Obituary of J. Clive Watson

September 17, 1943 - Darwen, Lancashire, England

July 30, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with a mixture of great sadness, and relief that the struggle is over, that we announce the passing of J. Clive Watson on July 30, 2024, in his 81^st year. He leaves behind his loving wife, of 45 years, Wil, beloved daughters, Tiffany (Justin) and Trevi (Jason); grandsons, Joshua and Caleb; and granddaughters, Grace and Katie. Clive was predeceased by his mother (Rebecca Anne Watson), his father (James Watson), his sister Christine, and his brother Keith.

Clive was a loving husband, dear father, grandfather, loyal friend, geophysicist, science buff, and dog lover.

Born in Manchester on September 17, 1943, Clive grew up in the “cotton” town of Darwen, UK, where he attended Darwen grammar school. Clive obtained a BSc in Physics at the University of Birmingham and then came to Winnipeg in the summer of 1964 to initially complete his MSc in Physics at the University of Manitoba in 1966 and stayed on to complete a PhD in Physics. It was at the University of Manitoba that he met his first Canadian friends with whom he maintained lifelong friendships. While at U of M, Clive was encouraged by the Head of the Physics department to apply for an unclaimed Shell scholarship. The awarding of this scholarship led to annual lunches with Shell representatives and eventually a great job offer with Shell Canada Resources.

Clive worked at Shell Canada Resources until 1998. During his time at Shell, he enjoyed many roles that included Manager of Geophysics and Exploration Manager. Clive was fortunate to be offered two assignments with Royal Dutch Shell in the Netherlands. The first in 1976 and the second in 1989. It was on Clive’s first assignment to the Netherlands that he was introduced to Wil by a mutual friend in 1977 and the rest, as they say, is history. After retirement Clive started J. Clive Watson Exploration Consulting Inc. as he was not quite ready to retire. He enjoyed working on several contracts, including in the Republic of Congo. He wrapped up his consulting practice in 2010.

Clive loved to cook and to feed friends and family and approached it with the exact precision of a scientist. Those who knew Clive knew him as a kind, unassuming man who loved of all dogs. Clive never came across a dog that he did not want to stop and pet and offer a ‘cookie’ from his pocket. He always enjoyed travelling with Wil and visited many countries. It was important to Clive to stay connected to old colleagues and friends and this was maintained by attending lunch at the “Club”.

A private cremation has taken place and a gathering for family and friends will be arranged at a later date to celebrate Clive’s life.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Clive's family here.