MacCoubrey Funeral Home
30 King St. E., Cobourg
MacCoubrey Funeral Home
30 King St. E., Cobourg
Cobourg Union Cemetery
Elgin Street West, Cobourg
This obituary is protected by copyright by MacCoubrey Funeral Home Limited. Proudly serving Northumberland County in the province of Ontario, Canada. All rights reserved.
Robert Ernest Watts (Bob) aged 87, passed away peacefully with family at his side, on March 15, 2026 at the Golden Plough Lodge in Cobourg Ontario. He was born on May 26, 1938 in Kingston, Ontario, to Vernon Watts and Doris Nevin Watts. Bob lived a life defined by dedication to his family, community, and service to others.
Bob was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Evelyn Loft Watts. Also predeceased by his parents Vernon and Doris Watts and and siblings Hilda Watts Corey, Douglas Watts and Vera Watts.
Bob was a proud father to three children: Bob Jr. (Deb), Susan (Stan), and Jaime (Patricia). He cherished his role as a grandfather to Melanie (Brian), Vanessa (Shane), Sarah (Jeremy), Heather (Jason), Andrew, Andre, Sophia, Julien and Lisa. His joy only grew with the arrival of great-grandchildren Sammy, Maise, Joseph, Emmett, Nico, Everett, and Ronan. Bob also held a special place in his heart for his many nieces and nephews.
Bob began his career as an auto body technician working at a garage in Shannonville where he met the love of his life, Evelyn, whose father owned an auto body shop on Tyendinaga Reserve. This chance meeting marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership filled with love and devotion. While working at an auto body shop in Belleville, Bob met a retired OPP executive who was so impressed with Bob’s character that he encouraged him to apply to the OPP. He pursued his passion for public service by becoming an officer with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). His commitment to justice and safety spanned an impressive 30-year career before he retired in 1994. While working for the OPP Bob was determined to grow and improve himself and attended night school at Loyalist College mid-career to earn his Police Services Diploma—a testament to his perseverance and dedication.
A man of many talents and interests, Bob had a green thumb that yielded bountiful harvests for both family and neighbors. Known for his resourcefulness as a handyman who could fix almost anything, he delighted in yard sales—so much so that his family recently discovered no fewer than 13 vacuum cleaners and parts tucked away in the garage! These small quirks were part of what made him so endearing to those who knew him.
Bob’s faith was reflected in his belief in being a good family man and serving others. He was deeply proud of his membership with the Masonic Lodge and the Shriners, organizations that aligned with his values of community service and fellowship. Bob believed deeply in the foundational principle of - do unto others as you would have them do to you.
Bob’s memory will live on through the countless lives he touched with his kindness and generosity. Many friends and family members have mentioned Bob and Evelyn’s hospitality and the warm and welcoming feeling in their home.
Above all else, Bob will be remembered for his unwavering love for his family and friends. His kindness and willingness to help others left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him.
Family and friends are invited to a visitation at the MacCoubrey Funeral Home, 30 King St., E., Cobourg on Monday March 30th from 10 – 11 am. followed by a service at 11 am. Interment in Cobourg Union Cemetery.
May Bob’s memory be a blessing and bring comfort to all who know and love him.
Bob had been living at the Golden Plough Lodge for the last couple of years. The staff there have become like family and we are so appreciative of the care he received.
Donations to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada or Diabetes Canada are appreciated.
Dear, Bob , Susan and Jamie.......so very sorry to hear of your Dad passing away......both your Dad and Mom were wonderful neighbors , had some nice visits and wonderful memories......your Dad was like the Watch dog on our Street.......and loved to see both your Mom and Dad out for their walks.....may he rest in peace now with the Love of his Life.......Love to you all and your families.........Florence, David and Brad Femiak.....
Bob,Susan and Jamie and your families: Our condolences to all of you. Many,many precious memories with your Dad and Mom and all of you guys over the years. Such a blessing to know your Dad, who was a kind soul . Only one person left of their group of eight, as they called themselves. We will miss your service for your dad, but know that I will be thinking of all of you. Hugs , Pam.
Bob, Susan, Jamie and Families please accept my condolences on the passing of your father. I have many fond childhood memories of Mr. Watts as we called him while growing up on White St. He was the fix it man who would help when we had a flat tire on our bikes. I remember playing many games of baseball in the field beside his house which is now the OPP building. He always had a smile and a wave when we would see him walking around the neighborhood. My thoughts are with you all. Tammy Elder
My condolences to the family. Mr Watts was what I always called him. I think about him every time I go around hall’s corners how he kept the field mowed for all the kids around the neighborhood a great visionary and a great man! And friend Rip Mr Watts.
We were so sorry to hear of your father's passing. He was always a delight to talk to. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
To Bob, Susan and Jamie. We are sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. I had the honour of working with him and us spending some time with both your parents. RIP Bob.
To the family. My deepest condolences on Bob's passing. I worked with Bob at Cobourg detachment for a number of years. Rest in peace.
To the Watts family We are thinking about you's at this difficult time . May you feel God's comfort and Peace surrounding you, knowing that your Father and Grandfather lead a full life. He has now gone on to his eternal home. Cherish all the good memories made along the way
Have known Bob and Evelyn for many years.My husband George (deceased) worked with Bob for several years at Cobourg OPP and had many social times with them both. May your memories keep Bob close to your heart always Debbie
So sorry to hear about Bob passing away. His family were our neighbours (the Linton’s) for a few years. I enjoyed my visits with Bob at the Golden Plough. Please accept my deepest condolences at this sad time.
A Man among men and a boy among boys. Proud to have known him. What more has to said! Cheers Bob.
Sincere condolences to Bob's family. My Dad held him in high esteem through policing and the Masonic Lodge, and I worked with him briefly at Shopper's Drug Mart- he was a very classy person.
Loving thoughts and remembrance of meeting Bob leave a gentle footprint in my heart. Evelyn and Bob are a beautiful example of Two Wings of a Bird." Soar on!
Dear Bob and Susan, I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your Dad. Ron and I had many laughs and good times with your parents. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sincerely Linda Flindall.
Bob, Susan, Jamie and Families Please accept my sincerest condolences on the passing of your father! I personally will remember the kindness you’ve father gave to so many us on White Street and many fond memories of my childhood! Cherish your beautiful memories and find comfort in his reunion with your beautiful mother as they continue their journey together in eternal life! RIP Bob
Our condolences to all family and friends. Worked with Bob for a few years. I shared a meal or two at his home during dinner breaks with his family. One of a kind.
Very sorry for your loss. I remember seeing Bob come to our house growing up as my dad was a Justice of the Peace. My condolences !
Had the pleasure of working several years with Bob at Cobourg Detachment. We shared some interesting investigations and experiences together. Condolences to his family.
I was a recipient of Bob and Evie’s warm hospitality when I stayed with them in Cobourg while collaborating on the book about Evie’s parents, “Return to Tyendinaga”. I know he was such a kind support to everyone. Love to the whole family. Pat Verge
What a beautiful profile and photo you shared - both capture your dad's warmth so well. And the stories you shared about his life demonstrate the devotion and commitment he had to his work and community and, above all, to his family. Such a special person - he will be missed, but his impact will continue to be felt for many years by many people. Sending my condolences to all to you, Sue, Bob, and Jaime, and to all of your families.
My condolences to Bobs family. Had the pleasure of working with him when he was with the OPP. Great guy. Dave
Deepest condolences to Bob’s family. I had the pleasure of policing in Cobourg when Bob was with the Cobourg OPP.
To the entire Watts family he was the most friendlyness person you would ever meet thoughts and prayers
My condolences to Jamie and family.
My dad, Bert Banting worked with Bob at the Cobourg detachment. In the last few years I would stop in & have a chat with Bob at the Plough when visiting my mother in law. He remembered my family & the good times at the detachment. Found out they called my dad Mother Goose! Treasure your memories. Carol
My sincere condolences to Bob Jr.,Susan and Jaime. Keep your memories close. John Davison