Warren gave it his all until the end of the 4th quarter when the final buzzer sounded. Warren Archie Watt died quietly surrounded by family on Sept. 12, 2020, just after his 69th birthday. A life cut short, but he had a heck of a ride!
Wonder’s legacy lives on through his children: Eric and his wife Kristen Watt, and Rhonda and her husband Joe Fritzley, all of whom Warren adored. His mother Lenore Watt will especially mourn his passing as will his younger brother and biggest fan Jim Watt, sisters Cindy Watt McCabe, Caroline and her husband Andrew West, Lisa Watt Desroches and her partner Chris Robson. His uncles, Maurice Marshall and Miles & his wife Jeanette Marshall, along with many cousins, nieces and nephews will sorely miss him too. Warren is also remembered fondly by his former wife and high school sweetheart, Judy Jenkins. Warren loved his 5 grandchildren dearly: Gerry, Joey Warren, Chelsey Fritzley and John and Leo Watt. They idolized ‘Gramps’ and were eager to hear about his adventures and sport wisdom. Warren is predeceased by his father Archie Watt, uncles Fred Marshall, Don and Jim Watt, “Auntie Go-Go” Gloria McEwing and in-laws Maurice, Kathy and John Jenkins.
Warren enjoyed reminiscing about his younger years at the Watt Century farm on Concession 13, Hullett Township, and often shared stories about his ‘naughty’ boyhood farm adventures with Cousin Stuart Watt. Sports was always a passion with Wonder. He won numerous high school pole vaulting competitions in Huron-Perth (a record he held for over a decade), WOSSA and came 6th in All-Ontario for which he was especially proud. One of Warren’s best friends in high school Wayne (& Karen) Draper encouraged him to sell worms from his front porch after his first lay-off at Champion Road Machinery in 1980. The business grew to a point that his living room was converted into a bait and tackle shop. “Opening Weekend” parties were memorable to say the least! The only acceptable uniform worn for those occasions was a Goderich Bait & Tackle sweatshirt. He often escaped to “The Lodge” on Manitoulin Island with his best friends where many stories would and could be slightly embellished year over year. He loved being out in the bush with George Thompson, Billy Ray Vanstone, Bruce Sheardown, his ‘great’ Uncle Maurice and many other best mates. Warren will be remembered for his love of GDCI high school football, fastball, slo-pitch, hockey and especially basketball. Wattsy spent years refereeing high school basketball with his pal, Phil Bugler and often sponsored sports teams under his banner ‘Goderich Bait & Tackle’. If there was ever a sports team short-handed or faced forfeit, he would be the first to step in to save the day.
Warren was well known and respected in the sport and fishing communities, and for his compassion to help the less fortunate. He was one of those good guys – honest, strong, patient, and benevolent. A true friend to the end….and in Wattsy’s own words “Let’s have just one more beer”.
Cremation has taken place. A private family service is planned. When COVID subsides, his family would like to celebrate WW’s life where stories will be shared by the dozen. If you would like to donate in his memory, Huron Hospice or GDCI Athletic Department would gratefully appreciate your support.
Shared by Dave and Pam Ross
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Mark Sully
Judy and Family
We send our deepest condolences. Warren was a great person and will be missed.
Cherish the memories.
Mark and Jill
Elaine Fielder
To Warren’s family, our sincere sympathy. A life well lived and a man well loved. Dale and Elaine Fielder
Dave and Pam Ross
Warren was a very close friend for many years. You have family and you have friends and then you have friends that are like family. Warren was one of these for me. We went on many adventures together and fought many battles on the court and on the field. Through this became a strong bond. We send our sincerest condolences to the family. Big hugs of comfort to Warren’s mum Lenore. I will miss my friend always.
Gayle and Barron Purser
Our sincere condolences are extended to the Watt Family in your Loss of Warren.
Jon Ginn
Judy, Eric, Rhonda and family. Mickey and I are sorry to hear the sad news of Warren. our thoughts are with you.His competitive was there to the end. WW, Wonder and I had a long history in sports from High School sports, fastball with Gord Sports and slow pitch in Benmiller. RIP my friend Ginner.
Norah Purser
Eric, Rhonda and Judy. My sympathies to you and yours. RIP Warren. 🎣
Tammy Gibbons
I just connected with Warren over the past 5 years. I’m writing this on behalf of my late brother Robbie Gibbons.
Warren passed the torch and love of pole vaulting and fishing onto Robbie. My brother loved fishing and that was all because of Warren.
When he met me he shared some great stories of his friendship with Rob over the years!
Thank you for being such a great mentor to him!
May you both vault high & may the fish be plenty.
Tammy
mark frayne
Warren was like a big brother to me , kind , funny and a great team mate ! A good man and a great dad !So grateful to have had him as a friend . He will be missed !
Marg Hallman
Very sorry to hear this sad news.He will be sadly missed by his family, as well as the entire community .Please accept our sincere sympathy.Marg and Jim Hallman
Jim Mulhern
Our condolence the Warren’s family.
Jim
Elizabeth Vanstone
What a beautiful obituary. You forgot to mention he was always short 20$ from his cash box for Rhonda. Xo He was such a wonderful man and I thank god everyday that he helped to create two of the best people Rhonda and Eric.
Kim &Travis Teed
Our deepest sympathy to all.
“To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under Heaven”
Kim & Travis
Diana Glousher
Wow there are so many where would you start always loved always there for you boy RIP xox
Pat Johnston
Rhonda, Eric, Judy and families
Our thoughts are with you and know that all your good memories will help you through this most difficult time and remember he is at peace now.
Bob and Pat
John Lahey
Eric and Rhonda, We are very sorry for your loss. I know your father loved you both and was very proud of all you accomplished.
I moved to Goderich in 1981 for a new job. I visited the new tackle shop and met Warren. Over time we became close friends. For the next 35 years thousands of memories were created. I consider Warren a best friend. We spent great times together fishing the Maitland, at the Lodge on Manitoulin, on the ice at Scugog with cousin Stewart, ball diamonds, ice rinks, out for wings and beer. Warren gave his all for the community and always had a heart for the less fortunate. Cherish all the memories. I will miss him terribly but will never forget him.
The conditions will be perfect, and the fish will be biting where he is now. Tight lines buddy. RIP
John Lahey
Dave Brereton
I would like to extend my sympathy to Warren’s family…I went through school and played many sports with Warren. He was very skilled and a great teammate. He was the total sports fan and so kind and caring. He was always there to help in any way he could whether on the sports field or in life…I really liked the opportunity to stop in to purchase bait etc and chat about all the fun times we had during school time. He was a true Goderich community icon in many ways and will be missed by so many..Dave and Patty Brereton
Katherine Butson
Dear Judy, Eric, Rhonda, Uncle Wayne, Aunt Karen, and families,
I’m very, very sorry to learn of Warren’s passing. They broke the mould when Warren was born! I met him, along with Tom Cat, and Chowie (Ron, RIP) in the early 1970s when Wayne was dating my Aunt Karen. I was 7 when Warren and I both were in Aunt Karen and Uncle Wayne’s wedding party. I was astounded by this funny man’s height! He seemed to me to be a giant to my wee, young self. My memories of him as MC at the wedding reception and later as owner of his Goderich Bait and Tackle (only retail business I’m aware of with a flowing keg tap!) are numerous. He was a hit with my father (RIP) and mother, too! While hilariously entertaining, I’ll always remember Warren as a warm, genuine soul. We have all lost a one-of-a-kind friend and Goderich as lost a gem. May Warren be reacquainted with those who, like him, left us too soon and already be the life of the party! One more beer for Big Bird! With love and sympathy, Kathy
Jill Sygrove
My heart aches for the loss that you all have suffered. I spent a good part of my 45 years on this earth watching Wonder and my dad play ball- whether it be basketball or slow pitch. There is a rainbow collection of Bait and Tackle jerseys and sweatshirts over the years at my parents. I remember Warren reffing basketball games at the high school games with Mr Bugler. Time keeping for their Monday night basket ball games as a kid thinking I’d struck it rich making twenty bucks. This one hits a little too close to home and I’m praying he’s found a pick up game in the sky that needs a player or a ref. Thinking of all of you. Hugs and lots of love. Jill
Judy Jenkins
If anyone has any old VHS tapes of Warren playing sports, our son would love to digitize the footage. He has the ability. Thanks from Warren’s son, Eric.
Carolin Vermeersch
Warren was funny and full of life. His love for his children, family, friends and sports ran deep within his heart.
We will all miss him very much, my thoughts and prayers are with Lenore, Rhonda, Eric and the entire Watt family.
Heather Bell
The Bell family sends their heart felt condolences to the Watts on the loss of a neighbourhood treasure. Warren will be forever missed. The thump of his basketball was part of the tapestry of our lives. We enjoyed raising children together working in the bait shop. The memories will always be sparked by the hats etc. that will pop up in our family’s photos Love to Judy Eric and Rhonda Watts her name.