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Watson; Tom

Posted By Obits On August 16, 2012 @ 11:42 am In Obituaries | 32 Comments

Watson;

Tom was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, the only child of Ann (Hay) and Thomas Watson.  He was brought to Canada at a young age and spent his childhood on the South Shore of Montreal.  He attended McGill University (Electrical Engineering) and married Ruth Kennedy in 1971.  He had three children: Jennifer (deceased), Jamie (deceased) and Neil.  He also had one precious granddaughter: Emily Grace.  Tom moved across the continent and back again during his career and eventually travelled extensively around the world.  During that time, he made a conscious effort to develop win:win solutions and to touch his clients on a spiritual basis.  He devoted many, many hours to making the world a better place through United Marriage Encounter.  He was also instrumental in making that program accessible to same-gender couples through United in Marriage.  During the past decade, Tom felt a call to ministry and became a Designated Lay Minister with the Caledonia Pastoral Charge.  He believed his mission was to guide us in becoming followers of Jesus who value and treat all people equally.  If Tom could deliver one more message today, he would encourage all of us to ‘go make a difference in this world’. 

A Celebration of Tom’s Life will be held on Saturday, August 25th, 2012, at 2:00 p.m., from the Caledonia United Church. Reverend Vivian Moores officiating. No flowers by request, donations may be made to the Caledonia Pastoral Charge. Online condolences to the family may be made at www.chandlersfuneral.com

 

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Condolence from Beverly Bowers on August 17th, 2012 5:31 am

My heartfelt sympathy Ruth, Neil, Emily Grace, and family:

I feel very blessed to have shared some of life’s journey with
Tom. He always had words of wisdom and was quick to offer
a helping hand.

Rest in peace Tom, until we meet again.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all,

Bev., Craig, Cooper, & Andrea

Condolence from Betty Meisner on August 17th, 2012 5:51 am

My heart felt symapthy goes to Ruth and family at this sad time
Tom was a well liked man and did a good job at what he did ..he sure is going to be missed by a lot of people
Rest in peace Tom
my thoughts are with you all.
Betty Meisner

Condolence from Karen Wentzell on August 17th, 2012 6:37 am

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. Tom is well respected and truly an inspirational leader.

Condolence from Rev Jennifer Garbin on August 17th, 2012 8:04 am

Dear Ruth and family – I was justing checking in as I do once in a while…and am so incredibly shocked and saddened by this news. I have fond memories of good discussions with Tom during our time in Nova Scotia. And although we never did get that chance to sit and have dinner together, I counted you both as special people in my life. May the Creator’s strength and courage be with you during this hard time and in the time still to come. Keep in touch and blessings to you and yours – Jen

Condolence from Bill Drysdale on August 17th, 2012 12:58 pm

Ruth , I offer to you and all family members my heart felt condolences in Tom’s passing and yet struggle myself with the loss of a dear friend and brother in minisrty. Tom gave so much to me in my own personel learning and struggle in faith but continued to encourage and support me in that journey. Together we have shared joy and sorrow , and today for me is sadness for the loss with a tremendous sense of gratitude that I had the opportunity to be a friend of Tom’s. With tear filled eyes and a heart that has been touched by a hurt that will one day subside , remember that peace has come to Tom and through grace , peace may come to us as well……Blessings and Peace in your days to follow this time. Bill & Pat Drysdale …Bayfield NB

Condolence from Iona Charlton on August 18th, 2012 7:51 pm

Ruth, Neil, and family, I am so sorry to hear of Tom’s passing, I wasn’t able to come in for a visit as often as I wanted, but he was in my thoughts and prayersoften this summer.Tom was a pillar of strength for me and my family over the last several years, and during Royden’s illness and passing as well.He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all in our community and church.Rest in peace, Tom

Condolence from Diane Kyd on August 19th, 2012 11:05 am

Dear Ruth, dear Neil and Emily, Tom introduced me to my husband Chuck about forty three years ago. I guess he was marriage counselling even then, and he sure could pick a winner! I am forever grateful to Tom for that introduction. My husband Chuck worked with Tom when Tom was an announcer at a radio station in Brampton, Ontario. Tom had an amazing voice. I imagine that `voice` is now his great message. Make a difference in this world. I hope Tom was able to feel the gratitude, and to celebrate the good deeds he did that made a difference to so many of us. Diane Kyd

Condolence from Katharine Longfield on August 21st, 2012 12:16 pm

Dear Aunt Ruth, Neil, & Emily,
I just want you all to know that I think of you everyday and hope that each day gets a little easier to cope!
Tom was such a great person and from what I can see, touched many lives so positively.
He’s in a better place now watching down on you all and looking after you!
Although Tom will be greatly missed, he will always be fondly remembered!
Rest in Peace , Tom
Katharine, Craig & Connor
xo

Condolence from Linda Longfield on August 21st, 2012 8:46 pm

Ruth, Neil and Emily,
I send my deepest sympathy to you. May you find peace in the near future.All of you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Rest in peace, Tom.
Sincerely.
Linda

Condolence from Sue Cowan, DLM on August 22nd, 2012 7:36 am

Dear Ruth and family,

I was so saddened to hear the news of Tom’s death this morning from Ruth Gamble (fellow DLM in Nova Scotia).

Through tears, I remember Tom as the gentle giant who shared at our DLM learning sessions in Montreal with such wisdom,compassion and care… sharing generously of himself with such grace. I remember him taking a group of DLMs out for ribs to one of his favourite Montreal haunts and the joy with which he put away several pounds of his favourite BBQ’d ribs surrounded by his new DLM friends. I remember words of encouragement spoken… and the wonderful and thoughtful comments he always added to the DLM group site… on topics such as worship, ethics and most notably the Statement of Ministry.

I give thanks to God for the gift of knowing Tom and for the blessing of his partnership with you, his dear Ruth whom he spoke of often with deep love, respect, and genuine thankfulness. You were his place of sanctuary… his comfort and care… his best friend, partner, lover… the one who gave him life and helped him through life’s valleys. And I give thanks to God for your family… who brought Tom such joy!!! I remember Tom unabashingly sharing numerous pictures of Emily’s baptism… and reveling in the blessing of being a grandpa… especially one who could baptize his own grandchild…
Such sweet memories… may they be your comfort at this time of loss and grief.

My prayers are with you, Ruth and all of Tom’s family… with his beloved congregation in Caledonia and all his friends across the country at this sad time. May you be enveloped in the prayers of all who loved Tom… held in the love of Jesus, whom Tom faithfully followed… buoyed by the Spirit’s breath; the breath of life itself and calmed by the peace and presence of our Almighty God.

Dear Tom, rest safely in the everlasting arms of God, my friend.
“Well done good and faithful servant.”

With a very heavy heart,
Your sister in Christ,
Sue

Sue Cowan, DLM
Emmanuel UN, Brampton, ON

Condolence from Darrell Reine on August 22nd, 2012 8:13 am

Greetings to Tom’s family. I am sorry to hear about Tom’s passing. I only knew Tom through emails as I was finished the DLM program when he started. He was a wonderful person who shared his resources and his heart. He will be sadly missed my many. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you celebrate Tom’s life and give thanks to God for his life.

in peace,
Darrell

Condolence from Karen May, DLM on August 22nd, 2012 8:25 am

Dear Ruth and Family,
I did my DLM training with Tom in Montreal. I ate chicken while he ate ribs! Tom was a wonderful steadying influence on my class. His love for all never wavered, and his love for God was as sure as the sunrise. I write from Texada Island on the west coast of BC. I always felt that Tom and I had a Christ-connection right across this great land. The little video was very touching – it was lovely to see him again one more time. Please know that he touched lives right across this country – my heart goes out to you in this difficult time.
I offer my sincere condolences. Karen May

Condolence from Peggy Guiler-Delahunt on August 22nd, 2012 8:39 am

I attended school in Montreal with Tom. He was a great man and loved with a great heart his family, his work and the community at large. He will be sadly missed.

Condolence from Ruth Sword on August 22nd, 2012 9:15 am

Dear Watson family,

Tom brought dedication, inspiration and passion for ministry to the Designated Lay Ministry program at United Theological College during the three years he shared in the learning with fellow students and the leadership team.
I know he will be missed in both family and church family circles. We have been blessed to have known him and experienced his ministry.

May the One whom he served be with you to comfort and sustain…
Ruth

Condolence from Wendy MacLean on August 22nd, 2012 9:31 am

To Tom’s friends and family, and his family of faith–which includes us all–I am so sorry to hear this news. I can only trust that the expansive love and wisdom Tom shared so readily will continue to grow and expand us all, in Christ’s blessing.
I was one of Tom’s “PET’s (Planning and Evaluation Team) as he prepared to be recognized as a Lay Minister.
This was a great honour for me, and I learned alot from him.
I will always remember his delight as he offered his thoughts in poetry, a new approach for him.
I also learned about power from him. He had tremendous power in his many gifts, and he shared this graciously, to empower others.
I am sure he has comforted many people in times of grief, as their pastor. I trust that these voices of peace will also find their wings and fly to rest in the hearts of his loved ones now.
Peace and blessings to you.
Wendy MacLean

Condolence from Fred Darke on August 22nd, 2012 11:23 am

Death is not the end but the beginning of the next phase of a good persons life. like Darrell Ihad graduated from United Theological College before Tom began. My only connection with him was through the Yahoo site but it was a good connection. I pray that his family and friends here on earth at this time will feel the love and comfort of God the Creator during this time of sadness.

Condolence from Margie Ann MacDonald on August 22nd, 2012 11:32 am

It is with shock and sadness that I received the news of Tom’s passing. I knew Tom through the DLM program in Montreal.
Ruth and family – especially his dear little Emily, always remember the special man that touched so many people with his faith and gentle ways. May God bless you as you go about the challenging days ahead and comfort you as you move forward into the future. Margie Ann

Condolence from Thom McDonough DLM on August 22nd, 2012 12:08 pm

Dear Ruth and family:
I had the pleasure of sharing time with Tom while in Montreal in the DLM program. For me, he was quite simply, a gentle loving man whose ministry to us was often profound, often funny, always wise.

A chaplain at our course always used to close with something along the lines of “life is short and we don’t have much time to gladden the footsteps of those who walk the way with us, so be swift to love and make haste to be kind.”

In Tom, those words had life.

May God grant you peace.
Thom McDonough, LPM

Condolence from Sunni Shular, BSW, DLM on August 22nd, 2012 1:25 pm

Dear Ruth and family
I was very saddened to receive news of Toms’ passing. He was so gentle, caring and compassionate during my time at UTC and he treasured and loved the little gifts I made.
At my UTC graduation he spoke with grace and joy to others about how I helped him during our time together – I was in awe of this gentle man to whom a hug was a profound gift. I will always treasure his wonderous smile and open welcoming arms.
Tom ever will be my friend and fellow child of our Creator. Blessings as you walk this path of sadness knowing you are not alone for many of us walk it with you. Blessings Sunni Shular, BSW, DLM

Condolence from Wendy Lowden on August 22nd, 2012 1:30 pm

Going through for my DLM with Tom in my class was such a blessing. I will never forget the laughs, the hugs, and the deep theological discussions. He was a man of faith and integrity, and I was proud and blessed to call him a friend and fellow DLM. He will be missed. My condolences to Ruth and family, who he loved with so much passion and grace.
Wendy Lowden DLM

Condolence from cedric@ susan smith on August 22nd, 2012 6:20 pm

our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family at this diffcult time tom was a kind person always there for anyone who needed him he will be grately missed by all that new him .

Condolence from Murray Gregory on August 22nd, 2012 6:20 pm

Ruth, It is difficult to lose the one you love. The person who has meant so much to you. At first it seems so unreal but as the days go by you will remember all the good times. I was thinking about all those times we spent together at the workshops or at the meetings. We shared our stories and our laughter. We still have those wonderful memories. I want to reach and hug you with all my heart
Murray

Condolence from Sandra Rex on August 22nd, 2012 6:38 pm

It is hard to imagine a world without Tom’s warm, loving and Spirit-filled presence. I give thanks for his friendship, support and encouragement while we were in class together at UTC.
Tears flow and my heart aches for you, may God surround you with comfort and peace as all of us begin our journey of acceptance and understanding that “he whom we love and lose is no longer where he was before, but he is now wherever we are.”

Condolence from Bill Drysdale on August 24th, 2012 1:37 am

Ruth , Please accept my heartfelt vondolences at this time and please offer the same to family members. I would have offer words of comfort sooner but because of internet clitch could not. Tom and I had many discussions about learning , ministry , and life .The last year that I attended UTC in Montreal and Tom’s second year we were in the same group and spent much time together. Why as you probably are aware , he even came to Bayfield to listen to a sermon. I was truly honored that day and my heart aches for your loss. Tom was as many have probably said , but what was greater than his size was his heart , his compassion , his love of family . His memory and his giftedness through the ministry he shared with others will continue to live on. Please accept my words to you on behalf of those who attended UTC in Montreal with Tom and who all were blessed by his vision , his interpretation , and his presence . Blessings from Billy D and the gang.

Condolence from Karen Longfield on August 24th, 2012 9:47 am

Aunt Ruth, Neil and Emily,

I have been thinking of you all each day. It still seems surreal that Uncle Tom is gone – and I can’t even begin to imagine what you are going through. I send you my deepest sympathies, and please do not hesitate to call if you need anything.
Love always
Karen, Joe and Gracie xox

Condolence from Steve Berube on August 25th, 2012 2:53 am

I also came to know Tom through the program in Montreal. He was generous of spirit and so willing to struggle with issues and concepts that were foreign to him. His humour and gentle presence endeared him to the entire group.

As I remember Tom, I think of a man with a huge spirit and an even larger soft heart.

Thanks be to God for all in Tom that was good and kind and faithful!

May all who were close to Tom, especially his family, be wrapped in the warmth of God’s love.

Condolence from Betty-Jean Friedman on August 25th, 2012 1:52 pm

Dear Ruth, Neil, Emily Grace and family,

My encounters with Tom were limited and brief, yet we shared a powerful transition together as we were sent forth by Maritime Conference to minister to God’s people. The video tribute is beautiful and conveys the engery, enthusiasm and commitment I experienced in a few short days in 2010 with Tom. We served Communion side by side with the deepest of joy. My heartfelt sympathy and prayer are with you as you grieve his death.

Shalom,
Betty-Jean Friedman

Condolence from Anna Chikoski on August 27th, 2012 5:38 am

A gentle giant of am man…a true gentle-man who shared his faith and wisdom with humility. I valued his presence and conversations in Montreal. He was an amazing man and minister. May the grace with which he lived, his values and ideals be held in your memories and I know live on in all of those whose lives he touched. I know those of us in Montreal are better people for having had the privilege of befriending and knowing him. May your memories hold fast and your love for him dwell always in your heart. My deepest sympathy to you his loved ones. May the peace of Jesus be with you this day and in the days ahead. Blessings, Anna Chikoski DLM, Chapleau, Ontario, Manitou Conference

Condolence from Maryhall on August 28th, 2012 6:05 am

Sincerest sympathy to you and Neil from Mary Hall — Brampton Ontario

Condolence from Jack and Mary Lindquist on August 29th, 2012 3:25 pm

Dear Ruth,
How jolted we were to learn of Tom’s death.
We cannot imagine the loss you must be feeling.
We are often puzzled by what appears to be the unfairness in the twists and turns of life.
We have special memories of the many enriching times we shared together as a foursome.

Love and warm hugs from us both.

J&M

Condolence from Cindy and Roland Easter on August 29th, 2012 6:37 pm

Our condolences to the family. We did not know Tom well, but we had wonderful conversations with him at Conference annual meetings – usually in the dining hall. It was easy to have a conversation with Tom. Please know he will be missed. May God grant you comfort and lots of good memories.

Condolence from Susan Calder on October 20th, 2012 12:40 pm

My sincere condolences to the family. I met Tom several times, and he was a lovely and kind man. His love for God and his family was definitley evident. May our Lord GOD comfort you with much love and many warm and wonderful memories of a kind man who loved our Lord Jesus.

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