Harvey Watson
It is with deep sadness that the family of Harvey Wayne Watson of Rossendale, Manitoba, announces his peaceful passing on May 5, 2025.
Born on February 22, 1941, in Portage la Prairie to John and Bertha (Orton) Watson, Harvey was raised in Rossendale where he developed a deep connection to his community, the land, and a lifelong appreciation for life’s simple joys. Dad was a devoted family man, who lived a full and meaningful life surrounded by the love of those closest to him.
Dad attended Elmwood School, making the walk every day with his sister Lorraine. He was member of his first 4H club in Rossendale in 1953. His early years in Rossendale formed the foundation of the man he would become. In 1960, Dad married the love of his life, Marion Joan McCulloch. Together they built a home filled with warmth, laughter, and unwavering love, both working and playing together. Their union was blessed with three children: Judith, Jeff, and Scott. Their home quickly became the heart of the family — always open, always welcoming. Sundays often meant water fights, backwoods wiener roasts, and family suppers, with Harvey often leading the fun as the biggest kid of all.
Dad began his working career at a very young age, working as a farm labourer for Jim Culbert and John Nicoll. Dad worked a few years at Maple Leaf after he married Mom. Dad and Mom then purchased the farm from Grandpa Watson in 1966. He combined farming with working for Pine Creek School Division at the Rossendale and MacGregor Elementary schools alongside Mom for many years. Dad farmed with his father and one of his greatest joys was knowing that Jeff and Joanne were continuing to farm on lands he and Mom had built a life on.
Dad had a deep love for horses and horse-drawn equipment, along with the skill and patience required in team training. Dad passed along this love to his children, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren. Dad was happy to share this passion with those beyond the family and spent many miles alongside Brent Donald working with their teams, shopping for horses, and sharing his knowledge. Dad participated in many memorable events such as the NWMP Ride from Emerson to Saskatchewan, Austin Thresherman’s Reunion, wagon rides at Sheepy Hollow Pumpkin Patch, as well as countless other community trail and wagon rides. There was nothing quite like hitting the trails with friends.
Auction finds, surprise livestock purchases, and antique treasures were another passion of Dad’s. He firmly believed that nothing couldn’t be fixed with a can of paint. His family met his finds with quiet amusement and the knowledge that they were about to be roped in to help in one way or another.
Curling and Crokinole were staples of Dad’s. There were many late nights at bonspiels that often went into the final event. Dad was known for his “Harvey Wall Banger” shot and he took great pride in his 8-ender. Dad continued to curl in the Burnside league until 2020 and was happy knowing that his grandchildren still represent his legacy at the annual Rossendale Bonspiel. He taught those same grandchildren the game of Crokinole and there was rarely a family event
where the board wasn’t pulled out. He always had advice on how to improve your shot…but he never let us win.
Dad was blessed with a cherished friendship with Dianne Watson, providing countless miles of travel, late-night card games, and the simple enjoyment of each other's company. Their bond brought warmth, laughter, and companionship that enriched his life and our family.
Known for his outgoing personality, teasing humour, strong work ethic, and quiet wisdom, Dad touched the lives of all who knew him. Dad wasn’t shy about sharing his opinion and he always had a story or a quick one-liner to tell with a glint in his eye and a chuckle to follow. The meetings around the Rossendale Knowledge Centre Table were notorious.
After suffering a stroke in May 2020, Dad was still very much the man we knew – witty, stubborn, and full of love. His family is deeply grateful to the staff at Daughters on Call for the respectful and compassionate care he received in these years.
Harvey was predeceased by his beloved wife Joan (2000), his father John (1970), and his mother Bertha (1979), along with many cherished brothers- and sisters-in-law: Leonard Lang, John (Jack) McCulloch, Donald McCulloch, Les Marks, Walter Anderson, Margaret Leslie, Grace Anderson, Shirley Marks, Kathleen Dennis, and Jean McCulloch. Despite these losses, Harvey remained a steady and loving presence for his family and extended that warmth to everyone he met—because to him, there truly were no strangers.
Dad will be lovingly remembered by his children, Judith (Dwayne), Jeff (Joanne), and Scott. Pop Harvey was a proud grandfather to Brett (Joella), Kayla (Brad), Jamie (Mitch), Michelle (Blaze), Richard (Heather), Cassandra (Lindsay), Tara (Shawn), and Guy (Kris) and great-grandfather to Blair, Brae, Brooke, Blake, Hadley, Callan, Maddison, Abbigail, Bailey, Kaycee, Kelly, Thomas, Noah, Quintin, and Lexi. Dad is also survived by his sister Lorraine Lang, special friend Dianne Watson, sister-in-law Louise McCulloch, as well as numerous cousins and friends.
Dad leaves behind a proud and grateful family who will forever hold his memory in their hearts. While we mourn his passing, we are thankful for the legacy he leaves of a life fully lived.
A Celebration of Life will be held on May 30, 2025 at 1:00 pm at the Rossendale Cemetery, followed by a reception at the Rossendale Community Hall.
In lieu of flowers donations in Harvey’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice.
A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.
www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com 204-857-4021.