Obituary of Donald Murray Frederick Watson

April 27, 1951 – Weston, Ontario

December 7, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sadness that we announce that Don passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 7, 2024, after a long, courageous battle with cancer.

Don is survived by his wife Lynne of 51 years, his brother Jim (Leslie) and their children, Tracey (Steve), Mike (Brenda), and Paul; grandchildren, Ty, Jacob (Alaina), Evan (Karley), Colton, and Sydney, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Don was born in Weston, ON, in April of 1951 and grew up on a farm in Bolton, ON, where his love of horses began. He grew up working at the family service station where he started his apprenticeship as a mechanic with his brother Jim under the guidance of their father Murray. One of his favourite memories was racing across the field of their farmyard hitched to a wagon pulled by his ponies Smiles and Chuckles. By chance, Don travelled west to Calgary where he immediately fell in love with the Wild West, the allure of the Stampede, the chuckwagon races, and the beauty of the mountains.

Don and Lynne met by chance during a blind date in 1973, blending their families shortly thereafter. They moved between Calgary, Brooks, and Red Deer Lake areas, before settling down in the Balzac, AB, area, where they remained for 47 years before discovering their dream home in the Butte Hills, AB, area.

Over the years, Don became an avid horseman, raising Appaloosa horses that excelled in the show ring, and then moved on to the Quarterhorse world, where he raised and bred many outstanding racehorses over the years. Don and Lynne were able to foster many friendships during those years in the horse industry that have lasted through time.

Don and Lynne raised their family on the acreage in Balzac while operating a successful landscaping company for 15 years. When Don wasn’t landscaping, he was working on his acreage, where he continually strived to improve it as he took great pride in ownership, which he carried on to their smaller acreage in the Butte Hills area.

Over the years, Don enjoyed many activities and fostered friendships with many along the way. He loved hunting, fishing, and golfing. He was a member of the Carstairs Golf Club, where he golfed as many rounds as possible and even won a few tournaments. He loved animals and reminiscing with friends about their outdoor adventures.

Don was predeceased by his mother Roma, father Murray, and sister Pam.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Don this spring (date to be determined). We would like to thank the nurses and doctors of the Rockyview Hospital Units 71 and 73. We truly appreciate your compassion.

Lovingly shared and remembered by Lynne Watson, Tracey Knaus and family, Mike Watson and family, and his precious puppy Sadie.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Donald’s family here.

In living memory of Donald Watson, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Airdrie, 300 Towerlane Drive, Airdrie, AB T4B 3L8, Telephone: 403-948-1100.