William Watson

Retired OPP Constable, William D. Watson (Bill) beloved husband of Isabel Florence of 67 years. Dear father of Donald (Isabelle), Judy (Ed), Donna (Pat), Lori (Ken), Mary (Mike) and Byron (Christa). Very proud grandfather to 16: Shane, Candace, Angela, Nicholas, Jason, Tyler, Jonathan, Jennifer, Lacy-lynn, Ashley, Cassandra, Emiley, Rebecca, James, Thomas and Nicholas. Great-grandfather of Phoenix, Hannah, Jaiden, Faith, Luna, Ceilidh, Brooklynn and Natasha. Loving, kind, loyal, faithful, dependable, wise and fair - all of these words describe William D.A. Watson but first and foremost William was a man of faith who loved the Lord. His God, wife, family and friends were most important in his life. He was born and raised in Meaford, Ontario to Jean & Harold Watson. He was raised on a farm and enjoyed the country. He told of his mother relying on him to care for his baby sister Joan and thus getting out of a lot of the chores on the farm that his brothers Maurice and Rae had to do. He loved looking after Joan and remained very close over the years up until his death, enjoying Saturday evening phone calls lasting for an hour or more. William met Isabel F. MacIntosh at high school in Owen Sound, telling us many times of how it was love at first sight and how stricken he was when he saw the beautiful brunette with the beautiful smile. He told me he could not believe when she chose him to be hers. She was the love of his life. They married in 1951 and soon started a family with dad working on farms, construction, driving trucks and cranes. He decided to apply to be an O.P.P. and was accepted. First being stationed in Cornwall until 1963 when he was transferred to Huntsville where he remained until his retirement. William had a long 30 year career. We all loved to hear his stories. One story that stood out was when he came upon a man whose car had gone off the road and overturned in a big water filled ditch. He waded in and pulled the man to safety. He had his seatbelt on and was upside down in the water unable to get out. He received a commendation for that act of bravery and selflessness. William retired with a big celebration held by the O.P.P. with family, friends and coworkers but I think he always kind of missed the job he was so proud to do. We would often hear him say "Oh boy if I was in my black and white I'd get him." Dad was always proud of his reputation as a fair and honest policeman. He enjoyed his long retirement always telling us he wanted to be retired as long as he was on the force. You got your wish Dad? He told of his final day in court before the judge and how the judge announced to all it was Constable Watson's last court appearance and that he was retiring. He thanked William for his service and that he had always known him to be an honest and fair officer. Dad played a lot of golf when he retired with his golf buddies; Norm Newman, Elmor Nichols and Grenville Peacock. He was always quite involved in his church - Faith Baptist serving in many capacities over the years such as Deacon, Sunday School Teacher and official Shuffle Board Caretaker. Dad belonged to the Gideons for 25 years and enjoyed taking Bibles to schools, hotels and sharing his faith. William's final days were spent with his loving wife. Family were always near by with grandchildren coming and going, visiting overnight only going into the hospital less than a week before he passed away. He was surrounded by his family with Isabel, the love of his life by his side. God has greatly blessed us to have known you. Rest in peace in the loving arms of God. We will always love you and miss you. Until we meet again.

Visitation Details

Wednesday, July 18th, 2018 6:00pm - 8:00pm, Billingsley Funeral Home

Service Information

Thursday, July 19th, 2018 11:00am, Faith Baptist Church