Obituary of William Pugsley Watson

William Pugsley Watson of Saint John, husband of Lillian Flora (Snow) Watson, passed away on Thursday, October 07, 2010 at the Saint John Regional Hospital, following a period of failing health. Bill was the first child born in the town site of Glen Falls (September 27, 1916), and was named after former Premier William Pugsley. Bill worked at CN Express, and enjoyed fishing and spending time at the cottage on Washedemoak Lake that he and his brother-in-law Ron built and aptly named “B & R Cottage”. In addition to his wife of nearly 70 years, Bill is survived by his children Mansfield Watson (Sandra) of Foxboro, Massachusetts, Sandra Messer (Gordon) of Rothesay, John Watson (Sylvia) of Saint John, Larry Watson (Nancy) of Rothesay, and Brenda Sleep (Bill) Keirsteadville; grandchildren Tony Watson, Wayne Watson (Patti), Kathy Watson, Todd Watson (Suzy), Scott Messer (Krista), Lori Messer-Tyme (Dave), Tricia Watson-Foley (Marc), John Brent Watson (Lenisha), Cal Watson, Chelsey Watson, Aaron Sleep (Shona), and Michael Sleep (Derri); 20 great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; a sister-in-law, Bernice Vaughan of Saint John; a close family friend, Hazel Shanks of Saint John; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Bill was predeceased by an infant son, Wayne Douglas Watson; a brother, Charles Watson; sisters Edna Lane and Esther Whitworth; 6 other infant brothers and sisters; and two special uncles, Stan and Bill Dixon. Resting at Brenan's Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424), with visiting on Friday, October 8, 2010 from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. The funeral service will be held from Brenan's Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, October 9, 2010 at 10:00 AM. Interment will take place in Fernhill Cemetery. For those who wish, remembrances to the Palliative Care Unit at the Saint John Regional Hospital or to any charity of the donor's choice would be appreciated by the family.