WATSON, Frederick (Fred) Archibald Watson  -

December 13, 1944 - May 30, 2024

Fred Watson died peacefully on Thursday, May 30 surrounded by his family, after a long and valiant battle with cancer. He was 79.

Beloved husband of Geri Inglis and father of his treasured son, James.

Also survived by his brother, Andy (Nancy), several nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Fred was predeceased by his parents, Archie (2005) and Jennie (2010), and brother Ron (2022).Fred was born in Weston ON and spent his first five years on the family farm in Etobicoke and was eldest brother of Andy and Ron.

The family then moved to another farm in Ballantrae ON where he lived and attended school (Ballantrae PS and Stouffville District High School), excelled in athletics, and worked on the farm until he left to attend the University of Toronto.

Following university and teacher training, Fred taught History, Guidance, and Co-op Ed for the Durham District School board for 30 years. Fred and Geri spent much of their retirement travelling - often for the purpose of birdwatching, cruising, and enjoyed spending the winters in the sunny south, primarily at the southern tip of Texas.

Fred also enjoyed gardening, being a spectator of the NFL and NCAA football and basketball, and took up golf in his retirement. At one point he was in three golf leagues and golfed a 4th time during the week.

The family would like to invite friends to a memorial visitation at  BARNES MEMORIAL FUNERAL HOME , 5295 Thickson Road North Whitby ON on Friday, June 7 from 1pm to 4pm. Cremation has taken place.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Thickson’s Woods Land Trust or the charity of your choice.

Messages of condolences and shared memories can be left for the family by visiting barnesmemorialfuneralhome.com .