It is with the deepest sadness, the family of Marlin Victor Watson regrets to announce his passing on June 15, 2007 after a lengthy and valiant battle with cancer.
Marlin, the oldest of seven children was born in Gladstone, Manitoba and was predeceased by his father (Victor), mother (Margaret) and sister (Feryle). He is survived by his devoted and loving wife (Maureen), daughter (Janet), son (Aaron), sisters Lois (Paul) Corbett, Joyce, Karen, Carriere, Rhonda (Bernie) Busse, brother Lorne (Judi), nieces Lyndsay, Whitney, Sydney and Talisha and nephews Kyle, Tyler and Justyn.
Marlin’s love of the land and animals grew from the 10 years he spent on the family farm in Manitoba. In 1955, the Watson family moved to Surrey, British Columbia. After graduating from high school in 1963, he and two buddies toured Europe for a few months. In 1968, Marlin married his high school sweetheart Maureen and had their first child (Janet) in 1971. Tired of the ‘rat race’ and shift work, Marlin took his family north to Quesnel where he owned and operated the Nazko Stage Lines which carried mail, freight and passengers. In 1973, the year Aaron was born, they moved to Nazko (Rainbow Lake). In 1975 to 1980, the Watson’s lived in tents, a barn and eventually a log home that Marlin built. When he wasn’t delivering the mail bi-weekly (33 years), Marlin enjoyed fishing, four wheeling, hunting, horseback riding and exploring new territory including the Yalakom near Lillooet.
In 1985, the Watsons returned to Quesnel (Bouchie Lake) where Marlin was active in sports as well as encouraging his children’s participation in hockey, baseball, and football. In 1999, after both kids had flown the coop, Marlin and Maureen returned to Nazko to enjoy Maureen’s retirement and began work on some new construction projects. His favorite animals included horses Ginger and Buddy, dog Grapple and old cat Waylon.
A celebration of Marlin’s life will be held Saturday, July 7, 2007 at the Nazko Valley Community Centre at 4:00 pm followed by a potluck supper. Contributions would be greatly appreciated.
Please bring any stories you would like to share.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: Quesnel and District Palliative Care Association, Box 4537, Quesnel, B.C. V2J 3J8, attn: Hospice Fund.