of all was for his family and friends and he loved nothing more than spending time at his cottage in Wroxeter entertaining loved ones, and friends from far and near.

He will be missed by many.

A celebration of Bert’s life will take place at the Brussels United Church on Saturday, October 19th at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers and expressions of sympathy donations to the Canadian Cancer Society specifically the breast cancer unit would be appreciated.

Cheques may be sent to Box 340, Brussels N0G 1H0.

Condolences may be left at riversidefuneralhome.ca