PORT HOPE, ON – The Municipality of Port Hope will lower the flags at Town Hall and the Canton Municipal office on Wednesday, May 16, 2012, honouring former Councillor A. David Watson, who died on May 6, 2012.
Mr. Watson worked in sales and management with McBee, a business form manufacturer, for 35 years. After retiring in 1994 he continued to operate his own business for many years following. With a lifelong passion for sports, Dave was extremely active in the athletic community and a long time member of Athletics Ontario. When his daughter became a successful runner, Dave began officiating track and field events all over Canada and as nationally qualified “starter”, he officiated in four Pan Am games, the Commonwealth Games and numerous national championships.
A long time member of the Parks & Recreation Committee in the Township of Hope, Dave was committed to providing recreation facilities for local residents and was a leading force in the revitalization of Garden Hill Park in the 1970s. He received several honours in recognition of his involvement in the community and sports activities, including the Rotary Club’s Paul Harris Fellowship, a Golden Jubilee Medal, and a Citation from the Ontario Ministry of Sports and Recreation.
Mr. Watson served as a Councillor with the former Township of Hope from 1985 to 1991 and as Deputy Reeve from 1997 to 2000. Following amalgamation, he represented the Municipality of Port Hope as a Ward 2 Councillor from 2001 to 2003, serving as Chair of the General Government Committee.
Mayor Linda Thompson served alongside Mr. Watson during his term on Port Hope Council, “The Municipality is saddened by the death of former Councillor and Deputy Reeve David Watson. Dave loved his community and was passionate about being involved and having a voice not only on Council but through a variety of committees and volunteer initiatives. His dedication to sports and our community’s youth was truly an inspiration.”
Following his terms on Council, Dave remained actively involved in the sports community and a number of local organizations including the Port Hope & District Health Care Foundation, Chamber of Commerce, and Port Hope Rotary Club. For the last five years, Mr. Watson was a dedicated member of the Civic Awards Committee and a tireless advocate for the recognition of our local volunteers. Dave was known for attending meetings of every Municipal Board, Committee, and service club to promote the program and encourage Civic Award nominations.
Councillor Rick Austin, Chair of General Government and Finance, was Mayor during Mr. Watson’s term as Councillor for the Municipality, “Dave was a dedicated Councillor and cared dearly for his community. He continued to be involved in committee work after he retired from politics and will be missed by everyone.”
Mr. Watson and his wife Betty had three children.
A memorial service will be held at Ross Funeral Chapel on Wednesday May 16th at 2pm.
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For more information contact
R. Carl Cannon, CAO
905.885.4544
