We Remember

WATTS, John

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John (Papa) passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on January 16, 2016. He was born on January 19, 1928 in Treherbert, Wales.  At the age of 18, John joined the Air Force for two years.  He then travelled to London where he was trained as a psychiatric nurse and took further training to be a Registered nurse over a five year period.  In 1957 he left London on an adventure to travel Canada and the United States for two years, but remained in Canada.  He came to work in Moose Jaw, SK as a psychiatric nurse.  John met many good friends and his loving wife, Eva, whom he married in 1965 and soon after, they started their family.

In 1970 John moved to Kelowna, BC and started working at Kelowna General Hospital. He worked as a nurse on various units before becoming the Head Nurse of a rehabilitation unit, which ran for many years and finished his nursing career as the Head Nurse on a Geriatric Unit 3 North.  John spent many enjoyable hours working with his staff on his units, which was like a second family to him.  John worked at Kelowna General for 21 years of his more than 40 year nursing career.

In his retirement John enjoyed gardening, bird watching, going for walks with Eva and spending time with his seven grandsons and his one granddaughter. He spent countless hours with Eva watching the grandchildren swimming in the backyard pool and attending all their different sporting activities.  John loved to celebrate all the holidays and special occasions, especially his annual Easter egg hunt.  He will be greatly missed by his loving family and friends, as he made each of us feel so very special all the time.  He is survived by his loving wife Eva; daughters: Anne-Marie, Lesley (Rogelio), Rhondda (George); grandchildren: Geoffrey, Matthew, Alex, Klye, Christopher, Keely, Trevor and Shawn; brothers: Albert and Ronald Watts.  Predeceased by his mother and father, sister Esme and his brother David.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation, 2268 Pandosy Street, Kelowna, BC V1Y 1T2.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, January 23rd at 1:00 pm at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC, with Pastor Wes Hutchens officiating.  If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”

Service
Saturday, January 23rd at 1:00 pm

Location
Springfield Funeral Home

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Kelowna General Hospital Foundation, 2268 Pandosy Street, Kelowna, BC V1Y 1T2

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for WATTS, John is scheduled for Saturday, January 23rd at 1:00 pm . Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Springfield Funeral Home

2020 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

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Condolences

  • Cheryl Ash says:
    January 20, 2016 at 10:04 am

    Anne-Marie, Geoffrey, Alex & Trevor,

    We are deeply saddened by the loss of your Papa. Please accept our condolences and may our prayers help comfort you. Papa was a wonderful person, and an amazing grandfather to all of you.

    Love Auntie Cheryl, Brandon, Dustin and Gramma

    Reply
  • Chriss Janko says:
    January 21, 2016 at 1:30 pm

    My dear friend Rhondda,
    I am in a small village in Mexico sitting on a stool crying for the tremendous loss of your sweet dad. He was such a successful and lovely man. I can only imagine how much he will be missed. I am so sad I cannot be there for his memorial. My lovè to you and your mom and Anne-Marie and Lesley and all thè grandkids. Your many memories will hold him close. My mom also sends her love. Please hug your mom for us. I always hold you close. xo Chriss Janko

    Reply
  • Donna Cameron says:
    January 27, 2016 at 7:46 am

    So sorry to hear of your loss..I worked with your Dad for many years and his sense of humour made our days really enjoyable..and lots of great memories…funny man

    Reply

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Judith Szabo

Everything was so organized and pertinent to what we needed. Everyone we met was kind, courteous and very helpful during our emotional and challenging time. Thank you so much.

Heather Mayne

They were so prompt on answering any questions and changing things. They were prepared and respected any religious decisions. The process was so seamless and made easy in such a high stress situation.

Tanya Kohar

In the past 2 years Springfield has helped us through the death of my Mother and my Father. Their response and help allowed us to focus on the remaining family rather than worrying about details of the funeral and all the notifications that are required upon a death.

Terry Eldridge

The atmosphere has been nothing but professional during times of grief.  After the passing of my mother, the staff coached me on the next steps and looked after filling in all the government forms that I needed to sign, which took a huge burden off my mind at the time.

Donald McClure

Everyone was so helpful and kind.  There was no pressure.  They provided exactly what we needed.

Diane Greenwood

From the time I called to the completion of all the services, I received compassionate, attentive and professional care.  There was a sense of caring from each staff member.  I was turning over my Mom to their care and I felt very comfortable with everyone.  I felt heard and never felt pushed into any decision.

Katherine Lewis

I have always found the team at Springfield Funeral Home to be VERY caring, kind, considerate and helpful.  I have and will continue to recommend them to anyone who asks which funeral home would I suggest they use.  No other funeral home I have dealt with even comes close to Springfield Funeral Home.

Ethna Tutt

Right at the onset, I was made very comfortable, there was no pressure.  I was made to feel as if I was the only one they had to serve.

Frances Baum

Everything that was arranged for us was perfect.  Our loved one, husband, father, brother was treated with respect.  Thank you for making this difficult time a little more acceptable via your staff’s obvious caring and respect.

Jacquelene Bluschke