Donald Watts

Donald Charles Watts, much loved husband of Susan (Dufton) Watts passed away at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance on Tuesday February 4, 2025.  He will be missed by his children Debra Anderson (Robert), Donald Watts and Lesley Vaughan (Jamie), by his grandchildren Josh, Michael, Colin, Alex, Drew, Charlie, Matthew and Russell, as well as his great-grandchildren April, Taylan, Claire, Ronan, Beau, Avery, Lacey, Sierra and Natalie.  He was predeceased by a daughter Loriann Elizabeth Samulak in 1994.

Don was born in Chatham 81 years ago to the late Charles and Ethyle (Murray) Watts and was predeceased by his twin brother Ronald in 2018.

Don grew up on the family farm just outside of Blenheim, Ontario, where his work ethic was honed from a very early age.  While attending Blenheim high school, Don met Susan the love of his life, and they were later married in 1963.  Don then joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and attended the University of Western Ontario and obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree, then attended Windsor Teacher’s College and the University of Windsor, where he completed his Master of Education degree.

Don’s life was filled with service and commitment to others.

Don served his country over 25 years in the Royal Canadian Air Force, finishing his decorated career as a Major.  He also served his community through decades of leadership of the 291 Blenheim Bomber Squadron cadets.  Where many young Blenheim teens, with his support, went on to successful military and aviation careers.

Don also had a 37 year high school teaching career in Chatham-Kent.

Don dedicated much of his time to volunteering in his community.  He was a 30+ year active Blenheim Rotarian, a long-time member of the Hospitaller Order of St John, where he often led humanitarian donations from the Order to those in need in the community.

Don was a committed husband and father.  He and Susan celebrated their 61^st Anniversary recently.  Don provided for his family, often working multiple jobs at once in the military, teaching and taking care of the farm.

Don leaves a lasting legacy on the community and the many lives he has touched positively throughout his life, including his loving family.

Cremation has taken place.  Visitation will be held at the Blenheim Community Funeral Home on Tuesday, February 11th from 2 – 4pm & 6 – 8 pm  with a Legion Service to be held just prior to the evening visitation.  A Funeral Service conducted by Legion Padre Bill Terris for Don will be held at the funeral home on Wednesday, February 12th, 2025 at 2pm, followed by a gathering at the Blenheim Legion.

Friends wishing to remember Don with a memorial donation are asked to consider the Chatham-Kent Hospice https://chathamkenthospicefoundation.com/donations/