Obituary of Dr. Robert Watkins

October 11, 1936-May 12, 2023

Bob passed away peacefully on Friday, May 12, 2023 with his wife Lorna (née Garrett); his daughters Kimberley (Paul McCulloch), and Meredith (Eric Pouliot) and his son Liam (Sandy Neumann) by his side.

Bob was born in Montreal QC to Edith (née Cretney) and George Watkins, and his late brother, Ron. The family moved to many railroad towns in northern Ontario which ignited his passion for the beautiful Canadian outdoors. Bob was an avid canoeist and hiker. He loved exploring little known paths. He was famous for taking shortcuts that rarely saved on time. Bob studied psychology at the University of Calgary (BSc), Queens University (MSc) and Carleton University (PhD). He worked as the Director of Psychological Services for the Correctional Services of Canada until his retirement in 1991. He was an avid student of the history of Canada's arctic region. He was fortunate to spend a month canoeing along the Thelon River in the NWT with Lorna, and sailing the North West Passage aboard a scientific research ship. He was also a passionate supporter of Canadian sports, particularly university football and the CFL. He chronicled the history of Canadian university football in a book. Family was everything to Bob. He was very supportive of his children's and grandchildren's (Hella, Maeve, Yanik, and Jaxon) interests and education, cheering them on in any pursuit they followed. His depth of knowledge was always appreciated by his family. We could always count on Dr. Google. He was the family's proverbial fountain of knowledge. He will be greatly missed.

Bob’s private care has been entrusted to the

Pilon Family Funeral Home and Chapel Ltd., 50 John Street North, Arnprior.

In his memory, please consider a donation to Prostate Cancer Canada Network Canada.