I can’t believe that it has been a year since Shorty’s passing. He is thought of often and surely missed.

Mike and Deanna, you had a wonderful person as a father and are thought of as I think of Shorty often and of his sudden passing. He was such a wonderful person and always had a smile on his face and could make me laugh no matter what.

I was very sorry to hear of Shorty’s passing. I worked with him at Trizec and he was such a lovely man. Please accept my heartfelt sympathies at this sad time.

Please accept my sincere condolences. I’ve known your Father since 1971. We were in the same radio detachment and worked together many times over the years. Shorty and I had some fantastic times. Your Father influenced many, many young soldiers and I firmly believe that had I not had the good fortune to have him as my first boss, I wouldn’t know half of what I know now. It was a contest between us as to who had the most postings to Calgary. Shorty was one of a kind. I will miss him a great deal. Velox Versutus Vigilians

I wanted to express my deepest condolences to the family of Shorty. I worked at the 3030 building and Shorty was always there with a kind word and a smile. He had a way of brightening everyone’s day and making the worst day seem not all that bad. Shorty was truly a rare gem and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this very difficult time.

Tanya and Terry Driscoll

To the Watkins Family:

It was with great sorrow that I received the news of Shortie’s passing. I always enjoyed his company when we were stationed in Kingston. Please accept my sincerest condolences for your loss.

Please accept my deepest sympathies on Shorty’s passing. He and I shared many adventures(lies and dreams) over the years. When I was pitching he was one of my harshest critics, (mainly because I struck him out regularly). As a friend one couldn’t ask for better!

Sincerest regards: Doug Anderson CWO (ret’d)

Mike & Deanne: We want to send our condolences on the passing of your Dad in a tragic accident. We are so very saddened by it. We will miss his contact at Christmas time. He was such a good neighbor and friend while in Kingston and we will always remember that. Do take care Mike & Deanne. Fran, Earle & Family

Mike, Deanna and family

I’m so sorry to hear about Shorty’s passing. I did not know him for long, but from his visits at the store, I know he was a good person and very dear to your hearts. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Kristen Jay

To the family of Shorty glad to have worked and visited with him he will be missed by all who knew him our prayes will be with you VVV

Peter & Ruth

Dear Mike and Family,

I am very saddened to hear of Shorty’s sudden passing. Shorty and I worked together for several years at Scotia Centre for Trizec. I was always impressed with Shorty’s people skills – he was firm yet polite and respectful. I could always count on Shorty for whatever support I needed in dealing with security issues in the building.

Shorty’s love of Mae was so tender and he wasn’t embarrassed to show it. Shorty showed such strength in dealing with the illness and then passing of his true love, Mae. I’m sure that he and Mae have had a wonderful time reuniting and are so happy to be together again.

I have a very soft spot in my heart for Shorty. My thoughts and prayers are with your famliy at this time.

Wendy Hall

To the family of Shorty,

Sincere condolences. The Telus 3030 building will never be the same. Shorty was one of a kind and irreplaceable. His smile early in the morning will be dearly missed. His stories about his time in the military will remain with me forever.

Glad to have known him. May he rest in peace. My prayers will be for the family.

I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your Father, Mike. I remember him very fondly as he was always so kind to me and such fun. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Sheila

R.A. – Michael and Deanna my sincere condolences to you and your family. Mike I know from working with you over the years that you embodied the same characteristics of your father that have been described in the obituary. Your father taught you well as you were always a “Great Soldier” to work beside. I am truly sorry for your loss and the loss of a great man to the community. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Kevin Morey

Mike & Deanna,

I recall, while waiting for an exercise to get underway at Suffield in the summer of 1981, that I and several other Canadian Safety Staff officers had the opportunity to chat with an RSM from the Royal Green Jackets. He was asked what he thought the duty of an officer was; without batting an eye, he responded: “To die gloriously in battle.” Somewhat taken aback, the Canadian asked him what he felt his duty as a CWO was; he responded, “To help the officer fulfill his duty”. On the few occassions we met Shorty, he personfied this clear understanding of the world and his place in it. He will be missed. We are thinking of you.

Tim & Louise

Mike and Deanna. I am so sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.

Sincere condolences. Shorty was there at telus every morning with a bright happy greeting.Talking to shory always made my day. He was pure sunshine ! He will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Lorie

michael, please accept my condolences on the passing of your dad. i knew your dad very well as we were both in the signal corp at the same time. he was a good man, mike and you can be very proud of him. poor health prevents me from attending but my thoughts will be with shorty at this time.

michael campbell

To the family of Shorty,

Shorty was a warm and comforting man who brightened my every day at work. Not a day passed where we did not have some sort of conversation where I left without a laugh or smile, he truly warmed my heart and soul and all those whom he encountered.

God bless you all, my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jennifer Corcoran & Family

Michael – It is with much sadness to read the passing of your Father. I served along side him in both Soest and Kingston. I have fond memories of him particularly on the ball field, hockey rink and curling lanes.

Take care. Norm

To the Family Of Shorty Watkins,

Please accept my sincerest condolences on the passing of Shorty.

Shorty and I were co-workers for 10 years at Trizec. I was at Bankers Hall, Shorty at Scotia Centre. We would meet almost daily at Tim Horton’s for coffee. There was a small group of us. Shorty sure had a king sized sense of humour and he was quick to share a good laugh. Shorty was universally liked and respected. He leaves behind scores of great friends that will truly miss him.

Please accept my sincerest regards…

James Moore

I was shocked and saddened to learn of Shorty’s tragic death. I got to know Shorty at the 3030 building where we are currently working on a renovation. I looked forward to Friday site meetings if only to meet up with Shorty and experience his positive attitude and vibrant spirit. He regaled us with annectodotes from the Army and, as a result, I have some “Shorty-isms” I will never forget. He was at all times, pleasant and helpful, knowledgable and professional…an utterly charming gentleman. He will be sorely missed by many people and I am happy I got to know him, if only tangentially, and however briefly. My sincere condolences to your family.

Mike and family

I am truly sorry to hear about your father passing away. I know from your stories about him that he was an important part of your life and will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with you during this sad time.

Mike

I never had the privilege of meeting your Dad, however through our many conversations at camp, I felt like I knew him. I am so sorry for your loss and anything that I can do in this time please let me know. My thoughts are with you.

Brad Wesner

I’m so sorry for your loss. I had the privilege of seeing Shorty almost daily as I went to work at the TELUS Mobility building, as well as some Grey Cup parties with mutual friends. Shorty always had such a positive outlook and something to make you laugh which helped start every day on the right foot. Michael…whenever your dad would speak of you, the love and pride he had for you was evident. Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. I hope that your sadness will soon be replaced with all the great memories.

Natalie & Greg Sarahs

We are old military friends of your father. They visited us in Nanaimo just before your mother died. We always, up to last year kept in touch with Xmas cards. We were so sorry of hear of his death. He often made contact with our son Tony whenever he saw him on location.(Global TV) We always miss old friends. ELena & Lew Tighe

Mike and Deanna,

Mike you always shared just how much your father meant to you and how much fun you had together. THANK YOU for letting us be part of that at every Canada Day Parade! If there is ANYTHING you need or want, please know that Corey, myself, our family and Sign Concepts is here for you!

Lisa Wine

To the family,

I worked with Shorty at the 3030 building for about 9 years. I can honestly say that I have not met many like Shorty in my lifetime. He always greated folks with a smile and a joke or two, time permitting. Shorty was a staple at the front desk and made coming to work an extremely pleasant experience. He was friendly, genuine and extremely loyal to TELUS and all of his friends.

He will be sorely missed. RIP Shorty. Sincere condolences to the family.

Shorty Watkins was a Sergeant under my first command as an officer in Calgary in the middle 1970’s. He taught me much about leadership, professional standards and perseverance. He achieved much in his impressive military career. May I offer my sincere condolences to the family. I will remember him. Doug Dempster

Shorty was not only there the first day two years ago when I walked into the TELUS building, nervous and scared making friendly jokes and lighthearted conversation with me but everyday after. He constantly reminded me about wearing a coat on those chilly days. I’d always reassure him I was fine but he never gave up :). He always helped lift my spirts on those days I wore my hair down, he would smile, nod his head and tell me it looked much better then my quick rushed ponytails. It was the small things but they made all the difference like a favorite grandparent, always there with care and concern, support and a smile. I’m sure everyone closest to him to knows he was an extended family member to many- just wanted to say we have all been lucky to have gotten to meet such a beautiful person.

My sincere condolences to you at this time. Shorty is going to be sorely missed in the 3030 building. I remember the first time I walked in. I was greeted with a smile and warmth. I have may good memories of different conversations we had. Shorty was a friend and had an open ear and heart. It was an honour to know him.

Linda Gerlat

Sincere condolences. Shorty and I worked together in Trenton.

Wayne

Mike our thoughts are with you and your family

Take care Tim and Maryanne

Mike and Deanna

So sorry to hear about the sudden passing of your Dad. May you find comfort in the memories and by knowing that he has once again joined your Mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Alison Penney

Hello Mike and Deannna and Family, I am so sorry about your dad Mike. I know he was your hero and best friend. My families thoughts are with you and yours.

Brad Davis.

My deepest sympathies to the family of Shorty. He always brightened my day as soon as I walked into work and always felt so good that he “should be twins.” He will be dearly missed by all of us at the 3030 building.

You are in my thoughts and prayers.

I met Shorty the day I came for an interview at Telus. He never changed in all the years, always happy, friendly and with a joke to share. We will all truly miss him at the Telus Mobility building. He was a wonderful man, one of a kind very genuine. Please except my very sincere condolences for your loss, it was a huge shock to all of us and an even greater one to his family. RIP Shorty you will be dearly missed.

Mike and Deanna

Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time. Through personal experience, know that your cherished memories of your father will last a life time.

From our hearts to yours!!

Any that were lucky enough to have crossed paths with Shorty in their lifetime, have been truly blessed. He was an inspiration in the way that he genuinely cared for and had faith in the people that he knew. Shorty was one of those incredibly rare pure hearts and will be deeply missed. My prayers will be with you and your family in this difficult time while you grieve the loss and celebrate his life. God Bless.

To a blessed family:

It is with a great deal of sadness that I learned of Shorty’s passing. I will never forget the warm smile that greeted me as I nervously walked into the TELUS building for the first time. As my nerves were about to get the better of me, Shorty effortlessly struck up conversation with me and set my mind at ease. It is with the same ease that I have been entering the building ever since… cuz I made it thru the interview and got the job. I guess what I am trying to say is that because of your loved one, I knew that no matter what kind of day was on the way, I knew it would start with a warm smile and a friendly wave, which without a doubt was always genuine. My sister and Aunt also worked here and will remember him the same… Our families thoughts and prayers are with you and yours in your time of grief.

Deepest Condolences,

Holly Wormsley

Hello,

I worked with Shorty at Telus, the days where I would be running frantically in late and seeing his friendly smile and demeanor always made for a great way to begin my long stress-filled days. His warmth and smiles will be greatly missed by us all who had the honor to cross paths with him. All my sympathies and thoughts go out to all his family and friends.

Loi chu

As a 6 foot female ex Brit who served 28 years in the Canadian military – it was indeed great fun and interesting when Shorty and I got together. We sure did laugh at our physical differences but really enjoyed our similar approach to people management – firm, friendly and fair. In my eyes and those of many of his military family he was a giant of a man and will be missed and always remembered. Condolences to the family.

We are so sorry to hear of your loss, Mike and Deanna.

May the memories of all the good times help you through this very sad time.

Ted, Marci, Marina & Cameron McPeak