In the early hours of Thursday, May 11, 2017, we lost the most wonderful husband and father a family could ask for. Frank Caiger-Watson (1927–2017) had a goal to make it to 90 years of age and at least we can say he was “in his 90th year.” He was the beloved husband of the late Marilyn Caiger-Watson (2014), and father of Kim (Tim) Bolger of Calgary, Alberta. Dad was predeceased by daughter Susan Caiger-Watson (2008), infant daughter Jane Caiger-Watson (1955), and his brother Ross Caiger-Watson. He will be sadly missed by his only granddaughter Sophie Fraser, son-in-law Chris Fraser, niece Rosslyn (David) Biernaskie, and nephew Philip (Betsy) Caiger-Watson. Dad had a long career at Ontario Hydro and enjoyed a fabulous retirement that began at age 59. Mom and Dad travelled all over the world in the past 30 years but still loved to come back home to Kincardine. He loved to drive his golf cart out the back yard and start a game on the second fairway. He would have done so every day if Mom would have let him. At age 69, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, but instead of letting it get the best of him, Dad started the first Parkinson’s support group in the Kincardine area, and was one of the first organizers of the Parkinson SuperWalk in Kincardine. I believe that Dad was the top fund-raiser for these walks up until about 2011 when he was no longer able to participate. Trillium Court held its own Parkinson SuperWalk which Dad participated in every year …. rollator or wheelchair, it didn’t matter, he made it work. And of course, it goes without saying that he didn’t let Parkinson’s stop his love of golf as he enjoyed the game until the summer of 2010. Dad was my mentor and my rock, carrying me through tough times and cheering me on in good times. I could not have imagined the sadness that has filled my heart today as it is broken into a million pieces but I know he is now with my Mom and my sister. I can only hope to be as strong, as kind, as gentle and as loved by all, as he was. The family thanks the most amazing staff at the Lodge in Trillium Court for care that was constantly over and above. My Dad was always treated with the best care, love and respect. To the staff who spent countless hours with me, sitting at Dad’s bedside over the past two-plus weeks, I love you all. And to Dr. Gary Gurbin, you hold a special place in our hearts. Your kindness and compassion were evident in every visit. And to my friends who also sat with me, day in and day out, I feel eternally blessed to have you in my life and I thank you for your caring. There will be a funeral and a celebration of life held later this summer. Date to be announced; arrangements entrusted to the Davey-Linklater Funeral Home, Kincardine. Memorial donations to the Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario or the Anglican Church of the Messiah would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy. |
