THOMPSON, Watson H

THOMPSON, Watson H. - 1914-2012 - Watson H. Thompson passed peacefully at the Owen Sound General Hospital on December 12, 2012 -12/12/12- at the age of 98. Watson was one of the oldest living Canadian veterans of World War II upon his passing. Watson was born on November 22, 1914 in the Gaspe Peninsula, and at age 14 he and his, family moved to Sudbury, Ontario where he spent most of his life. He was the son of Doug and Tessie and two brothers and two sisters, predeceased. Watson enlisted in the Canadian Army at the beginning of World War II. He served in the War in The 4th Hussars driving a tank. Watson and his regiment landed at Normandy as part of the Normandy Invasion on June 6th, 1944. They were first off the ships. Watson was also in Holland during the armistice, and the Canadians were heroes to the Dutch people, something that has never been forgotten. After the war, Watson returned to Sudbury and to his bride, Helen Thompson, whom he had married in 1941. He also saw his son, Arthur, for the first time, who was then two years old. Margaret was born three years later and the family resided on Fourth Avenue for years. Watson pursued work at the local A&P, where he worked for the remainder of his working years. He retired at 65. Following his working career, Watson settled into a long and peaceful retirement. Among his interests, he remained very close and active with his local Legion in Sudbury, then Thornbury, and then in Owen Sound. He loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing. In his younger days he was a very strong canoeist and he and his team won the Canadian Canoeing Championships in Ottawa. He walked almost every day of his life and did so well into his 90's. Perhaps this was a contributor to his longevity. Gardening and flowers were also a strong passion. He was an avid reader and remained up to date on all the local and national news. He spent his last years at the Hannah Walker Retirement Residence in Owen Sound. He was a devout Anglican and was a longtime volunteer for his church, the legion, & the hospital in Sudbury. Watson was a kind & loving man who never said an ill word of others, and he will be missed by all who knew him. Watson is survived by his wife of 70 years, Helen Thompson, his two children, Arthur (Carol) and Margaret (Larry Davidson), his two grandsons, Douglas Hartley and Craig William (Joey Meyer) and his sole great grandson, Henry Abraham Thompson. A memorial Veteran's service will be held in the spring in Owen Sound, Ontario. Donations may be made to St. Thomas Anglican Church in Owen Sound, Ontario. To send the family an online condolence visitwww.breckenridgeashcroft.com