Allen “Al” Brian Watson

June 7, 1944 – February 26, 2023

Al passed away Sunday, February 26, 2023, surrounded by family at the Red Deer Regional Hospital. He was predeceased by his parents, John (Jack) Watson and Grace Wells Watson. Al will be lovingly remembered by his wife Millie, daughters Dawn, Juliana (Myles) and Jackilyn; grandchildren Heather (Jeff), Tara (Micheal), Clay, Katilyn, Liam and Quinn; great-grandchildren Elena, Elijah and Calder; brothers Barry (Celina) and Donald (Yvonne); many nieces, nephews and friends.

Al loved curling, golfing, horse racing, woodworking, and volunteering winters in AZ, and teasing the “kids”. In Al’s 78 years, he was always looking ahead, enjoying people and what he could build next.

In his early years, Al helped at the family farm and as a teenager he worked as a groom at Assiniboia Downs in Winnipeg. He had a lifelong love of horses, which included many years helping out at Boulding Ranch during fall branding. In recent years, during the spring and at harvest, he couldn’t get back to the farm fast enough to help out.

After attending the Saskatchewan Technical Institute where he obtained his Inter-provincial Carpentry Certificate it became clear to Al that construction was his calling. That led him to start building homes in Saskatchewan and later in Calgary and Red Deer over many years. He was proud of his achievements with WB Construction, Watson and Jacob Homes, Watson Woodworking and Legend One Homes, and was inducted into the Alberta Home Builders Hall of Fame. Volunteering with the Red Deer Home Builders Association, the Provincial Home Builders Association and Westerner Park gratified him.

In retirement, Al and uncle Fred, refurbished Antique engines which took them to many Auctions. Woodturning was a passion of his, where his craftsmanship and creativity were reflected in his many “works” and can be found across the country. He loved wood varieties and what it could become. The Woodworkers Guild and the Wood-turners Guild were places that he could learn and share his knowledge with others.

A huge “Thank you” must be given to all the staff and doctors on Unit 32 at the Red Deer Regional Hospital.

Memorial donations can be made to the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation for unit 32.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Red Deer Curling Rink, April 30, 2023 from 2:00 pm-5:00 pm.

• Date : 2023-02-26
• Location : Eventide Funeral Home