We Remember

Watts, Roger

January 1, 1970 — January 1, 1970

 

With heartfelt sadness, we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of ROGER DENNIS WATTS on the morning of December 8, 2011, while on vacation in St. Maarten.

Born in Scotland on March 10, 1945, Roger was a well-travelled child having lived between Britain, Canada and California before moving to Africa in 1953. He fondly remembered his youth spent in Rhodesia and South Africa prior to his return to Canada in 1958. Completing a law degree at the University of British Columbia, he then embarked on a long and successful career in law filled with unbridled passion.

Known by all who had the opportunity to spend time with him as a man of compassion, energy and generosity, he truly savoured each day and lived life to the fullest. He lit up any room he entered with his unabashed, hearty laughter and his infectious enthusiasm for life. A true romantic, he embraced his dreams as well as the dreams and passions of those around him.

He is survived by his wife Sandra, his sister Lenise, his cousin Penny, his first wife Sandra, their children Roger and Robyn and his grandchildren Alex, Madeleine, Taylor and Maxim.

He will be deeply missed, forever in our hearts and always with us in spirit and laughter.

Please join us for a memorial service for all family, friends and colleagues to celebrate Roger’s life at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 18, 2011 at the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort, 1310 Water Street, Kelowna. Guests from out of town wishing to book accommodation at the Grand may refer to the “Watts Friends and Family” event when booking.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Roger’s memory can be made to the Roger Watts Memorial Fund at the Central Okanagan Foundation. The fund, established by Roger’s friends and family, will support a scholarship in Roger’s name. For more information, or to give on-line, please visit www.centralokanaganfoundation.org or call the Foundation at 250-861-6160.

 

Service
6:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 18, 2011

Location
Delta Grand Okanagan Resort

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Roger Watts Memorial Fund at the Central Okanagan Foundation Link: centralokanaganfoundation.org

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for Watts, Roger is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 18, 2011 . Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Delta Grand Okanagan Resort

1310 Water Street Kelowna, BC

Phone:


Special Requests:

None.


Funeral Pointers:

 


Condolences

  • Paula Anderson says:

    My sympathies to you and your family. My fondest memory is the Halloween party for Okanagan Appaisals and Roger dressed as Austin Powers. His laughter was contagious!! Roger will be sadly missed by many.

  • vic nykiforuk says:

    On behalf of our entire ICBC lits adjusting team in Kelowna we send our sincere condolences to Sandra,Roger Jr.and Robyn for the sudden loss of your wonderful husband,father and grandfather. For myself I have worked professionally with Roger for 24 years.It was a wonderful working relationsip no matter which hat Roger was wearing at the time. If it was a white hat you knew he would provide you with a stellar defense. If it was the “black” hat, you knew he would be a fromidable opponent.As many successful lawyers have a huge ego, Roger had one as big as his smile. Not many people are aware, Roger NEVER lost a trial. That was of course according to Roger. If the trial results were poor for Roger, there was a reasonable explanation. It was either a bad judgement or his second chair didn’t do their job properly. Roger just never lost! Roger had a such a wonderful magnetism that drew people to him when he walked into a room. People always wanted to hear Roger’s stories because they would create lots of laughter. Most of the stories were about Roger of course, who could take as well as he gave. We will certainly miss those laughs, the conjolling, and Roger’s huge smile. He was a friendly, generous, caring man, who we at ICBC in Kelowna, will miss working with for sure. To the family,who Roger was so proud of and spoke often about, we feel your grief, as well as your loss. Roger was one of a kind and you always felt good after talking to Roger. He made you laugh. He is now on a new journey. May He Rest In Peace.

  • Anne Lewko says:

    My condolences to the family of whom Roger was so fiercely proud. I mediated with him on November 15th. Had I known it was the last time, I would have delayed my return flight. I am so sorry for your loss. Roger will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

  • Sandra and family says:

    Our deepest and most heartfelt sympathy at this difficult time – may your memories of Roger console you all in the darkest of days.
    Roger will always be remembered by us by his laughter at his latest escapade or his idea of the next adventure- all in the name of fun!
    Rogers will always be remembered and not forgotten.
    Bernie and Lilly Legatto

  • Bronwen & Mike says:

    Dear Lenise, Sandra and family, our deepest condolances at the sudden loss of Roger. He certainly was the light of whatever room he was in. Kelowna won’t be quite the same. Sandra and Lenise, unfortunately we will be in Vancouver on the 18th, but are sending you lots of warm hugs and love. Despite the sadness of the day, I’m sure there will be lots of laughs and wonderful stories. I enjoyed Roger telling the story of his life as a youngster, such an amazing time, to experience life as he did. He will be missed. Love Bronwen and Mike

  • Heather Birarda says:

    To Sandy, Rogers first wife. I am so sorry to hear this news. My heart goes out to you and Roger and Robyn. Thinking of you all.

    Heather Birarda

  • Niels Andersen says:

    Dear Sandra, Robyn, Roger Jr. and family.
    Our condolences to you all. We are extremely sorry and shocked to hear of Roger’s untimely death. We have many fond memories of Roger going back to 1968 when Roger and I worked together. Vera and I both appreciate the close friendship with the Watts’ family and had many enjoyable visits together in Vancouver and Vernon. Sorry we are unable to attend the Celebration of Roger’s Life in Kelowna.
    Our thoughts are with you!
    Vera and Niels Andersen

  • Jeff Dilworth says:

    My sincere condolences to Sandra, Roger, Robyn and family and all work colleagues for what is a tragic loss. Roger will always be remembered for not only his legal prowess but his ability to make you feel that you were important in his life. Never a year went by without an invite to his fabulous Christmas party or a lunch if he was in town. He always made time for us. Roger, i’m going to miss you tremendously. I would say Rest in Peace but i have a feeling you have already lined up another fabulous Sinatra singer and have your full Jack Sparrow outfit on hoopin it up in heaven.

  • von Vegesack says:

    It is so difficult to express in words how we are feeling during this most difficult time. Our hearts broke at the news on Roger’s sudden passing.

    Please know that our prayers and love are with you.

    Roger was a man of many talents and compassions.
    Roger loved to entertain and was always the centre of fun and laughter at our dinner table. The memories will never die of the wonderful times we had at the Pebble Beach Concourse in California, dinners in Kelowna and Scottsdale Arizona.

    We feel so fortunate to have known Roger and hold dear to our hearts the incredible times that we spent with you both. He will be dearly missed.

    Love and prayers,
    Brenda, Chris, Shanlee and Sydney
    von Vegesack

  • Michael Ragona says:

    Dear Sandra,

    Please accept my sincerest condolences for the most untimely passing of Roger. I will always remember Roger as one of the true characters in the Bar who always made one feel good whether you were opposing counsel or on the same side. I know his passing is a great loss for you and also for his colleagues and many friends.

    Sincerely, Michael P. Ragona, Q.C.

  • Stephen Lavigne says:

    My thoughts and prayers are with both Sandra’s and family. I will miss Roger he was such a great guy and guest of our hotel. Stephen/Guest Services Quality Hotel Vancouver.

  • Doug Hildebrand says:

    Roger was a wonderful business colleague and friend for many years.He will be deeply missed and always remembered.Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time.

  • Naomi Foster says:

    We offer our condolences to Roger’s family, friends, and colleagues. There are no adequate words that will relieve your sorrow and heartache. Leigha always spoke very highly of Roger – she’d relate stories of his generosity and thoughtfulness towards her and others and also of his sense of fun. Sadly, sometimes it seems there are never enough kind people like Roger around. He will surely be missed.
    The Fosters (Naomi, Leigha, Carsen)

  • France Grenier says:

    Dear Sandra,
    It is with deep sadness that I learned the passing of Roger. My heart goes out to you as I can certainly relate to the lost of your most precious loved one.

    Warm regards,

    France

  • Troy Saklofsky says:

    Dear Sandra,
    We are sorry for your loss, Roger was a great guy and It was our pleasure to know him. Warm regards,
    Troy and Marnee Saklofsky

  • Leon and Mary Blumer says:

    Sandra and Family
    Our condolences on your tragic loss. Roger was too young and vibrant to be taken so suddenly.
    He was a warm and valued neighbour who put his heart into everything he did and we will miss and remember him.
    Our sympathies to you Sandra.
    Leon & Mary Blumer

  • Dr. John Nasedkin says:

    When working with Roger one was embraced by a larger than life character.That he was in the Islands doing what he loved makes his memory easier to bear. He will be much missed.

  • Rosemary Slater says:

    Dear Sandra,
    My brother, Len Pauls and his wife, Martha, and I had lunch with Gary Hooge and his partner, Margo Rashley, on Sunday and heard about Roger’s untimely passing. I only met Roger once, at your grandparents’ 70th. wedding anniversary in Winkler, MB but he made an impression on me that has lasted. Do you remember us all getting kicked out of the Winkler Inn and Roger getting us reinstated? Our deepest sympathies go out to you on this life-changing loss.(We are all your dad’s cousins.)
    Rosemary Slater

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