June 3, 1931 - January 14, 2020
On Tuesday, January 14th 2020, Elspeth Watson (wife of Robert Watson "Robin") passed away peacefully at the age of 88 surrounded by her loving family.
Born June 3rd 1931 in Glasgow Scotland, Elspeth met her husband at a dance when she was 19 years old and they were married soon after. In 1951 they immigrated to Canada together, eventually settling in the Alberni Valley. Elspeth and Robin raised 3 daughters Sheena, Moira, and Rhona. Known as a master potter, (AKA Yoda by some of her potter friends) Elspeth began her potting journey in 1961. In the beginning, Robin built Elspeth's first pottery wheel and together they built her first kiln.
Elspeth travelled the world looking for inspiration as she evolved her craft and integrated design ideas from many European countries, in addition to China, and Japan. Elspeth's work could be found at countless exhibitions, it was one of her great hopes to have her pieces distributed far and wide. Elspeth took her title of domestic engineer seriously as she mastered the arts of silk painting, weaving, present wrapping, clothes folding, jam making (legendary marmalade!), along with many others...even her handwriting appeared to be it's own calligraphy font.
Elspeth spent many years together with Robin in their community as part of the Sunshine Club, including volunteering at countless events like the Bread of Life and Camp Goodtimes. She also devoted years of her life to leading the Girl Guides where she was known affectionately as "Kelpie".
While Elspeth was devoted to all kinds of art, her community and family, nothing meant more to her in life than her husband. In most recent years Elspeth would be found in Echo Village spending every moment she could with her sweetheart Robin.
Elspeth was predeceased by her two brothers (Jim and Norman), her sister (May), and her daughter Rhona. Elspeth is survived by her husband (of 68 years) Robert Watson, daughters Sheena Charnell (Lawrence), and Moira Schmidt (John), her grandchildren Bryden Rigets (Danice), Jeremy Woppenkamp, Nathan Woppenkamp, Robyn Schmidt, Alex Schmidt, Everett Watson, Maija Watson, her great grandchildren Samuel Rigets, and Kohana Elspeth Rigets.
We want to thank the Ty Watson house for their exceptional level of care and comfort for both Elspeth and her loved ones in her final days. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.