1931 – 2013
Peacefully, in Victoria Hospice, on June 10 after a short illness. She is deeply mourned and missed, by John, her loving husband of 55 yrs., her sons Ross (Krystina), and Stuart (Natascha); her seven adored grand-children; her “little” brother Jim Watson (Beverley) of Nanoose Bay BC; all her much loved nieces, nephews, cousins, and their families; and John’s relatives.
Born in Halifax NS, 13 July 1931, the eldest of three children (predeceased by brother Bob) of Robert M. and Dorothy F. Watson. She moved from city to city in Eastern Canada in keeping with her father’s career with CIL Explosives. Joan and her family first ventured to Western Canada in 1940, to Edmonton AB. There she attended Glenora Elementary, Westglen High (Class of ’49) and the Banff School of Fine Arts. The family moved to Montreal in 1949, where Joan graduated from McGill University (Arts ’52), cherishing her friends in Alpha Gamma Delta. She worked in Montreal, New York, and travelled Europe, before marrying John S. Walton on 12 April 1958.
Joan’s married life began in Montreal, where her two sons were born, then followed John’s career where she made homes in Fonthill ON, Montreal again, London (England), Rio de Janeiro, Calgary, Vancouver, and finally settling into retirement in Victoria. Aside from her family, she unreservedly treasured all the friends she made everywhere during her lifetime, with love, respect and admiration, and felt blessed in return. Social activities often centred on golf clubs, Royal Montreal, Gavea (Rio), Shaughnessy (Vanc.), Victoria Golf Club, The Lakes (Palm Desert, CA), where her friendships at each endured and flourished over time. Her quiet, genuine, accepting, and always helpfully competent way, touched all who knew her, whether in volunteer work, supporting her husband’s responsibilities, or as the family anchor.
Joan was special, so loved, so admired, and will be so missed.
A Memorial Service will be held in CHRIST CHURCH CATHEDRAL, Quadra at Courtney Streets, on Friday, June 28, 2013 at 2:00 p.m., the Very Reverend Dr. Logan McMenamie officiating. A Reception will follow at the Victoria Golf Club, 1110 Beach Drive.
Flowers are gratefully declined; tributes, if desired, may be made to the Victoria Hospice Foundation, 1510 Fort Street, Victoria, BC. V8S 5J2.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
20 Responses
Dear John – Roger and I are so sorry that Joan has passed away. She was a very special lady and will be missed by many. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. If either of us can be of help in any way, please do let us know. With love from us both, Roger and Sally
John,
It was a shock to read about your dear Joan’s death in the TC this morning.
Joan loved life and we have many fond memories of our time in Rio.
She welcomed us when we moved to Calgary and then we all found our way to Victoria.
Joan had a way of making everyone around her, feel special. She was one proud mom and grandmother, too.
John, we send you our love and prayers at this time. You were a most awesome couple.
Thinking of you, John, in your time of sadness.
Bill
John,
Please accept our deepest simpathies on the loss of Joan.
We only found out today via Bill Avery who read it in the Globe and Mail.
Renzo and Talia
Dear John,
We will surely miss Joan’s smiling sparkely eyes. She was such a pleasure to be around. She was so stimulating and intelligent. It was fun to talk to her.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love,
Joe and Barbara Gaspers
Dear John, Ross, Stuart and families,
I am shocked and saddened to hear of Joan’s passing, I haven’t know Joan long, but she had a loving quiet way about her, always so gracious. Ted and I always looked forward to our visits to Victoria and Palm Spring. Good laughs, good times.
Deepest condolences.
Sandy Gibbs
My deepest sympathy to the Walton family in your loss of Joan. We were good school friends and neighbours during Joan’s time in Edmonton.
Regards,
Joan Sutherland Dakin Morrison
John, I saw the notice in the Vancouver Sun, and called Phyllis about it. We both wish to convey our condolences to you.
Phyllis is still in Orangeville (same address) but has macular degeneration so has trouble reading. She mentioned (and is appreciative of) getting Xmas cards from you. She also said that she and Vivien were at your wedding!
Best wishes to you and your family.
– Frank Farmer
Vancouver BC
(formerly of Chicoutimi QC)
John, Stuart and Ross,
Our sincere condolences on Joan’s passing. I remember fondly the party the two of you threw for Marilyn, my wife, and me in Calgary for our upcoming wedding. I remember my friends saying it was going to be tough for the wedding to top the party. Joan was always a positive person and I recall her willingness to help.
Cheers,
Buck Orr
To John, Ross , Stuart and the family condolences from Lucy, Lawrie and the family in Guelph. Our friendship for Joan and John goes back to undergraduate days at McGill and after in Montreal.
We have so many fond memories of Joan and her ever present smile.
Love Lucy and Lawrie