July 4, 1938 – September 8, 2017
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jan Watson on September 8, 2017, at home, surrounded by family and dear friends. Jan’s battle with cancer was short but one that she met with great courage and dignity.
Jan was born in Watford, England to Kitty and Charles Woollard. Together with her older brother Roy she loved to engage in all manner of sport particularly those traditionally reserved for boys. Roy and his friends tolerated her because even at a young age she had obvious athletic ability and was usually their match.
Always a rebel at school, Jan was not particularly interested in academic glory and in fact could not wait to graduate and get on with her life. She had bigger plans, including a strong desire to travel the world. Following her dreams, at the tender age of 21 she took the brave step to immigrate, by herself, to Canada. While her parents, brother and many friends missed her terribly, they knew she was happy. After four years in Toronto Jan was ready for new experiences so loaded up her Morris Minor convertible with all her possessions and drove to Vancouver. She had intended to eventually move on to Australia and New Zealand but love got in the way.
While playing badminton one night at the Vancouver Racquets Club, Jan teamed up with a new mixed doubles partner by the name of Milt Watson. The two were quite a doubles team, so good in fact that several years later Milt proposed marriage and Jan accepted. Together they were a dynamic couple, sharing a fondness for sport and outdoor activities. In the fall of 1967 they purchased a waterfront lot on Gerran’s Bay in Pender Harbour and over the next few years spent every weekend coming up from the city to build their dream home. Many from the Sunshine Coast will remember the sight of the two of them perched in the front seat of their old blue Ford pickup, loaded to the gunnels with lumber and insulation, travelling the winding road from Gibsons to Madeira Park.
Among their various interests and endeavors in Pender Harbour, Milt and Jan loved fishing and became avid anglers, enjoying many good times and successful catches on their first boat and later on their new craft, the “High Noon”. They were gracious hosts to many family and friends who ventured up to Pender to try their hand at landing salmon and jigging for herring. Following a day of world-class salmon fishing, Milt and Jan would often serve a scrumptious dinner of deep fried salmon and chips followed by a beverage or two, as everyone recounted their great day on the water.
Once Milt suffered his stroke Jan devoted herself tirelessly to his care for many years, maintaining her typical positive disposition regardless of the circumstances. She never complained, even in the most difficult times.
Upon Milt’s passing, Jan resumed her passion for golf and her legacy lies in the success of the Pender Harbour Golf Course. She was the cornerstone of the club and served it in every possible capacity. She was a significant contributor to the creation and overall success of the club which she believed was important to the local economy and the quality of life for Pender residents. Jan immensely enjoyed playing the sport. Not surprisingly she was a superb golfer; her prowess on the course was recognized with the many trophies she received. She loved the annual ladies golf trips, which she initiated, and the Monday night scrambles. Jan was welcoming to everyone who came to the club and wanted all to enjoy it as much as she did. She recently retired as the golf columnist for the Harbour Spiel after 19 years.
Jan gave of her time generously to her family, friends and members of the Pender Harbour community. She was a devoted friend to Barbara and through her care made it possible for Barbara to remain in her own home for so long. Jan was a wonderful daughter, sister, aunt and friend. She cared deeply for her “adopted” daughters and sister, Roberta, Lynne and Judy who made her life complete. Along with family members these earth angels ensured that Jan’s final wish to remain at her home during her illness was made possible. We are eternally grateful to them.
We would also like to thank everyone who made Jan’s last two months so comforting by the many visits, calls, emails and cards. A special thank you goes out to the nurses from the Pender Harbour Health Centre Home Care Team.
Jan is survived by her brother Roy (Jennie), nieces and nephews, Sophie (Dean), Kirstie (Andrew) , Alastair (Pauline), Alex (Joanne), Robert , Sandra (Myles), Ken (Erica) and Anna (Ken). Jan will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
A Celebration of Life will take place at the Pender Harbour Golf Club on Saturday, September 30, from 4pm – 6pm.