Michael Watson
Obituary
Michael Llewellyn Watson of Strathcona County, Alberta was born on April 15, 1946 in Sudbury, Ontario to Marguerite and Llewellyn Watson. He died suddenly on February 23, 2023 at the age of 76 years. He is survived by his wife Marilyn, brother Kevin (Roberta), sister-in-law Margaret and brother-in-law John (Jill) and many other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his brother, Gordon; sister, Wendy; and brother-in-law, Michael Bland.
He grew up in Algoma Mills where his family ran a tourist lodge. His interest in the outdoors was kindled on the lakes and rocks of the Canadian Shield, especially at his Uncle Walter’s camp on Manitoulin Island. This all led him to Laurentian University where he graduated with a Masters degree in Biology. After working in Ontario on deer surveys and bear studies he became the Resident Biologist at the University of Manitoba Field Station at Delta Marsh, Manitoba. He met Marilyn Rayner while they were both working at the Station. They later moved to Alberta.
Mike worked as a Fish and Wildlife Biologist for the Alberta Government from 1981 until he retired in 2005. He loved the rural life he shared with Marilyn, where he pursed his passions for woodworking, hunting and Labrador Retrievers. He planted hundreds of trees and extensively remodelled their home which was heated with wood he cut on the property. He had a soft spot for animals and over the years kept several different kinds as pets.
Cremation has taken place. There will be a private celebration of life at a later date. If you so wish, you may make a donation to Second Chance Animal Rescue Society (SCARS) or the conservation organization of your choice.