WATSON, Edward James

December 31, 1936 — December 24, 2025

It is with profound sorrow we announce the passing of our beloved Dad, James Francis Edwards Watson “Ed”, on Wednesday, December 24, 2025. Dad was our steady presence, our source of wisdom, and a man who loved his children above all else.

Dad was born in Moosomin, Saskatchewan, on December 31, 1936, the only child born to Robert and Floy Watson.

Throughout his childhood, Dad moved frequently as his father worked as a grain buyer, with family ties in Ontario. The family eventually settled in Bayfield, Ontario, where Dad attended school from Grade 2 through Grade 11. Dad often told the story of being suspended alongside four close friends after they were caught enjoying a few beers on a vacant farm, which left them late for school. His father’s response was swift: school was over, and it was time for him to get a job.

Determined to prove himself, Dad was hired immediately as an apprentice to the local electrician — much to his father’s dismay. His father insisted he resign and get back to school to finish Grade 12, which he did, graduating as Valedictorian. Afterward, Dad joined the Royal Bank in Regina, though he soon realized that banking was not his calling.

From time to time, a Mutual Life agent would visit the bank, and one day Dad asked if there were any openings in the Regina branch. Exactly one year after joining the Royal Bank, Dad became a Mutual Life agent — a career he truly loved. His success soon led to a transfer and promotion to Penticton, British Columbia.

It was there he met Fay Craney. Although he was engaged to someone in Saskatchewan at the time, he was quickly taken with Fay, and before long, the two were seeing each other often.

They were married on February 11, 1961, with, as Dad would say, “not two nickels to rub together.” During the early years of their marriage, Dad completed his Certified Life Underwriter (CLU) degree, and soon after, they welcomed their first son, Robert Jay “Jay”.

In 1962, Mom and Dad moved from Penticton to Kelowna, where Dad accepted a new position with Mutual Life, and where their daughter Jill Marie was born. Two years later, another move with the company took them to Vernon, where they welcomed their youngest son, Jeffery Allan.

Over the years, Dad’s career led the family through moves to Nelson, Grande Prairie, Penticton, and finally back full circle to Kelowna in 1982. While each move brought sadness in leaving friends behind, every city became part of the family’s story, full of memories they would always cherish. Dad’s hard work and dedication eventually allowed him to retire early — a reward well earned.

Our family shares countless fond memories of camping trips that inspired a lifelong love of the outdoors, passed down to all of us — and to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Dad was a lifelong dog lover, though he never cared much for cats (especially when they left paw prints on his car!). Yet, true to his kind heart, he often brought home abandoned or injured animals — both dogs and cats — giving them a loving home.

Dad was the kind of man who, even when he hadn’t volunteered, somehow ended up coaching Jeff’s minor hockey team when no one else would. He loved Okanagan Lake, spending countless days on his boat, The Chelsea, with his granddaughter Chelsea by his side. Many of our best family moments were spent out on the water with Mom and Dad.

His love of the lake led him to join the Kelowna Yacht Club, where he later became Commodore. Along with his love of boating, camping, and spending time with family, Dad had a lifelong passion for cars — especially convertibles and Cadillacs, of which he owned more than we can count.

Dad also believed strongly in giving back. He was active with the Kinsmen Club for many years and regularly supported the Kelowna Gospel Mission, the Salvation Army, and the Kelowna SPCA. An avid Rockets fan, Dad and his granddaughter Chelsea rarely missed a game. Dad volunteered for the Memorial Cup and served as a long-time volunteer at Kelowna General Hospital.

For years, the family’s Sunday tradition was breakfast at the Rutland Hall Flea Market — a tradition that continued with Dad and Jeff, who met every Sunday for breakfast and a drive around the car dealerships. More recently, those mornings included sharing recipes and stories back at Dad’s house.

Dad had a genuine love for people and a gift for connection. He could talk to anyone and had the rare ability to turn former adversaries into lifelong friends. One of the greatest gifts Dad gave us was to always be curious about people – a lesson he lived every day, and we all took to heart. Dad will be remembered by those who knew him for his kindness, his open heart and his sense of humour.

We will forever be grateful to have been blessed as Dad’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His lessons, wisdom, and unconditional love shaped our lives and will stay with us always. Dad was our listener, our greatest supporter, and our steady guide through life. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Dad was predeceased by the love of his life, our mom, Fay Elizabeth Watson, in 2021. He is survived by his children – Robert Jay Watson (Sahn), Jill (Gerry), and Jeff (Jane); his grandchildren Chelsea (Danny), Chynna, Jordan (Tanner), Jared, Kandis, Kodi, and Kylie; and his two great-grandchildren, Asher and Finnian.

Our deep appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Grant Chamberlain and his team at Evolve Health for his ongoing diligence to Dad’s care over the years.

Honouring Dad’s wishes, no service will be held. His family will gather in the summer of 2026 to honour his life and memory.

The Echo in My Heart

When I close my eyes, I still see you there, A steady hand, a smile beyond compare.
Your laughter’s echo in the quiet air, A sudden comfort, chasing off despair.

You taught me strength, to stand up tall and true, to face the world with courage, me and you.
Each lesson learned, a precious, guiding clue, A part of me, a part of all I do.

My anchor strong, my first and truest friend, on you, dear Dad, I always could depend.
And though this painful journey has no end, your love’s the light that helps my spirit mend.

I look for you in stars that softly gleam, I find your wisdom in a waking dream.
You’re not just gone, you’re woven in my theme, A silent strength, a never-fading stream.

So thank you, Dad, for all you gave and were, for every moment, every gentle stir.
Your love remains, a sweet, eternal blur, forever missed, forever held so dear.

If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.