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Drew Watson
October 30, 1946 - September 30, 2009
Tribute
Drew Alexander Watson-October 30, 1946-September 30, 2009. With great sadness we announce the passing of our big brother, mentor, and friend. Predeceased by father Alec, survived by mother Norma, brothers Glenn (Marci), Brad (Holly), Ian and sister Celeste, many nieces, nephews and friends. Always the entrepreneur who was fearless in the pursuit of the challenge, Drew began his business career at 16 with the invention of Fire Starters and was not beyond contravening child labor laws by hiring his family to help in the manufacturing. This was the beginning of a life long career that spanned land development, travel agencies, numerous restaurants and catering. Drew made a business out of making kids lunches, 2 million of them in fact. Where others saw stale bread he saw opportunity…bread crumbs. Drew loved kids and enjoyed the times spent with his nieces and nephews. Family gatherings centered around Drew cooking up a storm, waving his arms and bossing us all around as he regailed us with great stories and always kept us laughing. Ever the congenial host, but you always new when it was time to leave. A blustery exterior hid a kind, caring and generous man, helping those less fortunate but insisting on anonymity. Drew followed the rule “go big or go home” or in Drew’s case got out of the way. The wrist watch has been tapped, the door opened and he has started off on his next big adventure. We would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Nanaimo General and Royal Jubilee Hospitals for the wonderful care they gave Drew. Celebration of Drew’s life October 17, 2009 1:00 p.m.-5:00p.m. For further information please call Wendy @250-246-3252 In lieu of flowers, donations to the BC Cancer Foundation in Drew’s memory would be greatly appreciated. Online condolences may be offered at www.hwwallacecbc@telus.net
Condolences
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From: H.W. Wallace Cremation and Burial Centre Staff
H.W. Wallace Cremation and Burial Centre Staff send our condolences to family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
From: H.W. Wallace Cremation and Burial Centre Staff
H.W. Wallace Cremation and Burial Centre Staff send our condolences to family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
From: Kristen Arnold
Relation: Friend
He as was a great man. He will be sadly missed.
From: Kristen Arnold
Relation: Friend
He as was a great man. He will be sadly missed.
From: Ken & Helene Olma & family
Relation: Friends from the past
To all of the Watson family;
We are so sorry to read of Drew’s passing & would like to send our condolences to all of you. The fun times we all had together & even though many years have gone by, we still remember those days at Birkenhead Lodge!
Also, we always recall that fabulous rack of lamb dinner we had at Drew’s home in North Vancouver. What a fun night that was!
Our love & thoughts are with all of you,
Ken, Helene, Shelly, Shawn & Greg Olma
From: Ken & Helene Olma & family
Relation: Friends from the past
To all of the Watson family;
We are so sorry to read of Drew’s passing & would like to send our condolences to all of you. The fun times we all had together & even though many years have gone by, we still remember those days at Birkenhead Lodge!
Also, we always recall that fabulous rack of lamb dinner we had at Drew’s home in North Vancouver. What a fun night that was!
Our love & thoughts are with all of you,
Ken, Helene, Shelly, Shawn & Greg Olma
From: Nanaimo Golf Nine Hole Ladies Division
Relation: Food and Beverage Manager
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Drew’s positive efforts to make our club a better place are appreciated. His energy and enthusiasm will be missed at the Nanaimo Golf Club.
Sincerely,
The Nine Hole Ladies Division
From: Nanaimo Golf Nine Hole Ladies Division
Relation: Food and Beverage Manager
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time. Drew’s positive efforts to make our club a better place are appreciated. His energy and enthusiasm will be missed at the Nanaimo Golf Club.
Sincerely,
The Nine Hole Ladies Division
From: Phil and Michelle Mavis
Relation: Friends
It is with great sorrow that we received news of Drew’s passing. In the short time that we knew Drew, he took us under his wing and provided us with helpful advice for our business and offered friendship.
“You sit and listen, I’ll talk” Drew would say and he would provide us with a lot of guidance for us to make our café a better place. Drew always shot from the hip and we always knew where we stood with him. In this increasingly artificial world, Drew would never sugar coat anything to make you feel good. He was honest and to the point.
Drew’s last bit of advice, was to hang a blackboard featuring our blended drinks and iced coffees and Italian sodas. “How can you sell those things if nobody knows you have them” Drew would comment each visit.
The summer had come and gone and Drew was getting his final treatment by the time I FINALLY had the chance to hang the board. I asked Ian to tell Drew to get out of the hospital soon so he could see the board in place. I couldn’t wait to tell him about the sales we were getting even as the weather got colder! Unfortunately, Drew passed away before he had the chance to see that I did what he told me to do. With each Italian soda, iced coffee or smoothie that gets ordered, I think of Drew.
We will always think of him and what a great friend and mentor he was to us.
Respectfully yours,
Phil and Michelle Mavis
Owners/Operators Willow Street Cafe
From: Phil and Michelle Mavis
Relation: Friends
It is with great sorrow that we received news of Drew’s passing. In the short time that we knew Drew, he took us under his wing and provided us with helpful advice for our business and offered friendship.
“You sit and listen, I’ll talk” Drew would say and he would provide us with a lot of guidance for us to make our café a better place. Drew always shot from the hip and we always knew where we stood with him. In this increasingly artificial world, Drew would never sugar coat anything to make you feel good. He was honest and to the point.
Drew’s last bit of advice, was to hang a blackboard featuring our blended drinks and iced coffees and Italian sodas. “How can you sell those things if nobody knows you have them” Drew would comment each visit.
The summer had come and gone and Drew was getting his final treatment by the time I FINALLY had the chance to hang the board. I asked Ian to tell Drew to get out of the hospital soon so he could see the board in place. I couldn’t wait to tell him about the sales we were getting even as the weather got colder! Unfortunately, Drew passed away before he had the chance to see that I did what he told me to do. With each Italian soda, iced coffee or smoothie that gets ordered, I think of Drew.
We will always think of him and what a great friend and mentor he was to us.
Respectfully yours,
Phil and Michelle Mavis
Owners/Operators Willow Street Cafe
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
Date & Time:
October 17, 2009
Beginning at 1:00pm
Location:
, Select your State or Province
Call Wendy at 250-246-3252
, Select your State or Province
Memorial Gifts
The family has not designated a preferred charity at this time.
Thank You Notice
Send Flowers
Floral Tributes may be ordered at:
Blooms at 49th Parallel – 778-422-0262
Floral Bar at Party Mood – www.floralbar.ca or 250-701-3151
Floral Department at Thrifty Foods – http://floral.thriftyfoods.
When ordering please have the name of the deceased, the date of the funeral service and the Funeral Home information.
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