It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Brian Edward Watson in Ottawa. Son of the late Gerald and the late Jacqueline Watson. He died suddenly on May 4th, 2022, at the age of 63 at the Ottawa Civic Hospital. He leaves behind his wife of 31 years, Cathy Vautour, and his son, Sean. Loving brother to Brenda and Bruce. He will be greatly missed by his aunt Pearl and uncle Bob in Nova Scotia, extended family, and many friends. Born in Kingston, ON while his father was stationed at the military base. The family moved east to Halifax and then West to British Columbia in Victoria. He spent some of his teenage years in Comox and then began working for the Coast Guard at the age of 17. During summers he planted trees in Northern B.C. to pay for his studies at the University of Victoria. In 1983 he joined the military and began his career in the Navy. After 2 years on ships, he chose to join the Airforce as an intelligence officer, where he remained until his retirement from the military. During his stay in Chatham, New Brunswick he met his future spouse, Cathy, who followed him to Winnipeg, Manitoba. As with many military families they moved regularly, until they ended up in Ottawa where he retired from a 28 year career in the military. Soon after, he went to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) which proved challenging but enjoyable work for him. The job brought him to many places all over the world, Vienna most frequently. He continued to travel with his wife after he retired from the CNSC. Never one to remain idle, he sought employment in the private sector.
Brian was a principled man who was generous with his time. His family always came first, and his career second. Staying busy with his wife and son was a strong priority, whether it be walking together, fishing, or camping. He took care to spend extensive time with his close relations, maintaining the lifelong bonds that sustained him. In his wake he leaves behind an enduring impression of the love he felt for those he held dear.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 13 at 1:00 p.m. in the Sacred Space at Beechwood Cemetery (280 Beechwood Ave.). The family will receive condolences from 12:00 p.m. until time of the service. Interment will be later. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ottawa Regional Cancer Foundation www.ottawacancer.ca or a charity of your choice.
Digital Guestbook
Mary MacKay
Christian Roscius
Condolences to the family. His family, as well as his extended professional family, will miss his sense of humor and calmness.
Daniel Vaillancourt
Please accept my sincere condolences
It was a pleasure working with Brian.
Rest in peace brother.
Josh Barber
I had the privilege and honour of working with Brian over a number of years. He was an officer of great intellect and an integrity. As a person he was relentlessly positive and good humoured. It always brightened my day to talk with him.
My deepest condolences to all of you.
Lance English
Passing my sincere condolences to the Watson family over the passing of Brian. I worked closely with Brian while I was working for the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission. We worked on bringing our two agencies closer together and really established a strong information sharing environment. I've travelled to Ottawa (and Vienna) and know him to be the consummate host. I know Brian to be a well respected, hard working family man who loved life, his country, but most of all his family. We shared many commonalities, our job, our military background and love of sports. I will miss kidding him about Canadian hockey teams (I'm a big Bruins fan), and sharing stories about military history. I am so saddened by his untimely passing. Cathy, so sorry for your loss. May God bring you and your family solace and comfort.
Mike Popovich
My sincere condolences to Brian’s family and friends. I got to know Brian later in life and I always enjoyed meeting for lunch downtown to hear his funny and interesting stories. Restarting that tradition was something I was looking forward to post COVID. I was shocked to hear of his sudden passing and will miss him very much. Too soon…
Cheryl Fleming
We are truly sorry for your loss, Cathy and wish to express our sincere condolences.. May he live on in your heart and memories forever.
Cheryl and the Wednesday food bank gang
Kathleen Heppell-Masys
I wish to express my deepest to Brian's family and friends. I had the opportunity to work with Brian at the CNSC and to travel with him internationally. Brian was always kind, proud, generous and of service. He will be missed. I am very sorry for you loss.
Lise Auger
Désolée pour la perte de ton mari , si tu veux parler je suis là pour toi . Je ne suis pas loin. Courage.
Timothy Watkins
Cathy, Sean - we are heartbroken for your loss. I remember Brian from when we were just young, drunken louts raising hell at UVic. I am proud to have known the admirable officer and even finer family man he became. Far too soon for him to leave, but a damned fine legacy he created in the time he had.
My thoughts are with you and your family Cathy. Sincerest condolences.