1939-2014
Nicol (Nick) Ashforth Watkins, who has died aged 75 in Vernon B.C., was a Renaissance man. He spent his working life as a teacher and administrator. He was passionate about public education, feeling that a country was only as good as the education of its young. After retirement, he spent 15 years as director and president of the Caravan Farm Theatre. He supported and worked for the development of the Haugen Medical Group. He attended the Okanagan Symphony for 25 years; loved opera, jazz, and other music. He was an avid runner, played cricket, soccer, rugby, and golf. He enjoyed skiing and hiking, especially in the Rocky Mountains. When not engaged in the above pursuits, he loved to discuss politics and philosophy. He was a lifelong supporter of the NDP and believed in private enterprise with a social conscience. Retirement gave Nick and Dagmar the opportunity to discover many parts of the world.
Nick was born in London, England to Frank and Dorothy Watkins. He is survived by his sister Judith Newman and her family, and by the Family Rippitsch, in Austria. He married in 1964 Hannelore Dagmar Watkins and they have one son, Brendan and daughter–in-law, Cheryl.
Nick will be lovingly remembered by his family as well as friends and colleagues.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Armstrong Bible Chapel (2145 Rosedale Avenue, Armstrong, B.C.) on Saturday, September 6, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (47 Squire Bakers Lane, Markham, ON L3P 3G8). Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family at www.MyAlternatives.ca
Cremation arrangements entrusted to
ALTERNATIVES FUNERAL & CREMATION SERVICES®
Armstrong 250-546-7237 & Vernon 250-558-0866