Obituary of Ranjan David Watsa

WATSA, Ranjan David

Passed away peacefully at home in St. Thomas on October 24, 2017 at the age of 74. Ranjan was the beloved husband of Margaret (nee Beynon), father of Shaila (Ryan) Visser, Sarita (Brian) Vandernaalt, and Mano (Kate) Watsa, older brother of Navo (late Bapuji) J. Chinoy, Prem (Nalini) Watsa, and Krupa (Ravi) David. Papa to Isaac, Zachary, and Anna Watsa and Alex and Sami Vandernaalt, and adored uncle to many nieces and nephews. Ranjan was born to Manohar and Irene Watsa on December 16, 1942 in Mangalore, India. He completed Diesel Engineering at the ACC Technical Institute and married Margaret, his British sweetheart, in 1970. They immigrated to Canada in 1971. He worked in London and Sarnia, became a partner in a John Deere dealership in Windsor, and settled in Harrow. Ranjan retired at 45 and for the next 25 years called the golf course his "office". While he stayed active in business, he focused his attention on his family, the meticulous care of his property and time with friends. Over 34 years in Harrow, Ranjan was actively involved in the community, serving as treasurer at Christ Church, board member for the Chamber of Commerce, and President of the Kingsville Golf & Country Club. In 2014, he and Margaret moved to St. Thomas to be closer to family. Ranjan was an avid sportsman who loved golf, cricket, tennis and table tennis. His charisma and sense of humour made him the life of the party, while his generosity and willingness to help others endeared him to neighbours, friends and family alike. Ranjan will be remembered for his love of life, his unrelenting work ethic and drive, and his faith in God. Special thanks to his support workers, especially Jennifer Van Oorspronk. Visitation at Gerald A. Smith Funeral Home 197 King St. W. Harrow. Friday October 27, 2017 from 2-5 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service at Harrow Baptist Church 2548 County Rd. 20 E., on Saturday October 28, 2017 at 3:30 p.m. Burial and reception to follow. Donations may be made online or by cheque to Alpha Canada or the Mully Sports Centre. You may send your online condolences and share memories at www.geraldasmith.ca