WATT,Sheldon Lee

WATT,Sheldon Lee

1958 – 2024

Sheldon James Watt, born to Jim and Cec Watt (nee Madsen) in Calgary in 1958, passed away peacefully with his family on March 13, 2024, at the age of 65.

Raised in Standard, Alberta, Sheldon was the (usually) cherished big brother of his four (usually) loving sisters: Dawn (Phil) Faubion of Standard, Traci (Mike) Rasmussen of Standard, Janelle (Rob) Pettifer of Strathmore, and Tara (Adrian) Law of Chestermere. While in high school he worked many hours in his Grandpa Charlie’s general store. He always enjoyed gathering together with his family to play cards, swap stories, and share a good laugh. His love of sports as a kid continued into his adult life with the Rosebud Chickenhawks Hockey team and baseball with the family Watt-a-Team. 

Sheldon graduated from Standard High School in 1976 and moved to Calgary. After surveying what the big city had to offer, he finally realized that the girl of his dreams had grown up just a block away from his childhood home. In 1983, he exchanged vows with Laurie Binning, also of Standard, daughter of Duane and Carolyn. This union added three more sisters to his family tree: Norma (David) Diesman, Joan Binning, and Debra (Warren) Kapaniuk. They settled first in Calgary, with regular trips out of the city to visit friends and family. In 1997, Sheldon and Laurie settled in the picturesque village of Carbon, where they fulfilled their dream of building a home in 1998. 

Sheldon’s greatest joy came from his family. Welcoming his son Tanner in 1989 and daughter Danika in 1992 filled his life with equal parts chaos and joy. Danika’s union with Kyle Kalmbach in 2013 brought the arrival of Sheldon’s first grandson, Lincoln, in 2018, followed by granddaughter Emilia in 2022. He was so proud to be ‘Papa’ to his grandkids and loved every moment spent snuggling and telling stories.  

Throughout his professional career as a journeyman partsman, Sheldon lent his expertise to Toyota, Nissan, Allied, Chrysler, Bigfoot, and John Deere. His friendly personality and memory for parts numbers were exemplary, leaving an indelible mark on those he worked with. He may not have remembered what he had for breakfast, but he could tell you the part number of a 1974 Celica alternator in an instant. 

A man of many talents, Sheldon found solace in the simple pleasures of life, from engaging in spirited games of crib to honing his woodworking skills. He built an excessive number of decks for his beloved Laurie, a testament to his love, devotion, and his dislike of mowing grass. Laurie and Sheldon continued to travel and explore, buying their first trailer in 1987 and enjoying many camping trips with family and friends every year. Their annual May long weekend Watt campout became a cherished tradition that marked the beginning of each summer. 

As an adult he was a dedicated member of the Carbon and District Ag Society and Curling Club. He was an avid curler, volunteered with the Carbon youth curling program, and traveled with his kids throughout the province for curling events. He spent many years volunteering with Kidsport Kneehill.  Sheldon and Laurie hosted an annual curling bonspiel that raised thousands of dollars towards this organization “so all kids can play.”  

Sheldon was passionate about reading and watching science fiction.  After 40 years together, Laurie has unwillingly learned far more than she wanted to know about the Star Trek universe.

In July 2021, shortly after his retirement, Sheldon was diagnosed with ALS. Despite the challenges he faced, Sheldon’s unwavering spirit and positivity inspired all who knew him. Support from the ALS Society of Alberta, Alberta Hospice – Fostering Hearts Forward, Drumheller Homecare, Drumheller Long Term Care, and countless friends and family provided comfort and strength throughout his ALS journey.

Sheldon was preceded in death by his father, Jim Watt, and in-laws, Duane and Carolyn Binning. He is survived by his wife Laurie, son Tanner, daughter Danika, son-in-law Kyle, grandchildren Lincoln and Emilia, mother Cec, sisters, and seventeen nieces and nephews.  

Sheldon’s legacy of love, resilience, and unwavering determination will forever remain etched in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. His sense of humour and the twinkle in his eye (shared with his father and many of the livelier Watt relatives) endeared him to anyone lucky enough to be a part of his life. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made directly to the Carbon Agriculture Society or ALS Society of Alberta in Sheldon’s memory.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 22, 2024, at Standard Community Hall at 2:00 p.m.

To send condolences, please visit Sheldon’s obituary at www.wheatlandfuneralhome.ca.