Roy Herbert Watson— 1921 - 2007

   Roy Herbert Watson was born in Fort Macleod on Nov. 5, 1921 to Laura and Frank Watson and passed away May 26, 2007 in Bow Island, where he had resided since Feb. 1, 2007.
   In his youth, Roy enjoyed fishing and trapping along the banks of the Oldman River. Using his taxidermy skills, he soon had a collection of small game animals and birds. Later, he would accompany his dad and uncles on big game hunting trips anywhere from the Crowsnest Pass to Edson.
   On Dec. 6, 1941 Roy married Pauline Skory of High River. Shortly after, he enlisted in the army and was stationed in Fredericton, New Brunswick, taking his bride with him.
   Always learning, photography captured Roy's interest and he soon was taking and developing his own pictures, especially after twin daughters Roselyn and Carolyn were born in 1944, in Fredericton.
   After the war, Roy and Pauline came back and started farming in the Waterton district, south of Fort Macleod in 1945. Their son Trevor was born in Lethbridge in 1952.
   The family attended the Salvation Army where Roy was bandmaster and enjoyed playing his cornet.
   Another change came in 1959, when Roy moved off the farm into Fort Macleod and built a home for the family which still stands today.
   He went into a partnership, operating Macleod Motors, which comprised of Ford Mercury vehicles sales and service and the John Deere dealership.
   Later, Roy became sole proprietor and the name was changed to Roy's Agricultural Sales, which he operated for several years.
   The early 1960s saw another career change when Pauline returned to teaching in the Red Deer area and Roy entered the SAIT apprenticeship carpentry program through employment with Menzies and Herbert of Red Deer. Although he had been building for years, Roy officially earned his carpenters certificate on Sept. 29, 1968 at the age of 47 years.
   During the early 1970s, Roy spearheaded the construction of the Free Methodist Church in Red Deer and later the Covenant Church in Breton, Alta., along with building several houses in the area.
   The family always declared that anyone who had a building constructed by Roy knew it would last for 200 years or more. His daughters appreciated his expertise and assistance with their homes.
   It wasn't enough to be busy with his carpentry trade, Roy was also involved with bees and the production of honey. He also took on the duties of building inspector for the Village of Breton for a few years.
   Roy loved dogs and they loved him. He would always take the time to stop what he was doing to pay attention to them. He especially enjoyed the company of "Toby" since his move to Bow Island in February.
   When Roy retired, gardening became his passion. Many have enjoyed the fruits of his labor as his green thumb produced luscious gardens that were the envy of the neighbourhood.
   He also enjoyed picking berries from saskatoons, bullberries and chokecherries in the Macleod area and driving to the mountains to pick huckleberries. This berry picking trait has certainly been passed on to his children.
   Roy was always up early every day to join his friends at the Fort Macleod Java Shop coffee row, where he spent many enjoyable hours.
   Roy leaves to cherish his memory, one daughter, Roselyn Pahl of Burdett and her four sons, Milton (Lois) Pahl of Burdett, Ken (Gloria) Pahl of Calgary, Rodney (Sherry) Pahl of Breton and Verle (Lorena) of Strathmore; and by one son Trevor (Eleanor) Watson and their daughter Melanie (Michael) Pelletier, all of Sherwood Park.
   Roy was predeceased by his wife Pauline; his daughter Carolyn Strand, who leaves behind her two children, Vincent (Brigette) Strand of St. Albert and Angela Strand of Calgary; his son-in-law Arthur Pahl; and a great granddaughter Crystal Pahl.
   Roy also leaves behind 22 great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren; a sister Ruby Wakelin of Lethbridge; and several nieces, nephews and friends who loved him dearly.
   Funeral service will be held at Eden's Funeral Home, Fort Macleod, on Friday, June 1, 2007 at 2 p.m. with Rev. Boyd Thomas officiating. Interment in Archmount Cemetery, Lethbridge.
   As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Pleasant View Lodge, P.O. Box 6700, Bow Island, T0K 0G0 or a charity of your choice.
   Eden's Funeral Home, Fort Macleod, assisting the family. Phone 403-553-3772.