Watt, Gary Ross – Age 62, passed away peacefully at home on January 5, 2026. Gary grew up in Collingwood, Cumberland County, where he and his father fostered their love for draft horses.
Gary worked at various jobs during his younger years, and then as a heavy equipment operator with Dexter Construction until 1990 when he went to work at Will-Kare Paving. Gary had the opportunity to work various roles and pieces of equipment at Will-Kare Paving. He had a special love for his Cat 140M grader that he drove for many years and we were all educated about getting the right crown and grade and never let us forget about the summers on the Pothole Patcher! He was always up for a challenge.
Oh did Gary love to cook! He faithfully watched numerous cooking shows and the number of views of Jacques Pepin are going to take a dive. Recipes are suggestions only.
Gary and his father loved draft horses with a preference for the Percheron breed. Once he met Janet, this love did not diminish. Janet joined the two Watt men and proceeded to show their Percheron horses. Although Gary could not attend many events over the last few years, he could give you the pedigree of a Percheron horse from 40 years ago and enjoyed reading old copies of the Draft Horse Journal.
Gary passed on his love of draft horses and heavy equipment to his son, Cory. Growing up, Gary would bring home different pieces of equipment and teach his son to drive them. Many hours were spent in the cab of a truck. When they weren’t working in machines, they would spend the summers at horse events where Gary did not pass up an opportunity to pass along his vast wealth of knowledge to his son. The passion he held for the Percheron breed continues in his family.
Gary is survived by his wife, Janet; son, Cory (Taylor); sisters, Goldie, Connie; brothers, Donnie, Ralph; Grace Smith, who was like a mother to him; his in-laws, Don (Kathy), Larry (Lynne), Ardith (Grant), Nancy and Maxine (Frank).
He was predeceased by his father, Wendell Watt and mother, Viola Armsworthy; father and mother-in-law, David and Carmitta Kennedy; brothers-in-law, Arlen and Stephen.
A Celebration of Gary’s Life will take place on Sunday, January 11, 2026, from 2-4 in North River District Firehall, 74 Truro Road, North River.
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