William "Bill" Watts

Bill was born Thursday, November 7, 1946 in The Pas, Manitoba.  Bill lived his entire life in The Pas.

Bill was a very independent, hard worker and had a passion and great skill with heavy duty machinery. He enjoyed the many years he worked for Watts Brothers constructing the northern winter roads. Later years he employed with Morrish Holdings. He took great pride and spent long hours working. He recently gave advice to a great niece stating “don’t work until you get sick and can’t work anymore. I wish I would have retired earlier so I could enjoy more time hunting and fishing, and doing the things I enjoyed.”

In Bill’s younger years he enjoyed fishing, hunting, The Pas stock car club, his small garden and cutting wood to heat his home. Bill spent 7 years digging out his basement by his own hands with only a shovel and hauling by pail, which later became his workshop and woodstove.

Bill had a love for motor vehicles. While looking through all his paperwork, there was numerous receipts for all cars/trucks he had purchased dating back to 1950 Ford F150 and a 1963 Corvette. All that knew Bill, knew he was a FORD truck man. He would always have a bottle of wine and a box of dog treats in his truck so he never went to a home empty handed.

To some; Bill could come across gruff, a “bushed man” so to speak. You would know if he either liked or disliked you instantly. But to family and close friends, he was a kind and caring man who was always there for friends/family when needed. He operated on honesty, integrity and loyalty. He made many friendships and touched many lives in his time. He cared for his mother in her last years, was a loyal son that took great pride in his role. Although Bill never had his own children, he was always there and thought the world of his great nieces. He even became a great great great uncle just weeks before his passing.

In Bills last few years of life, he was ailed with medical concerns that took a lot of his independence. He had started dialysis and had many out of town appointments, which was quite the adjustment for him. There were many angels in Bills life that were there for him without a second thought especially Gerald Miller, Tom Burke-Gaffney, Neil Hemauer and family and Leslie, Garry and Len. The family wishes to thank everyone for the impact you made in the quality of Bills life in the last tough few years.

Bill passed away Sunday February 7th, 2021 at St Anthony’s Hospital in The Pas at the age of 74.

Bill is survived by Nephews, Gord and Reg Leclerc and Niece Valerie Collingridge. Great Nieces Linda, Kathy and Amber. 6 great great nieces and nephews and 1 great great great niece Aaliyah, and extended family Crystal Reimer as well as numerous other relatives.

Bill is predeceased by parents, Gordon and Violet Watts; Longtime companion of Violet Watts, Pat Baker; Sister Dorothy Leclerc and special friend, Olga Sawicki.

In keeping with Billy’s wishes, cremation will take place and a service of remembrance to celebrate Bill’s life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be e-transferred to: HelpBonnieHelpTheDogs@gmail.com, and would be appreciated by Billy’s family.