Tigermoth Guru passes

[fleet16b]

MARTIN, Watkin Thomas
August 25, 1924 – April 20, 2014

With his sons at his side in his 90th year at Headwaters Health Care Centre, Orangeville, two months after suffering a stroke.
Was loving husband of Doreen (predeceased). Loved father of David (Tina predeceased) and Donald (Josee) and loved grandfather of Stuart and Jaclyn. Was loving brother to Elsie Haywood, Denzil (predeceased) and Alfred (predeceased). Cherished by many dear friends.
Watt was born in Carephilly, Wales. He served in the RCAF during WWII, October 1943 – May 1946. He operated an aircraft maintenance and restoration business and airfield in Grand Valley, currently and Milton, previously. He was known all over the world for his expertise and knowledge of antique airplanes and had clients in New Zealand, Australia, England, U.S.A. and Israel. Watt held a current Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licence and a partial pilot licence to the time of his death. He also owned and flew 3 biplanes, 2 Gypsy Moths and a Tiger Moth and was building a 3rd Gypsy Moth at the time of his death. Watt was a member of the Canadian Historical Automobile Society and owned a Ford 1922 Model T Touring, 1930 Model A Pickup Truck and 1930 Model A Roadster.
A Celebration of Watt’s Life will be held for friends at the Eden Mills Community Hall, 108 York Street, Eden Mills, on Saturday, May 17 from 12pm -5pm.
Donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or Prostate Cancer Canada.

[lownslow]

Sad news indeed, Wat will be missed.

Is the plan still to put a whole bunch of Moths in the air as a memorial on the 17th? If so, is there anyone officially organizing it?

LnS.

[KnownIce]

Landed a few times at his house; he had some beautiful aircraft (and trucks) in his hangars and loved to show them off each time I dropped by. Will be missed.

[fleet16b]

Sad news indeed, Wat will be missed.

Is the plan still to put a whole bunch of Moths in the air as a memorial on the 17th? If so, is there anyone officially organizing it?

LnS.

Yes all aircraft will be at Guelph around noon

[fleet16b]

Today a number of us vintage aircraft owners performed fly-by at the event to celebrate Wat's life
Photos on this link
http://warbirdinformationexchange.org/p ... =3&t=53047

[RVDT]

Watt was my all-time biggest hero. He guided me through the restoration of my Tiger Moth at the tender age of 30.
My most vivid memory of Watt was when my Moth was finally completed. After a gazillion hours of work, it was ready for it's FIRST INITIAL, VERY CAUTIOUS TAXI TEST. Watt took it to the end of the runway and brought up the throttle. The plane began to accelerate. I was watching on the sidelines while my baby picked up speed. I was thinking "easy,....easy...."
About one second later, IT WAS AIRBORNE !!! I didn't even have a camera! I didn't know whether to laugh or cry but that was Watt. He landed, shrugged his shoulders and just said something like "it felt good so I kept going".
Watt made the best years of my life possible and I'll always love him and Doreen for what they did for me.

The flypast at his memorial yesterday was very beautiful and emotional for me. Well done gang! I had something in my eye the whole time I was there.

Till we meet again Watt !!!

[LeslieHaywood]

Watt Martin was my uncle (my Mom's brother). He was always the same as far back as I can remember. You will never meet anyone like him - they broke the mould. He was so kind, intelligent, caring, humble, hard-working, and the list goes on and on. I just want to thank all of you for the kind words and for the amazing fly-by that many of you participated in. It was very moving to see and hear all those planes approaching, turning, coming back, then flying away. Watt would have been so pleased to see that. It gave me goosebumps and brought tears to my eyes. I appreciate the fact that so many of you attended, and as one person noted, it was a pretty chilly day. I've been up with Watt on a sunny summer day, and it's quite a bit cooler in the open air of the plane, so it must've been very cold for you all that day. It was so appreciated by the whole family, and a lovely send off for a remarkable man. Thank you so much, all of you.

[LeslieHaywood]

I also meant to thank the person who posted the pictures of the planes that were in the fly-by, and for the ones of Watt. They will be cherished.

Thanks again,
Leslie