Roy Watton, 88, of Gander, NL, passed away on April 2, 2020 with his daughter Susan by his bedside.
Roy was born to parents Heber and Mary Watton on the Island of Ireland’s Eye, Trinity Bay, NL on March 21, 1932. From a very young age Roy was interested in the Bible. When Jehovah’s Witnesses would visit Ireland’s Eye in the 1940’s on the Hope boat, his parents would invite them in for Bible discussions. Roy was a shy teenager at the time, so he would hide behind the wood stove and listen. The simple truths that he heard deeply touched his young heart. He became an ardent student of the Bible and remained so for the rest of his life.
Roy also developed a sincere desire to share what he learned with others. After dedicating his life to Jehovah God, he was baptized on May 18, 1952. Even before his baptism, he had already joined the brothers on the Hope boat preaching the Good News of God’s Kingdom to Outports and Villages scattered along the coast of Newfoundland. When they reached St John’s City Harbour, he departed the Hope boat and began his career as a full-time evangelizer. After pioneering for a time in Corner Brook NL, the Newfoundland Branch assigned him to the tiny fishing village of Musgrave Harbour, where he helped establish a congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. That is where he met the love of his life, June Abbott, the daughter of John and Amelia.
Roy and June were married on April 22, 1957. They soon welcomed two beautiful daughters, Susan and Betty, into their lives. Together they enjoyed a happy busy life running the family’s General Store during the week and preaching together as a family on weekends. In 1975 Roy moved his family to Gander. He served faithfully as an elder in the Gander congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses ever since. He was dearly beloved as a kind shepherd of
the flock in harmony with Jeremiah 23:4. With his thorough knowledge and understanding of the Scriptures, he could always find the perfect verse that was needed to encourage and uplift. He made a fine name for himself with his God and everyone who knew him. He will be sorely missed! However, we are greatly encouraged by two Bible verses that Roy often used in numerous funeral talks that he delivered…
“There is going to be a resurrection.” – Acts 24:15
“…and death will be no more…” – Revelation 21:4
Surely Roy will be a beneficiary of these two promises that were dear to his heart!
He was predeceased by parents Heber and Mary Watton; Brothers Walter, Stanley, Maxwell, and Vincent; Sisters Winifred and Violet. He leaves to mourn his wife June; daughters Susan Whalen (husband Bruce) and Betty Sheppard (husband Peter); Sister-in-Law Mildred Watton, a host of nieces and nephews as well as a very large circle for friends.
The memorial service will planned at a later date.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Roy Watton Thursday April 2nd 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Gander, Province: T-N