Image: Supplied by Tony Gore / Bob Watson (centre) of Chilliwack had a final wish before he passed in December 2022, and that was to help someone in need. He selflessly donated to Ruth & Naomi's to assist someone less fortunate, and he also took a group of Gore Brothers employees (pictured above) out to lunch the day before he passed. 

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Bob Watson

Chilliwack man’s final good deed symbolized the life he lived

Jan 4, 2023 | 1:16 PM

CHILLIWACK — Chilliwack resident Bob Watson navigated the road less traveled and wound up making a lasting impact by putting others first.

He also had a giant heart that was determined to make a lasting influence before he passed in December 2022.

Bob worked as a taxi driver in Chilliwack for many years, and got to know many people in the community, and even pursued an opportunity as a public servant by running for Chilliwack City Council in 2008. While he didn’t win, he still garnered 851 votes, but it was the collegial exchange of ideas that suited him, the experience of participating in the public arena.

Longtime Chilliwack resident Tony Gore, synonymous with the Gore Brothers residential development company in Chilliwack, recounted Bob’s life. Like many of his company’s tenants, Tony forged a friendship with Bob, who lived in a Gore Brothers rental for 23 years.

“During that time, Bob became more than a tenant,” Tony said. “He became a close friend. He was incredibly intelligent and organized.”

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Renters don’t always get the benefit of the doubt from society, but that didn’t matter to Bob. He loved sticking up for the underdog, perhaps because he may have been an underdog at one point in his life.

Just as importantly, he wanted to complete his bucket list, including one item that was rooted in kindness and compassion. Bob sensed his mortality was imminent after learning he had a terminal illness.

“Bob knew he was on his way out as he suffered from a terminal illness,” Tony said. “He had a bucket list of things he wanted to complete before he died. One of the last things on his list was to donate an envelope full of money to someone in need, and toss the envelope to someone that looked like they could use it. The beautiful idea is almost like something out of a movie.”

Bob’s initial plan, Tony said, was to fill an envelope with currency and coins in order to give it some weight, but he feared it would get into the hands of an addict.

“The problem is that it could land in the hands of an addict, giving someone enough money to overdose,” Tony said. “The money was meant for good, not destruction.”

It’s a powerful reminder for people who wish to do good but don’t always know how to. Bob decided to do what many in the social services sector encourage donors to consider.

“Bob’s solution was to contact Ruth & Naomi’s to see if they could help,” Tony said.

Scott Gaglardi, the executive director of Ruth & Naomi’s in Chilliwack, was contacted. From there, the Chilliwack charity was able to fulfill Bob’s final wish.

“Scott was very helpful in making Bob’s bucket list complete,” Tony said. “Bob will be missed. His last good deed symbolized the way he lived.”

One day before he passed, Bob had another wish granted on his bucket list. He took a team of Gore Brothers employees out to lunch, including Lee Gore, Tonny Cormier, Mark Gore, Jeff Young, and Tony Gore.

“Tonny and Jeff work for us, and they formed a tight relationship with Bob,” Tony recounted.

Bob Watson passed away on Saturday, December 3 at 11 a.m.