THE ADVOCATE 913
VOL. 79 PART 6 NOVEMBER 2021
cousins, both Blancards and Boyer de la Girodays, all so distant in time,
space, and culture.”
In the coming year, perhaps when time and opportunity prevail, Fred’s
family are considering a private celebration of his life with the family’s version
of the Hawaiian “paddle out” ceremony, which will allow the spreading
of his ashes in his “most happy place”: Maui, Hawaii. It was Fred’s desire
that he would forever scuba dive in the island’s warm waters and that the
serenity and joy Fred found exploring these tropical waters, as a scuba diver,
be his for eternity.
Ann Eichel, Mark Hargrave, Alan Bevan and Thomas G. Anderson, Q.C.
Robert Watson
Bob Watson was a loving husband, a caring father, an
indulgent grandfather, a brilliant lawyer, the best of
partners, and although he would never admit it, a
mediocre golfer. On June 4, 2021, Bob lost his twoyear
battle with cancer. As with all he did, he fought
the good fight until the end. He is fondly remembered
and missed by all who had the good fortune to
have him in their lives.
Bob was born and raised in Nanaimo. He attended UBC and wanted to
become a Canadian diplomat. He travelled the world in 1968. Unfortunately,
his hoped diplomatic career was scuttled by his French. So, he went
to law school and did very well indeed.
He graduated from UBC law school in 1974 and articled and worked as an
associate at Owen Bird until 1979. He joined Sutton Braidwood as an associate
in 1979 and became a partner in 1981.
Early in Bob’s career, he was driven to succeed at the practice of law. He
specialized in tax shelter real estate developments. He had a booming practice.
In June 1983, Bob had a life-changing experience. He attended a meeting
in Dallas, Texas on behalf of a client. One of his colleagues at the
meeting wanted to continue discussions and asked Bob to accompany him
on a flight back to Toronto. Bob declined. The plane made an emergency