Andrew WATKINS

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WATKINS: Andrew Charles Neal Watkins, October 1, 1985 – April 22, 2011. Andrew was born in Killarney, MB, the first child of Charles and Wanda Watkins, followed 20 months later by twin brothers Leigh and Lane. He was raised in Clearwater, MB. Andrew spent most of his time playing outdoors with his brothers and friends, building elaborate forts, riding his bike, visiting Grandpa and Grandma next door and playing with his dog. Andrew was an avid fisherman, but autumn was his favorite time of year. He would go duck hunting, goose hunting and deer hunting with his Dad, brothers, and friends. Andrew loved airplanes as a child. His interest in aviation grew as he got older which led him to join the Morden Air Cadets. As a cadet, he was able to experience flights in various aircraft while making alot of new friends. Andrew attended school in Clearwater, Crystal City and Pilot Mound, graduating in 2003. He worked at various jobs, including his family water well drilling business, until moving to Westlock, AB. While he was living there, his daughter Chloe was born April 27, 2007 – the happiest day of his life. Andrew earned his Private and Commercial Pilot licenses through the Brandon Flying Club. After completing his multi-engine commercial rating at Perimeter Aviation, he went to work for Transwest Air in LaRonge, SK. Andrew was immensely proud of his brother Lane, who was deployed to Afghanistan with the Canadian Forces in February, 2007. Andrew and his partner chose to name their daughter Chloe Colleen Lane because of Andrew's admiration for Lane and the work he was doing. Andrew was devastated when Lane was killed in action in July, 2007. Andrew is survived by his daughter, Chloe of Westlock, AB; his parents Charles and Wanda Watkins; and brother Leigh of Clearwater, MB. He was predeceased by his brother Lane in 2007. A private family service was held on Thursday, April 28, 2011 at the Clearwater Cemetery concluding with an honorary fly-by, provided by his friends and colleagues of the Brandon Flying Club. A time of refreshment and fellowship followed at the Clearwater Memorial Hall. A trust account has been established for Andrew's daughter Chloe. If you so desire, a memorial donation can be made payable to: C. Watkins(Chloe's trust account), c/o TD Canada Trust, P.O. Box 328, Pilot Mound, MB, R0G 1P0.

As published in Brandon Sun on Apr 30, 2011