Neil Allison "Al" Watson, late of Yellow Grass, passed away peacefully at the Regina General Hospital on Wednesday, February 19, 2014 aged 78 years. Al was predeceased by his parents, Alec and Irene (Hardy) Watson; brothers, Merrill "Mel" Watson and William "Bill" Watson; brother-in-law, Douglas Favel; and nephew, Jodie Watson. Al will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 44 years, Cheryl Watson of Yellow Grass; son, Neil Watson of Weyburn; daughter, Leslie (Michael) Mullinger of Yellow Grass; grandchildren, Jordyn, Kaycee, and Jesse Mullinger; brothers, Don (Audrey) Watson of Yellow Grass, Howard (Margaret) Watson of Toronto, George (Connie) Watson of Alice Beach, and Doug (Connie) Watson of Yellow Grass; sister, Gwen Favel of Battleford; sisters-in-law, Doreen and Merle Watson, both of Weyburn, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Al was born at the Watson family farm located at NW 23-10-16, northeast of Yellow Grass, on August 31, 1935. Al had six brothers and one sister. He was the fourth of eight children. Al attended elementary school at Waverley then went on to complete Grade 12 in Yellow Grass. His grades were second to none and he graduated with honours from high school. When recalling his school years, dad would smile and tell us how he helped many other students with their studies, if they were having difficulty, sometimes whispering advice when under the watchful eye of teachers. An unbelievable mathmatical ability led dad to his first job as a teller at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in Yellow Grass, until 1954, when he decided to be a truck driver for Watson Bros. Company, owned by Don and Mel Watson. Two years later, he ventured to Kitimat, BC where he was employed with a tow truck company. Al met lifetime friends while there and he had many stories to tell of his time in the Kitimat area. In the fall of 1957, he returned to Yellow Grass and continued work with Watson Bros. Trucking, until 1959, when he and Bill Harder bought and jointly owned and operated 'Wheatland Sales and Service', a workshop and gas station located on Highway 39. The showroom, where the future cafe is now, was opened for John Deere Equipment and Al became a dealer for that company in Yellow Grass. Al then became the sole proprietor of the dealership and service station in 1964. Al also took on the task of Town Constable for one year, during 1962. Later he decided to hand the reins over to Constable C. Toovey, so he could return to his other responsibilities. Next door to the service station was a business called the 'Soo Line Cafe' where Al was a regular customer. It was there in 1968 where Al finally worked up the courage to ask Cheryl Strachan out on a date. Cheryl had lived in Yellow Grass since birth and was working at the cafe as a waitress. Al and Cheryl went to a Weyburn Red Wings hockey game on their first date. He then continued to pursue and get to know her. In 1969, they travelled to Toronto, Ontario, where Al's brother, Howard, officiated their marriage at the Eglinton Church, on June 6. They celebrated their honeymoon at Niagra Falls, visited the CN Tower, and toured the Toronto area. With them was Cheryl's mother, Veva Strachan, Cheryl's sister, Jean Guthiel and her husband Ralph. Al and Cheryl returned to Yellow Grass and continued to operate the service station. In 1972, Al finally got to fulfill his dream of full-time farming and celebrated the birth of their first child, Neil. He also converted the showroom into a restaurant, and built on the kitchens and dining room, which he rented out. Leslie was born in 1975, while Al was balancing work between the garage and the farm, with the help of several locals. In 1984, they made the hard decision to sell 'Wheatland Sales and Service', as Al was ready for a change. Later that year, they bought a charter bus and called the company 'Soo Line Charters'. Al drove the bus and Cheryl organized and guided the trips. Canadian destinations like Thunder Bay, Ont., Calgary, Edmonton, Fort Edmonton, Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, the Rocky Mountains and the Peace Gardens were their favourite places to visit. Other trips included Ski Mission Ridge and Ochapowace Ski Resort. Lots of wonderful family memories were created and cherished for future years. Eventually the charter bus company was dissolved and the bus was sold in 1988. Later that year, Al began work for Sask. Crop Insurance, until 1993. He then purchased a grain cleaner in 1994 and continued to clean seed for local farmers up until a few years when decided to focus solely on farming. Throughout all his years of work, Al was a member of the United Church and served on the church board for many years. Eight years ago, Al and Cheryl joined the Free Methodist Church in Weyburn. They enjoy the singing and visiting with their pastors and friends every Sunday. Al joined 'Variations' choir and was present at all singing events until recently. He was also a charter member of the Lions Club becoming Treasurer, President, Zone Chairman, Deputy District Governor, plus the District Lioness Chairperson over his many years of service. Many barbeques, camping trips, and visits to other towns and areas were enjoyed by the family during this time. In 1965, Al became a member of the Masonic Lodge in Yellow Grass and remained an active member until his passing, serving in Milestone. Al and Cheryl continued to reside in Yellow Grass, enjoying life and raising their children. He enjoyed his daily visits to the coffee shop and the occasional auction sale. He is known for his attention to detail in historical facts, including people, places, and events, making him an excellent source of information. He continued to admire old tractors and even collected a few pieces over the years. Every Christmas he loved making fudge for friends and family, often receiving demands for more. His travels took him far and wide to Australia several times to visit his daughter's family, until they moved to Yellow Grass in 2011. Many trips to hockey games have filled his days with spending quality time with his grandchildren, showing patience unlike never before. He leaves behind many family members and friends who will feel his absence for years to come. Visitation was held, Friday, February 21 at Fletcher Funeral Chapel and a funeral service followed on Saturday, February 22 at 2:00 pm from Yellow Grass United Lutheran Partnership with Pastor Jody Pfeifer officiating. Interment was in Yellow Grass Cemetery, Yellow Grass. Pallbearers were Michael Mullinger, Dale Watson, Drew Watson, Lee Watson, Jason Watson and Jeff Watson. Donations in memory of Al may be made to Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada. Condolences may be left at: www.fletcherfuneralchape.com. Arrangements entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapel at Weyburn, 306-842-5432.
