Monday, August 17, 2020
Condolences to the family. I want share some comments with you and say thank you for the contributions of the Watson family to Deaf persons across Canada that many are not aware of.
Bruce Watson indirectly played a significant role in the education and well-being of Deaf citizens right across Canada,
Indirect because it was his mother Phyllis, with support from his father Roy, who served as Chairperson of the original Canadian Deaf Scholarship Fund, a part of the Canadian Association of the Deaf, which morphed into the Canadian Deaf Educational Fund.
Her tireless work on this organization, working in early years with the Toronto Star Atkinson Foundation resulted in scholarships for many Ontario Deaf who eventually became leaders of other organizations of the Deaf.
The CDEF as it became, provided funds for the CAD to hold 5 National Educational Workshops and was instrumental in getting support for the establishment of the Canadian Deaf Leadership Camp. It also provided funds for the CAD to sponsor the first International Conference on Closed captioning that launched closed captioned TV on Line 21 in Canada to make it compatible with the USA closed captioning system at a time when the Federal Government was trying to make a separate captioning system using what was then known as Telidon.
All these things were done with the seeds that the work of Phyllis Watson sewed. And all because she had a Deaf son, Bruce and wanted to be sure that he would have the same opportunities in life that hearing people have.
Phyllis Watson was recognized by the CAD. With the death of Bruce, it is fitting that we realize that a lot of Deaf people indirectly, some working behind the scenes without getting credit, have a great impact on the rest of us.
Rest in Peace dear Bruce. The unlimited opportunities that your mother and father wished so much for you have been granted and they rejoice with you in heaven.
