October 22nd sadly marks the day the music died in our family as Corky Watson put down his many instruments and his pool cue for the last time and passed from this world at the age of 85. Corky was born in Champion Alberta on December 01. 1928 and was predeceased by his brothers Joe and Ole, and his sisters Doreen, Peggy and Evelyn.
Living mainly by his wits as a young hunter, trapper and fisherman, along the shores of Lesser Slave Lake in Northern Alberta , Corky developed an intimate knowledge of the land and creatures of the forest. He managed to learn a little of the Cree Indian language along the way.
After apprenticing as a baker in the 1940’s, Corky joined the Northern Alberta Railway (NAR) in 1944 at the age of 16 where he subsequently met and married his wife and teacher Peggy. He was the Station Agent in many Northern Alberta towns and in 1959, at the age of 31 returned to school (grade 8) and obtained his high school diploma in 1965. At that point, Corky moved his family to Nelson, BC to complete his University Education at Notre Dame University and he subsequently graduated with two degrees to become a teacher. Corky taught in the Nelson school district for 20 years. His students will remember him for his fantastic outdoor education adventures and his ability to mispronounce every word in the French language. Corky and Peggy retired to the White Rock area in 1988
Corky had a full and amazing life which included a lot fishing, cross country skiing, traveling, playing pool and making music. He was a Renaissance man with many talents, including that of telegraph operator, dogsledder, artist, chef, (the cabbage roll king), wood carver, carpenter, electrician, mechanic, athlete and sports fan, political analyst, philosopher, hunter and trapper, teacher and he was a fun dancer!
He leaves behind his inquisitive enthusiasm for life, his fun loving personality and his family: Peggy (Margaret) his wife and teacher of 62 years and children, Barry (Liz), Brian (Karen), Alan, Dennis (Yasuko), Maureen and grandchildren, Tynan, Kieran, Kerry, Kaelan, Conor, and Kate. We are all better for having had Corky in our lives. Cork, we and the world will miss you dearly and think of you often.. You were the best.
A celebration of Corky’s wonderful life will take place, on Saturday, November 29, 2014, 2:00-4:00pm at 1725 Martin Drive, South Surrey. BC Bring your stories. No flowers or gifts please