Tim Watts

It is with great sadness that the family announces the peaceful passing of Timothy John Watts, age 80 on August 4, 2024, at the Dauphin Regional Health Centre, Dauphin, Manitoba.

Tim was born in Victoria, B.C. June 16, 1944, to John and Mary (Guthrath) Watts.  At a young age, he, his dad and two brothers, Ken and Terry moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba to be with their grandmother and aunt.  It is there that Tim received his formal education.

Tim did a few different jobs in Winnipeg but did get his Gas Fitter’s license and worked with his dad at Great West Heating in the city.  They moved to Dauphin and continued in the heating business.  It was there that he married his best friend, Linda McKillop of Dauphin on July 15, 1972.  Tim and Linda worked in Thompson, Manitoba awhile and then moved to The Pas, Manitoba where Tim worked for Jacobsen & Greiner in housing and at the paper mill as well.  While in The Pas they both became avid CB radio operators and were known as “Skyhook” & “Sunshine”.

In 1974 they moved back to Dauphin, Manitoba with their 8’x38’ mobile home in tow and gratefully lived on their friend’s property until 1977 when they purchased some acreage in the Bloomfield Subdivision located just north of the Riding Mountain Park line in the R.M. of Dauphin.  They purchased a bigger mobile home and started clearing bush, etc.  They spent 34 terrific years there watching deer come and go, feeding dozens of birds and of course snow sledding along the park line with friends.

Tim worked awhile with Arnold & Albert Weerts of Dauphin and learned a lot about cabinetry.  In 1975 Tim landed a job with the Manitoba Government Air Division Services.  He really enjoyed the job and spent well over 20 years there and under the Manitoba Government umbrella until he retired at the age of 55 in 1999.  While at air radio services he became Shop Steward in their Manitoba Government Employee’s Union and enjoyed many years of involvement with the MGEU, being on Health & Safety committee as well as serving a two year term as 4th Vice President.

Tim became interest in Ham Radio and he and Linda joined the Dauphin Amateur Radio Club.  It was a happy day for Tim when he became VE4TIM.

Tim and Linda took their 8’x38’ mobile home to Hill’s camp at Meadow Portage, Manitoba on the shores of Lake Manitoba in 1978 and slowly turned it into their cozy “home away from home”.  They spent 45 wonderful years there, puttering around.  Tim could often be seen visiting neighbours on his quad and later his scooter.  Lots of friends and good times.  Tim was always happiest when he was helping somebody.

Tim joined the Dauphin Art Group in later years and, with lots of encouragement and advice from all of the friendly members, he did very well.  Many of his paintings decorate their apartment.  He stopped going to art group when he had trouble getting down the stairs to the studio.  He always meant to go back some day.

Tim volunteered with other MGEU members at several Red Cross blood donor clinics in Dauphin.  He volunteered several years later at both the Dauphin & District Handivan as well as the Dauphin Multi Purpose Senior Centre (now known as the Dauphin Active Living Centre).  He also served as president at both of these facilities.  Tim and Linda spent a lot of time there having coffee with friends, exercising, meetings, fundraising, congregate meals, etc.

Even as he later found it harder and harder to get around, Tim enjoyed a good visit and a laugh.  Friends and family were very important to him and he tried to stay as connected to them as he could between challenges to his health.

Tim is survived by his wife of 52 years, Linda (McKillop) Watts, brothers Terry Watts of Winnipeg, Manitoba and Ken (Judy) Watts of Oakbank, Manitoba.  His daughter Shelley Wellnitz (from a previous marriage) and her husband Mark and family from Winnipeg, Manitoba.  He is also survived by his half-sister Tracey (Lionel) Berthelette of Winnipeg, Manitoba, a half brother Greg (Sandy) Randall of Edmonton, Alberta and by a foster-sister Grace (Bob) Desjardins-Green of Carberry, Manitoba.  Tim is also survived by several nieces & nephews as well as great nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, those that wish to make a donation in Tim’s memory may make a donation to the Dauphin & District Handivan or to the Dauphin Active Living Centre.

A Celebration of Tim’s life will be held at the Active Living Centre in Dauphin, Manitoba on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 2:00 P.M.

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