Obituary of Roger Knox Watson
Roger Knox Watson passed away on March 19, 2021 at the Bridgepoint Centre, Toronto, Ontario, 9 days short of his 85th Birthday. He was born to Stanley and Lucy Watson of Toronto.
He was the youngest of five siblings. He is survived by his two siblings, Patrick Watson and sister Mary.
Roger grew up in the Annex in Toronto where he had fond memories of his time attending the UTS (University of Toronto School) high school after which, he entered the University of Toronto for his undergraduate and graduate studies in the Engineering faculty with a major in geophysics.
Roger met his wife Joanne in 1966 and got married the same year. They raised two sons Jeffrey and Marcus. Working as a geophysicist, Roger and Joanne moved homes on a regular basis spending time in Orillia, Vancouver, Mississauga, and Toronto. Roger loved adventure, for their honeymoon, Roger and his new bride Joanne, boarded their single engine Stinson airplane and went on a cross country trip to Mexico, via the Grand Canyon where they enjoyed the low-level view of the geology from their own airplane. Roger continued to use the Stinson in support of his geophysical consulting practice which included numerous trips to the Arctic where he was largely responsible for mapping the mineral district of which later became known as the Pine Point Mines development in the early ‘60s.
Roger is survived by Jean-Pierre (J.P), his companion for over 34 years. Throughout his life Roger had a great gift of establishing and maintaining a host of long-term friendships - something that he valued greatly.
Roger’s advice, compassion, and warmth have made a long-lasting impression on his friends and they are heartbroken without him. Roger always had time to encourage and mentor young geophysicists as they honed their skills. Above all he was an explorer who understood the basics of geology and geophysics.
Roger and a select group of scientists and innovators initiated a number of highly respected companies including, Paterson Grant and Watson, Consulting Geophysicists and Terraquest Ltd. He had a most inquisitive mind and loved consulting on numerous mineral exploration projects around the world. A profession that kept his fertile mind occupied until just a few months before he passed.
A private graveside service will be held at the Parklawn Cemetery, 2845 Bloor St. West, Etobicoke on Friday March 26, 2021.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to the Canadian Exploration Geophysics Foundation (KEGSF) www.KEGSFoundation.org or the Prostate Cancer Society. Condolences may be left on Rogers online guest book at www.humphreymiles.com
© 2021 Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles – Newbigging Chapel Limited. All Rights Reserved.
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