August 18, 1946 – October 11, 2026

Vincent Rae Watts, lovingly known as Vince, passed away on Sunday, October 11, 2026, shortly after 6 a.m., at the Gene Zwozdesky Centre at Norwood in Edmonton, Alberta. He was born on August 18, 1946, at St. Mary’s Hospital in New Westminster, British Columbia. Vince lived a life defined by intelligence, craftsmanship, humour, resilience, and a deep love for his family.

Vince was the eldest of five Watts boys growing up in Marpole, British Columbia. The five brothers were quite a sight together at Marpole United Church on Sundays, creating memories that would last a lifetime. Vince excelled in school and was involved in cadets and Boy Scouts. He developed a lifelong love of bird watching and had a particular talent for crossword puzzles, which he could master like few others.

Vince began his working life delivering newspapers by bicycle in Vancouver. This early job reflected the determination and strong work ethic that would remain with him throughout his life.

After vocational school, Vince became a TQ-certified Heavy-Duty Mechanic, a trade that suited his sharp mind, patience, and remarkable ability to work with his hands. He spent many years working for Finning Tractor, including time in underground mines in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, as well as Kimberley and Campbell River, British Columbia. His career took him to many places, including Vancouver Island, Cranbrook, Courtenay, Peachland, before we eventually settled in Sturgeon County, Alberta.

Vince took great pride in his work. He had a natural gift for understanding how things worked and the skill, creativity, and determination to make them work again. He also enjoyed passing his knowledge along to younger mechanics entering the industry. He taught them not only what could be found in the manuals, but also how to think on their feet, improvise when necessary, and find a way to get the job done. His lessons were practical, generous, and grounded in years of experience.

Those who knew Vince also knew his mischievous side. He loved a good practical joke and could deliver one with a perfectly straight face, rarely giving anything away until someone finally figured out what he had done. His humour brought lightness and laughter to the people around him. The stories of his antics will continue to be shared, bringing smiles to those who knew and loved him.

Life was not always kind to Vince. He faced hardships and challenges that would have been difficult for anyone, yet he rarely complained. He met life with quiet courage, determination, and strength. Even through his long and difficult battle, he continued to show the resilience that had carried him throughout his life. He fought hard, with dignity and without making a fuss.

Vince was predeceased by his parents, Walton and Margaret Watts, and his brothers, Dean and Evan.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Donna (their dog Bailey); his daughter, Jennifer and her son, Nathan; his son, David (Krista) and their daughters, Caitlyn and Kaylee. He is also survived by his brothers, Trevor (Lynn), and Gregory (Louise); godson, CJ Martinez; along with numerous extended family and friends whose lives were touched by his kindness, humour, wisdom, and love.

Above all, Vince was deeply loved by his wife and of course the many dogs we had. He shared a lifetime of memories, laughter, hard work, and devotion with Donna. His family will remember not only the things he built and repaired with his hands, but also the steady presence of his heart: the way he cared, the way he protected, the way he made them laugh, and the quiet strength he gave them simply by being there.

Vince’s battle is now over, and he can finally rest.

He was loved far more than words could ever express, and he will be missed more than he could ever have known. His intelligence, skilled hands, quick wit, practical jokes, resilience, and unwavering love for his family will live on in the memories of everyone fortunate enough to have shared in his life.

Rest peacefully, Vince.

“Vince, my love, the last goodbyes are the hardest. You have no idea how much I will miss you or how much you meant to me. Thank you for the life we shared, for the love you gave me, and for all the memories I will carry in my heart forever.

Your fight is over now. You can finally rest.

Just remember, my love, wait for me at the first Tim Hortons in heaven. I’ll find you there.

Love you forever. Until we meet again.”

Our family would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the nursing staff, dialysis team, and doctors at the Hemodialysis Continuing Care Unit at Capital Care Norwood, and Royal Alex dialysis staff (and Satellite unit) for the exceptional care, compassion, and kindness shown to Vince throughout his journey. The family would also like to express their thanks to Archdeacon Jordan with Good Shepherd Anglican Church for her many visits.

In keeping with Vince’s wishes there will be no funeral or memorial service. The family sincerely thanks everyone for their love, kindness, and support during this difficult time.

Memorial Donations

In lieu of flowers, donations in Vince’s memory would be gratefully accepted by Drive Happiness, an organization that helps seniors and people with mobility challenges maintain their independence through accessible transportation. They were invaluable in our time of need.

Donations can be made in any of the following ways:

● Online: Through the Canada Helps donation link on the Drive Happiness website.

● By e-transfer: Send to payments@drivehappiness.ca.

● By mail: Send a cheque to Drive Happiness, 9916 45 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 5J1.

● By phone: Call 780-424-5438to make a credit card donation.

Drive Happiness will provide donors with a thank-you card and a charitable tax receipt.