William “Bill” Watt April 16, 1949 - June 8, 2024

With heavy hearts we announce that Bill finished his journey hear on earth on June 8, 2024.

Bill will be dearly missed by his loving wife Patricia, son Dusty and daughter Erin (Jake), special- daughter Kyla (Kyle), special grand-daughter Kody, brothers Neil (Elaine), Jeremiah (Colleen) and Bob (Marilyn), and numerous nieces and nephews. Bill and his family have been blessed with many treasured friends from their community and afar, who we know will feel his loss as well.

Bill was born in Winnipeg; the first born to Ken and Amy Watt. As a young family, they moved to Vermilion Bay to join Amy’s family in operating Vermilion Bay Cabins and The Reel-In Restaurant. Growing up in Vermilion Bay, Bill developed a deep love for the outdoors and life in North-Western Ontario. The Watt family moved to Wainwright when Bill was twelve, during this he developed a love of western culture, horses and a cowboy lifestyle. Bill attended Dryden High School, graduating in 1967; he spent an additional two years at DHS where he spent the majority of his time in Mr. Wood’s and Mr. McMaster’s offices.

In his late teens Bill attended Oklahoma Farriers College in Sperry, OK, then returned home to shoe horses between Winnipeg and Thunder Bay. During this time the Watt Family owned and operated “The Shaky W” western store in Dryden, which is where Bill elevated his cowboy style and fashion sense. While living at Wainwright, Bill and his dad fabricated horse trailers that were used across Canada. In 1969 Bill made his way west to Alida, SK where he enjoyed his time as a rodeo cowboy and ranch hand. Calving season remained one of Bill’s most favorite times of year. In 1973 Bill returned home and started working in the bush where he worked in the notorious “Camp 69”.

Intending to return to Saskatchewan to ranch, a change of course was waiting for him.

In 1974, Amy introduced Pat Foley, a young teacher at Dryden High School to Bill. The two quickly fell in love as Pat accompanied Bill on his rodeo adventures around Manitoba. She helped nurse the banged-up rodeo cowboy, cheered him on from the infield and quickly came to enjoy a wild and western lifestyle. The two married in August 1975 and have enjoyed 49 years of colorful marriage. In 1978, Bill and Pat welcomed their son Dusty while Bill was away attending a two-year saddle making program and apprenticeship in Amarillo, TX and Elko, NV. In the summer of 1981, while expecting their second child the young family moved to Eton Rugby. They welcomed Erin into their family in October 1981.

Bill changed careers paths in the early 80’s to construction and pipeline. Although away from his family for long periods of time, they never doubted his love and support as they grew up taking care of the farm at home, competing in sports and enjoying time with their friends and neighbors. During his time around home between jobs, Bill and longtime family friend Jack Skene founded the Oxdrift Judo Club. Bill, Dusty and Erin all worked their way through the belt ranks while competing at tournaments around Northwestern Ontario.

Bill being one who could not step away from a challenge even when he had to compete in a higher weigh class ended up adding dislocated shoulders, broken ribs and knocked out front teeth to his long line of injuries from riding bulls, dodging steers, and riding bareback.

In the early 90’s Bill needed to make a career change once again. He spent 3 years retraining to make saddles with his brother Jeremiah in California. The two had started Watt Bros. Stock Saddle Company, where they specialized in wade saddles that were ridden and enjoyed around the world. Bill continued to build saddles and custom leather goods until his passing. He enjoyed learning new techniques, traveling to leather and trade shows, teaching and sharing his love and knowledge of horses and leather.

Being a showman at heart, Bill could be found taking bids for the 4H Steer Auction or announcing horse shows around the area. He enjoyed making friends with horse show competitors from near and afar, his banter and humor often put competitors at ease while entertaining judges and show helpers. Bill was well known for entertaining crowds following the shows with his auctioneer charm or while cooking up his delicious Peach Cobbler over a fire.

Bill took on a big battle with Lung Cancer in 2016. During this time, he remained steady and positive, sure that tomorrow was always going to be a brighter day. He successfully beat cancer but was left with several health challenges that he continued to tackle head on. In the past year Bill grew weary and was called home to rest and find peace. We thank the doctors, nurses and staff at DRHC, WHSC and TBRHC who cared for Bill with kindness and compassion during the most difficult of days.