WATKINS, John

WATKINS, John (Jack) - In Loving Memory of John (Jack) William Watkins Jack entered this world in Cloughjordan, (near Tipperrary), Ireland on April 12, 1914 and migrated with his family to Reston, Manitoba at the age of 14. Jack was the second oldest of 11 children born to John Watkins and Anna Margaret Clarke. Of the 11 he is survived by Margaret (Queenie), Ben and Oliver. During the Great Depression he moved to Sudbury to work in the mines for the International Nickel Company (INCO). Shortly afterwards he met Rita Steen whom he married on January 6, 1941. A man who worked hard all his life, he assumed considerable responsibility in the mines as a safety inspector. He was also a good athlete and as a young man played baseball and also won many championship bonspiels. In fact in 2006, Jack was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest curler in the world still in active play. Jack was 92 at the time and very proud of this recognition. He continued to curl and golf for two years after that. Jack also loved music and could be found dancing at the annual St. Patrick's Day celebrations or attending the various musical events at the Walford Retirement Residence. Jack passed away peacefully on the 18th day of August, 2012 at the Health Sciences North in Sudbury. He was 98 years old. Beloved husband of Rita (nee Steen). Beloved father of John of Guelph, ON and Elizabeth (Betty) of Courtenay, B.C; beloved grandfather of Kristen of Kingston, ON, Carolyn of Kingston, ON and Erin of Surrey, B.C. and beloved great grandfather of Piper, Scout, Samuel, Sadie, Tanner and Callan. Dear brother in law of Lily Gionet, Evelyn Gionet and Joe Steen and uncle of Herb Watkins, Evelyn Fiorotto and Velma Bacciaglia. Funeral Visitation at the LOUGHEED FUNERAL HOME, 252 Regent St., at Hazel St. Tuesday, August 21, 2012 from 6-9 p.m. or after 9:30 a.m. Wednesday with a recognition and celebration of Jack's life at 10 a.m. Donations may be made to Children's Wish Foundation in lieu of flowers. To light a memorial candle, flowers, donations or messages of condolences available on-line atwww.lougheed.org